Visit The Sanctuary

The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a family-friendly destination with something for everyone.  Open from 8 am-4 pm we have a comprehensive daily program of Keeper talks and interactive activities.

The Sanctuary is home to more than 100 incredible Australian wildlife animals, including kangaroos, a fabulous array of birds and reptiles including snakes and lizards, plus our resident personalities Manda the wombat and Arnie the koala. We have bunnies and guinea pigs that can be handled. We also offer a range of wildlife encounters that allow visitors to experience these beautiful animals up close.

Daily activity schedule:

  • Come and cuddle our adorable family of rabbits at The Sanctuary! This hands-on experience is perfect for kids and animal lovers alike, offering a chance to get up close with our gentle bunnies.

    What to Expect

    • Meet & cuddle our friendly rabbits

    • Learn about rabbit care from our expert keepers

    • Discover how to handle small animals safely

    • A fun & educational experience for all ages!

    Whether you're a bunny enthusiast or just love animals, this is a wonderful way to connect with nature and learn about responsible pet care. Hop on over and join the fun!

  • Join our keepers for an exciting Reptile Talk, where you'll meet some of our incredible native snakes and lizards up close! 🐍🦎

    What to Expect:

    • Learn wild facts about Australia’s fascinating reptiles

    • Discover how to stay safe around these scaly critters

    • Get a close look at some of our amazing resident reptiles

    Want to take it a step further? After the talk, you can book a Reptile Experience and hold a snake or lizard for an unforgettable hands-on encounter!

  • Join our keepers as they feed our friendly family of goats—and you can help too! 🥕🐐

    What to Expect:

    • Meet & feed our playful goats

    • Learn about farm animal care from our keepers

    • A fun, hands-on experience for all ages!

    Come along and be part of the farmyard fun while learning about these cheeky animals. No bookings required—just turn up and join in!

  • Come and meet Arni the koala and learn all about these iconic Aussie animals from our expert keepers! 🌳🐨

    What to Expect:

    • Discover fascinating facts about koala behaviour

    • Learn about conservation efforts to protect them

    • Get up close with Arni and see him in his natural habitat

    Want an even closer encounter? After the talk, you can book a Koala Experience for an unforgettable one-on-one moment with Arni!

  • Sit back, relax, and be amazed as our native birds take flight and show off their incredible skills! 🦅✨

    What to Expect:

    • Watch stunning free-flying bird demonstrations

    • Learn what makes these native birds so unique & important

    • Discover how we can help protect them in the wild

    Our expert keepers will share fascinating facts about Australia’s birdlife while you witness these feathered wonders in action. A must-see experience for all ages!

  • Get up close and personal with our friendly kangaroos and emus in this unforgettable hands-on feeding experience! 🦘

    What to Expect:

    • Grab some food from our friendly keepers

    • Hand-feed our gentle kangaroos and curious emus

    • Capture an unbelievable wildlife moment up close!

  • Join our keepers as they create enrichment for our friendly family of goats—and you can help too! 🥕🐐

    What to Expect:

    • Meet & feed our playful goats

    • Learn about farm animal enichment from our keepers

    • A fun, hands-on experience for all ages!

    Come along and be part of the farmyard fun while learning about these cheeky animals.

  • Meet our adorable possums and hear all about their unique behaviors in this fascinating keeper talk!

    What to Expect:

    • Learn about possum behavior & their role in the ecosystem

    • Discover fun facts about these nocturnal marsupials

    • See our possums up close & learn how we can protect them

    Want an even closer encounter? Stick around after the talk for a Possum Experience, where you can meet and interact with these charming creatures one-on-one!

  • Come and meet Manda the amazing wombat and learn all about these incredible burrowing marsupials from our expert keepers!

    What to Expect:

    • Discover fun facts about wombat behavior & adaptations

    • Learn about their burrowing lifestyle and why they’re so unique

    • Find out how we can help protect wombats in the wild

    Get up close with Manda and see why wombats are one of Australia’s most iconic and lovable creatures!

All daily activities are included with a park entry ticket or free everyday for members.

When school is out, adventure is in!

Book the kids in for a day of fun and learning at The Sanctuary these school holidays! We run a range of programs catered to ages from 5 -18 years

Become a member of the Sanctuary Family.

Unlimited access to the Sanctuary, allowing you to visit any time to take advantage of our daily activities, new nature playground, water park & wildlife.

Memberships include:

  • All-year access to The Sanctuary.

  • 10% off at nut bar, retail store, cafe | 10% off wildlife experiences | 10% off Birthday party packages.

  • One free ‘Bring a Friend for Free’ pass per Membership.

  • Merchandise pack.

Day Pass to The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Day Pass to The Sanctuary

Our daily pass provides admission for one day to the Sanctuary. The pass includes a whole day of activities including keeper talks and wildlife experiences. 

Membership program to The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Annual Membership

Join our Wildlife Family and spend time with us at the Sanctuary all year round.  Members get more with the addition of exclusive offers and discounts throughout the year.

Gift Voucher to The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Gift vouchers

A Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary gift voucher is the perfect gift. Vouchers can be used throughout the Sanctuary for Park Entry, and Experiences Plus can be used in the gift shop or cafe.

Special events coming up…

 

Getting to The Sanctuary

Getting to The Sanctuary

Nestled in the leafy hinterland above Byron Bay, the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers a convenient and picturesque escape for nature lovers. The sanctuary is enveloped in mature eucalyptus trees, providing a serene and lush environment that is perfect for a family day out. With its tranquil setting and close proximity to Byron Bay, the sanctuary is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a fun and educational experience with the whole family.

Address

419 Hinterland Wy Knockrow NSW 2479

We are just two minutes from the Lennox Head exit off the Pacific Motorway.

Contact us:

(02) 6687 8432 | info@byronbaywildlifesanctuary.com.au

Opening Hours

Park open: 9 am to 4 pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Cafe open: 9 am to 3 pm.

Getting to The Sanctuary by Car

Click here to add your current location for google map directions

Call any time on 02 6687 8432 for live directions from our friendly staff.

There’s plenty of free parking on-site, within metres of the front entrance.  Our car park is caravan-friendly.

 Disability Access: All areas of the park are accessible with a wheelchair.

Toilets available on-site

From Ballina (15min)

From Ballina make your way to the Pacific Hwy/M1 in Cumbalum from Tamarind Drive.

Continue on the Pacific Hwy/M1 to Tintenbar and take the exit towards Ross Lane/Lennox Head from Pacific Hwy/M1.

Turn left at the roundabout onto Hinterland Way and head towards Knockrow.  Exit left to the Sanctuary.

From Bangalow (9min)

If you are coming from Bangalow, head north-east on Bangalow Rd/Byron St/B62 towards Station St.

Continue to follow Bangalow Rd/B62.  At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Hinterland Way, Exit right to the Sanctuary.

From the Gold Coast (1hr 20min)

Head south-east on Coolamon Scenic Drive and turn right onto Hinterland Way/B62.

Continue straight to stay on Hinterland Wy/B62, continue to follow B62.  At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Hinterland Way.

Exit right to the Sanctuary.

From Byron Bay (11 min)

Either option allows you a full day at the Castle to enjoy our Café.  Join some of our many Animal Park activities, browse our fine food and gift shop, play some mini Golf and learn about Macadamia Nuts from our information display. There is plenty to do.

Bus from Byron Bay

Catch the 641 Bus from the Byron Bay Jonson Street Tourist Information Centre.

Service IS operated by Blanchs Bus Company – www.blanchs.com.au

24 Hour Timetable Info Line (02) 6686 2144

Join our Wild Community