Ballarat Wildlife Park

Ballarat Wildlife Park is a privately owned wildlife park located in Ballarat East, Victoria, about 115 km west of Melbourne. Established in 1985, it houses over 100 species of native Australian and exotic animals across 10 hectares. The park is notable for its large free-roaming kangaroo mob, koala encounters, Sumatran tigers, meerkats, crocodiles and extensive reptile collection, with a focus on conservation, education and interactive visitor experiences.

Visitors can explore open parkland with enclosed habitats, reptile houses, and free-roaming kangaroos that can be hand-fed. The park features koala enclosures with close-up encounter opportunities, big cats including Sumatran tigers, meerkats, wombats, Tasmanian devils, emus, crocodiles and snakes. Keeper talks and feeding presentations run throughout the day, with paved pathways connecting exhibits, picnic lawns, a cafe and gift shop in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

Founded in 1985 by Greg Parker as the Ballarat Reptile Park, initially focused on reptiles and later expanded to include Australian mammals and exotic species. Developed over several decades into a 10-hectare wildlife park with conservation and breeding programs.

Serves as a regional centre for wildlife conservation, education and close encounters with native Australian fauna, contributing to breeding programs for threatened species and public awareness of Australian wildlife.