Snakes Downunder Reptile Park & Zoo
51 Lucketts Road, Childers, Queensland, 4660
Animal-loving visitors to Queensland’s Central Coast don’t need to go in search of every native Australian animal in the wild—you can see many favorites at the Snakes Downunder Reptile Park & Zoo. The park is home to around 45 species and subspecies of Australian reptiles, amphibians, and marsupials, including koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles.
The basics
You can wander around Snakes Downunder Reptile Park & Zoo independently or watch daily feeding shows and talks. These include venomous snake handling, saltwater crocodile feeding, and a talk on koalas. Queensland’s Snakes Downunder Reptile Park & Zoo has achieved accreditation from the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australia, which recognizes its positive animal welfare practices, so you can be confident the park’s residents are well cared for and happy.
Things to know before you go
Most shows and talks are included in the regular admission ticket fee. Encounters with koalas and meerkats cost extra. Meerkat encounters should be booked in advance.
Economical family passes are available for families of two adults and two children. Kids under the age of 4 go free.
The park is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
Snakes Downunder is located in the small town of Childers, less than an hour’s drive south of Bundaberg. You’ll need your own wheels to reach the park. It’s easy to find, just off the Bruce Highway (A1) that runs along and parallel with the Queensland coast.
When to get there
Snakes Downunder is open Thursday to Tuesday, except in the Australian school holidays, when it’s also open on Wednesdays. It’s closed on several public holidays: Good Friday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Gates open mid-morning and close mid-afternoon, with last entry 30 minutes before closing time. It’s best to get there earlier so you have time to see all the animals.
Wildlife lovers can adopt an animal
If you’ve ever wanted to “own” an exotic animal like a koala, Komodo dragon, or python, Snakes Downunder offers you the chance to adopt an animal. You won’t take it away with you (that would be breaking all sorts of laws!) but you can make a donation to help with the care of an animal of your choice at the park. They’ll send you a photo of your animal and you can see it in person when you visit.
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