Welcome to the Central Coast’s favourite open air reptile kingdom, where the residents include Elvis the crankiest croc in Australia, a shell rubbing Galapagos tortoise called Hugo, and now an entire herd of life size dinosaurs stomping about like they own the place. The Jurassic Zoo takes over the Australian Reptile Park with roaring animatronics, dino digs, free keeper shows, animal encounters and all the school holiday chaos your kids can handle. Come for the reptiles. Stay for the screaming when the gators get fed.
Video
Video courtesy of the Australian Reptile Park.
Source: Jurassic Zoo Australian Reptile Park Summer Holidays 2024 25, published on the Australian Reptile Park YouTube channel.
Location
Address: Pacific Highway, Somersby NSW 2250
Website: www.reptilepark.com.au
Dates
Next Event: Jurassic Zoo runs through the summer school holidays until 2 February 2026
Frequency: Seasonal
Duration: Full day experience
Price
Adult Day Pass: $49.99 online
Child Day Pass 3 to 15 years: $32.99 online
Seniors: $39.99 online
Concession: $45.99 online
Children Under 3: Free
Parking: Free parking onsite
Family Pass online from $105.99 to $144.99
Tickets valid for 90 days from the selected date
Save more when you book online
Availability: Booking online recommended. Walk ins accepted subject to capacity.
The BioHax Take
If your children already know the difference between Triassic and Jurassic and correct you when you confuse a mosasaur with a plesiosaur, this place is their spiritual home. The Australian Reptile Park has layered a full scale dinosaur takeover across its already ridiculous daily program of alligator feedings, snake milking and keeper talks. Add a daily dino dance party, free face painting, a dig pit to unearth ancient bones, and suddenly your school holidays have a plot line.
And because this is the Australian Reptile Park, the dinosaurs are only half the story. There are kangaroos to hand feed, koalas to pat during photo experiences, a venom room with more snakes than seems reasonable, and Elvis the crocodile proving why you should never skip leg day. It is chaotic, educational, occasionally heart stopping and very Central Coast. Bring comfortable shoes. Bring snacks. Bring your best roar.
Who It’s For
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Dino obsessed kids who correct your pronunciation of velociraptor
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Parents who want one ticket to cover an entire day
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Grandparents who love a good picnic and a safe thrill
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Animal nerds who want to see real snake milking
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Sydney and Newcastle families chasing an easy road trip
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Travellers who prefer wildlife to shopping centres
Jurassic Zoo Highlights
Visit The Jurassic Zoo
Travel back in time and come face to face with towering, roaring life size dinosaurs. Snap photos, learn fascinating dino facts and experience life in the age of dinosaurs without leaving the Central Coast.
Dino Dig
Get your hands dirty in a fossil filled dig zone that lets budding paleontologists uncover ancient bones and treasures. Designed for kids but fair game for any adult who once wanted to be Dr Alan Grant.
Dino Dance Party
Join the daily Dino Dance Party in the main park area for a roaring good time. Expect upbeat tracks, dinosaur appearances and tiny people fully committing to their best stomp.
Free Face Painting
Add a splash of colour with free face painting and designs for all ages. Dinosaur, reptile, rainbow or full scale dragon child is up to you.
Dino Discovery Challenge
Leap, screech and balance through a dinosaur inspired activity course that channels all that holiday energy into something marginally less destructive.
Zookeeper Talks
Catch free daily keeper talks to learn about the Park’s reptiles, mammals and birds, including conservation programs and behind the scenes facts.
Snap Snap Snap With Elvis
Watch Elvis, one of Australia’s crankiest crocodiles, during his show as he demonstrates exactly why saltwater crocodiles are apex predators.
Upgrade Your Visit
Animal Encounters And Photo Experiences
Ever wanted a family photo with a massive Burmese python or a baby American alligator. The Park’s daily photo sessions deliver hands on interactions with:
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Koalas
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Baby alligators
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Burmese pythons
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Tawny frogmouths
Across the year you may also meet newer residents like Tasmanian devil joeys or wombat joeys.
What Is Included
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One animal per photo experience for your group
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A six by eight inch colour photo
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Unlimited digital downloads for thirty days
Photo Experience Prices
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Thirty nine dollars ninety nine per photo experience with one printed photo and digital downloads
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Reprints ten dollars each
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Snappy Pass one hundred nineteen dollars ninety nine for four animal photo experiences, each with a printed photo, saving thirty nine dollars ninety seven
Koala Photo Rules
Only trained and accredited zookeepers are allowed to hold a koala in New South Wales. Members of the public cannot legally hold them. At the Australian Reptile Park you can get very close during a koala photo experience, pat them under the guidance of a keeper and pose while they remain in their tree.
Things To Note For Photo Sessions
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Held daily at set times with the last session around two thirty in the afternoon
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Animals may change without notice
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Sessions may be cancelled or rescheduled for extreme weather, animal temperament or welfare reasons
Kids2Keeper And Zookeeper Programs
Programs run for kids aged three to eighteen, plus a dedicated adults only day. Book early; spaces disappear faster than a hot chip in the kangaroo paddock.
A limited time code K2K15 gives fifteen percent off Kids2Keeper bookings until thirty one December.
Get Ready For A Wild Day Out
Kids2Keeper experiences have been refreshed and expanded so animal obsessed kids can feel like real zookeepers. Expect more wildlife time, more behind the scenes access and more chances to meet the animals they already talk about at dinner.
Children come home buzzing with stories, fun facts and usually a new favourite animal.
NSW Active Kids Vouchers
You can enter a valid Active Kids Voucher number in the booking form for your chosen Kids2Keeper program. Once verified and redeemed you receive a refund to the voucher value via the original payment method within ten business days.
Mini K2K (3–6yrs)
$149.99 for 1 child + 1 adult
Mini Kids2Keeper is all about sensory play and hands-on animal fun for little explorers aged 3 to 6.
Group Limit: Max 2 parents or guardians per child
Duration: 2 hours
Time: 9am – 11am (select days)
Age Range: 3–6 years
Little K2K (7–12yrs)
$149.99 per participant
A full day keeper adventure packed with animal encounters and behind-the-scenes moments.
Duration: 6 hours
Time: 9am – 3pm (select days)
Age Range: 7–12 years
Group Discount: Book 3+ kids for 20% off
Big K2K (12–18yrs)
$179.99 per participant
A deeper, more realistic zookeeper experience for wildlife-obsessed teens.
Group Limit: Up to 16 participants
Duration: 7 hours
Time: 9am – 4pm (select days)
Age Range: 12–18 years
Group Discount: Book 3+ teens for 20% off
Inclusive K2K (Ages 7–18 Accessible Program)
$140 per pair (1 child + 1 carer)
A modified program designed to be inclusive and accessible for children living with a disability.
Group Limit: Up to 9 pairs
Duration: 2 hours
Time: 8am – 10am (select days)
Age Range: 7–18 years
Note: A guardian must attend at a 1:1 ratio
Adult Keeper For A Day (18+)
$299.99 per participant
A highly interactive, full access keeper experience for grown-ups who never grew out of David Attenborough.
Group Limit: Up to 16 participants
Duration: 7 hours
Time: 9am – 4pm (select days)
Age Limit: 18+
Private Tours & VIP Behind-The-Scenes
What’s Included
• 90-minute private tour with an expert zookeeper
• Meet & feed reptiles in the off-display reptile room
• Koala & kangaroo encounters
• Photo experience with a python, koala or baby alligator (includes printed photo)
• Watch funnel-web milking
• Step into the venom room, home to 150+ snakes
Pricing
Adults: $195 each
Children: $155 each
Minimum Tour Charge: $700 total
(e.g. 2 adults + 2 children = $700 minimum)
Surcharges:
• 20% Sundays
• 30% Public Holidays
Max Group Size: 10
Bookings: Minimum 48 hours in advance
(02) 4340 1022
admin@reptilepark.com.au
Summer Show Times (20 Dec 2025 – 2 Feb 2026)
9:30am — Galapagos Tortoise Walk
10:00am — Komodo Dragon Walk
10:30am — Dino Dance Party
11:00am — Reptile Show & Snake Milking
11:30am — Photo Session: Alligator, Python & Koala
12:00pm — Turtle Feeding
12:30pm — Alligator Feeding
1:00pm — Tasmanian Devil Talk
1:30pm — Elvis the Crocodile Show
1:45pm — Alligator Photo Session
2:00pm — Koala Talk (with pats)
2:15pm — Reptile & Dino Show
2:45pm — Photo Session: Alligator, Python & Koala
**Weather may affect some outdoor shows.
What’s On At The Park
Dinos Are Back
From twenty December to two February, become a mini paleontologist at the Dino Dig, tackle the Dinosaur Discovery Challenge and dance along at the Dino Dance Party. All included with your day pass.
Jurassic Zoo
The full dinosaur takeover threaded across the Park’s daily programming.
Weigel Venom Centre Now Open
The brand new Weigel Venom Centre is a ground breaking facility that redefines the national antivenom program and houses more than two hundred of the world’s most venomous snakes.
Meet Australia’s Crankiest Croc
Weekends are for Elvis, the resident saltwater crocodile, whose crocodile show gives a front row seat to serious jaw power.
Free Daily Keeper Talks
Check the program for fun and free shows explaining the Park’s animals and conservation work.
Animal Encounters
Daily animal encounters get visitors up close with some of the Park’s stars.
News And Updates
Stay current with news like Crocodile Capture Erupts Into Violent Death Rolls, CSL Seqirus Launches New Bites and Stings App, Snake Season Is Here and Spring Brings Kangaroo Joeys via the Park’s news section.
**Weather may affect some outdoor shows.
Central Coast Weekender Sorted
Explore The Central Coast
The Park sits in the middle of everything you want from a coastal getaway. Expect stunning landscapes, family friendly attractions and easy access to Sydney, the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.
Highlights include:
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Bouddi National Park
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Somersby Falls
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Norah Head Lighthouse
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Hunter Valley wine country
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Port Stephens cruises
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The Entrance pelican feeding
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Central Coast hotels and holiday parks
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Central Coast restaurants and cafes
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Central Coast beaches and coastal walks
Stay And Play
Turn your Jurassic Zoo visit into a full weekend.
Exclusive Family Getaway At Mercure Kooindah Waters Resort
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Two nights in a spacious two bedroom apartment
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For two adults and two kids under twelve
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Daily breakfast at Karinyas Restaurant
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Special in room amenities for the kids
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Family pass to the Australian Reptile Park
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Tree Tops Adventure Park family pass to Networld
Book through the Park’s partners to lock in package pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours for the Australian Reptile Park
The Park is open from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon every day except Christmas Day. Some indoor exhibits close from four thirty in the afternoon. Most areas remain open until four forty five or later, so plan your visit accordingly.
How can I contact the Australian Reptile Park
Visit the Contact Us page, call Reception on zero two four three four zero one zero two two or email admin@reptilepark.com.au.
What is the Australian Reptile Park phone number
Call zero two four three four zero one zero two two to speak with Reception.
Is the Australian Reptile Park open on public holidays
Yes. The Park is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, including Australia Day, Easter, long weekends, Labour Day and New Years Day.
What is the best way to get to the Australian Reptile Park
The easiest option is by car. The Park is about sixty minutes north of outer Sydney and south of Newcastle. Take the Gosford exit off the M one freeway and follow the signs to Somersby on the Old Pacific Highway. See the Plan Your Visit page for more travel options.
Can I smoke at the Australian Reptile Park
There is a strict no smoking policy inside the grounds. A designated smoking area is located in the carpark to the left of the frilled neck lizard entrance. Smoking e cigarettes is not permitted inside the Park.
How much is parking at the Australian Reptile Park
Parking is free all day. During peak seasons an overflow carpark opens to handle extra visitors.
How can I find my way around the Park
You receive a park map on entry at Reception. Staff are happy to help if you need directions. A digital map is also available on the Park Map page.
Can I film or take photos at the Australian Reptile Park
Yes, visitors may take photos and video of animals for personal use only. Drone photography is not allowed.
What can I do at the Australian Reptile Park if it rains
The Park stays open in wet weather. While much of it is outdoors, the reptile house, nocturnal house, spider and platypus exhibits, walk in aviaries and Komodo dragon exhibits are indoors. There is a large undercover picnic area for breaks. Umbrellas are recommended and rain ponchos are sold at the gift shop.
Can I buy food and beverages at the Australian Reptile Park
The Hard Croc Cafe offers hot and cold food, coffee, ice creams, snacks and cold drinks. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are available.
Can I bring my own food into the Australian Reptile Park
Yes. You can bring your own food and use the free barbeques.
Do you have barbeque facilities
Barbeques are located near picnic tables in the main park area and undercover picnic area. Use is free, with the option to reserve for a small fee by calling Reception on zero two four three four zero one zero two two.
Can I hire a pram
A limited number of prams are available for five dollars a day on a first come basis. To book in advance, contact Reception on zero two four three four one one zero two two.
Can I host an event at the Australian Reptile Park
Yes. The Park can host everything from casual barbeques to large corporate events and weddings. See the Functions page for details.
Does the Australian Reptile Park have birthday packages for children
There are two childrens birthday party packages that include entry, food and the option of a private tour. See the Birthday Parties page for inclusions and pricing.
How can I make a bequest to the Australian Reptile Park
Information about leaving a bequest is available on the Bequests page.
Can I have a donation for my raffle or fundraiser
The Park has a donation request process for raffles, fundraisers and charity events. See the Donation Request page for details.
How can I buy tickets for the Australian Reptile Park
Tickets can be purchased at Reception on the day or online through the website.
Can I get discounted tickets for the Australian Reptile Park
Discounted tickets are available for seniors, concession card holders and groups.
Who can purchase a concession day ticket
Visitors with a valid student or pension card can purchase concession tickets and must show the card on check in.
Can I change my ticket date if I cannot make it
Yes. Tickets remain valid for ninety days from the planned visit date so you can reschedule.
Can I buy tickets through a third party provider
The Park warns that unauthorised third party tickets may be invalid or overpriced, are not supported if issues arise and do not include exclusive perks. Always book directly through the official website.
Can I hold a koala at the Australian Reptile Park
No. New South Wales law permits only trained zookeepers to hold koalas. Visitors can get close during koala photo experiences for pats and photos while the koala stays in its tree.
Can I hand feed a kangaroo and where can I buy kangaroo food
Yes. Free range kangaroos will gently eat from your hand but must only be fed special kangaroo food sold at the kiosk and Reception. Human food like chips, bread, fruit or carrots can make them sick.
Can I get a photo with a koala
Yes. Koala photo experiences start from thirty nine dollars ninety nine. You can include as many people in the photo as you like and receive one printed photo. Snappy Pass offers four photo experiences for one hundred nineteen dollars ninety nine with printed photos. See the Photo Experiences page for full details.
How can I get up close to animals at the Australian Reptile Park
Say hello to Hugo the Galapagos tortoise, feed free range kangaroos, pat a koala during the koala feed and meet roving animals with keepers on weekends and school holidays. The Show Times page lists interactive shows and how to get involved.
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