Bunbury Wildlife Park

From the moment you walk through the entrance, the atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming. The park is compact and well laid out, so you’re never far from facilities or a shady spot to sit, which is ideal if you have toddlers or grandparents in tow. Paths wind through a mix of landscaped gardens and natural bush, leading you past a variety of aviaries, enclosures and open areas where animals can be spotted and, in some cases, hand‑fed.

One of the big drawcards for families is the chance to meet and feed the parrots in the free‑flight aviaries. Colourful lorikeets, cockatoos and other native birds swoop down to investigate visitors, much to the kids’ delight. Seed is usually available to purchase at the entrance, and little hands will love feeling tiny claws gently perch as the birds snack. It’s noisy, busy and completely captivating – a real highlight if you have children who adore birds.

Further into the park, you’ll find a great cross‑section of Australian wildlife. Kangaroos lounge in the sun, often happy for a gentle pat and a feed. Quokkas, always a crowd favourite, potter around their enclosure with their trademark cheeky expressions. There are also dingoes, wombats, reptiles, amphibians and other native mammals, so children get a broad introduction to Australia’s unique animals in one visit. The park strikes a nice balance between being close enough to feel special, but still respectful of the animals’ space and needs.

Bunbury Wildlife Park is very family‑focused, and this really comes through in their regular Keeper Talks and interactive sessions. These talks give visitors the chance to chat to the keepers, ask questions and sometimes enjoy a supervised cuddle or close‑up encounter with one of the park residents. It’s a great way for kids to learn fun facts about the animals, hear about conservation efforts and understand what’s involved in caring for wildlife. The talks are included with your entry ticket, and you can usually find times listed at the entrance or on the park’s website.

For younger children, the park is just the right size – big enough to feel like an adventure, but small enough that little legs don’t tire too quickly. There are plenty of spots to stop for a drink or snack break, and the natural setting makes it easy to find somewhere for a quiet moment away from the busier enclosures. Pram‑friendly paths mean babies and toddlers can come along without hassle, and the pace is gentle enough for them to simply watch the birds and kangaroos go about their day.

Many families choose to make a longer outing of their visit by exploring the surrounding Big Swamp area before or after their time in the park. The wetlands and walk trails nearby are beautiful, with birdlife to spot and open areas perfect for a stroll or scooter ride. Combined with the wildlife park, it makes for a full morning or afternoon outdoors without having to move the car far at all.

Facilities at Bunbury Wildlife Park are set up with practicality in mind. There are toilets on site, and you’ll typically find picnic areas and shaded spots both inside or very close by, so packing your own morning tea or lunch works well. The manageable size and clear layout also makes it easier to keep track of adventurous kids as they dart between enclosures. Staff and volunteers are friendly and happy to help with directions or information, adding to the community feel of the park.

Educationally, the park offers a lot without feeling like a classroom. Signage around the exhibits shares interesting snippets about each species, and the keepers are excellent at pitching information at a level children can understand. It’s a good place to gently introduce topics like habitat protection, responsible pet ownership and the role of wildlife parks and carers in rehabilitation and conservation, all in a very hands‑on, engaging setting.

A visit here fits beautifully into a Bunbury getaway or a day trip from Perth, especially if you’re looking to balance beach time with something a bit different. The slower pace and leafy setting make it a nice contrast to busier tourist spots, and it’s especially appealing for families with younger primary school children or animal‑mad toddlers who will happily spend an hour watching a single kangaroo chew.

Bunbury Wildlife Park offers that lovely mix of up‑close animal encounters, friendly faces and a calm, natural environment that keeps families coming back. Whether you pop in for a couple of hours or build a full day around exploring the nearby wetlands and Playgrounds, it’s an easy, feel‑good outing that will leave the kids buzzing about the animals they’ve met.

For current opening hours, admission prices, accessibility details and information on school holiday programs or upcoming events, check the official Bunbury Wildlife Park website before you go.