Thinking of visiting the Australian Reptile Park?
Read our honest Australian Reptile Park review with kids (2025), where we breakdown ticket prices, standout shows, animal encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences, and tips for families to make the most of their visit.
Why we visited?
We’d driven past the Australian Reptile Park so many times on our trips up the Central Coast — but this long weekend, we finally decided to stop and explore it with our 4-year-old son, Benji.
The Reptile Park has a big reputation — home to crocs, Komodo dragons, venomous snakes, and a famous conservation program — but we wanted to see if it was truly worth the hype and the entry fee.
Ticket Prices: What We Paid
Individual Day Tickets
The Australian Reptile Park day pass cost us a total of $132.97 online for the three of us. Not exactly cheap compared to other outdoor activities.
- $49.99 per adult
- $32.99 per child
Just make sure you book online, to access further discounts of around 8–10% off. Otherwise paying at the gate would incur higher prices. For us, that would have incurred us $147.97 ($15 more than online)
It’s not a huge saving, but every little bit helps. Note children under 3 get free admission.
Family Day Tickets
If you are a family of four including 2 adults and 2 children, you can also qualify for a family ticket which works out to be $144.99 online which is cheaper than buying each ticket separately at a total of $165.96, just make sure to scroll down the website to find the family discounts.
Also a single parent with 2 children can qualify for a family ticket at $105.99 (vs paying each ticket separately for a total of $115.97).
If you have more than 2 children, then each additional child is an extra $25.99.
Annual Passes
- For roughly the cost of two day visits, you can get unlimited entry for 12 months.
- Benefits: 50 % discount for up to 2 additional guest visitors (per pass, per visit); 10 % off Kids 2 Keeper and behind-the-scenes programs; 10 % off children’s birthday parties; 10 % off in the gift shop; one animal photo experience voucher per pass; plus, full access to hands-on interaction on each visit.
- Annual Pass pricing (online vs at gate):
Arriving at the Park
We arrived around 12 pm, just in time for the alligator feeding show at 12:30 pm.
Because it was the October long weekend, the place was packed. By the time we headed over to see Elvis the Crocodile at 1:00 pm, there wasn’t a single seat or even standing room left.
If you dislike crowded spaces, avoid peak days like long weekends or school holidays.
If you do visit during busy times, get in early (9:00–9:30 am) to secure a good viewing spot for the big shows.
Missing Elvis was a bit of a shame, but we decided to focus on exploring the exhibits instead of stressing over the crowds.
Key Highlights
The Reptile Show
This was by far one of the best parts of our visit. The host was cheeky, funny, and engaging — he had the crowd laughing, cringing, and learning all at once.
We learned about spiders, snakes, toads, and how antivenom is made. At one point, he even licked a toad to debunk myths about them being poisonous on skin contact.
The kids roared with laughter, and honestly, so did the adults. It was educational and hilarious at the same time.
Spider World & The Venom Room
Benji loved the Spider World exhibit, which felt like a spooky Halloween walk-through. There were interactive displays about funnel-web spiders showing where they lived and how you can find them around the house.
We also peeked into the Venom centre, where venom is extracted for life-saving antivenoms. It’s an educational reminder that this isn’t just a fun park — it plays a serious role in public health.
There was also an interactive floor where kids could stomp on digital spiders as they raced to bite you. This kept Benji thoroughly entertained.
Lost World of Reptiles & Conservation Ark
Inside, we saw Komodo dragons, snakes, and turtles. At the Conservation Ark, we watched breeding programs in action — especially the turtles. It was fascinating for us and fun for Benji to see “baby dinosaurs” hatching.
Bluey & Bingo Live Show
Because it was the school holiday period, there was also a Bluey & Bingo live stage show with songs and dancing. For toddlers and preschoolers, this was a dream!
Combine that with free face painting, a jumping castle, and the day felt like part wildlife park, part kids’ festival.
Other Animals We Loved
- Watching baby emus, wombats and koalas up close.
- Hand-feeding wallabies.
- Spotting a range of birds.
Things We Missed
Because we started at midday, we missed a lot of morning shows:
- Snake milking demonstration.
- Tasmanian devil talk.
- Komodo dragon walk.
- Galapagos tortoise walk.
If you want to get the full value of your ticket, definitely plan to be there from opening (9 am). The shows are what bring the park alive, and missing half of them was our biggest regret.
Facilities & Food
- Picnic areas & BBQs – The park is set up for families who want to bring their own food. We saw plenty of people cooking a BBQ lunch.
- Café & food stalls – Decent options, but on the pricier side.
- Playground – A great break spot for kids to burn off energy.
- Face painting & kids’ activities – Free and fun extras for little ones.
- Accessibility – Mostly pram-friendly, though a few paths were a little uneven.
Overall, the facilities are excellent for families. It felt like the park really understands its core audience: parents with kids aged 2–12.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hands-on, interactive and kid-friendly exhibits.
- Fantastic shows (reptile show especially).
- Unique experiences like the venom program.
- Extras like Bluey, face painting, and jumping castles during school holidays.
- Shady picnic spots and a playground make it family-friendly.
Cons
- Ticket prices are on the higher side.
- Crowds during peak times make it hard to enjoy shows.
- Many of the best shows are in the morning — so late arrivals miss out.
- Extra encounters (like koala photos, behind-the-scenes tours) cost more.
Our Verdict
Despite missing the Elvis croc show and several other demonstrations, we still had a really positive experience at the Australian Reptile Park.
Benji loved Spider World, the reptiles, and the Bluey show. We loved the balance of education, fun, and hands-on interaction. The only regret was not arriving earlier to catch more of the big shows.
Our advice: plan a full day. Arrive at 9 am, bring snacks or a picnic, and pace yourself so you can see everything.
Would we go back? Yes, absolutely. Next time, we’ll go earlier in the day to catch all the shows we missed. If your kid loves reptiles, animals, or dinosaurs, this place is a no-brainer.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Reptile Park with kids in 2025 is equal parts spooky, fun, interactive and educational. From croc feeding to spider stomping, Bluey dances to cheeky reptile hosts — it’s a park that truly entertains the whole family.
If you’re visiting the Central Coast or want a family day trip from Sydney, it’s worth the entry price — just remember to book online, arrive early, and allow a full day to make the most of it.
Visiting the Australian Reptile Park is just one of many great outdoor adventures on the NSW Central Coast.
For a full itinerary packed with kid-friendly beaches, attractions, and food stops, don’t miss our Perfect 3-Day Central Coast Itinerary for Families.
Or if you’re after more animal-filled days out near Sydney, our Calmsley Hill City Farm Review shows another side of nature — think baby goats, tractor rides, and cow milking fun!
FAQs About Visiting the Australian Reptile Park
How long do you need at the Australian Reptile Park?
Plan to spend at least 4 to 5 hours at the park to see all the shows, exhibits, and animal encounters. If you have kids, a full day lets you take your time between shows, lunch, and play breaks.
What age is best for visiting?
The park is ideal for children aged 2 to 12. Younger toddlers love the animals and playgrounds, while older kids enjoy learning about venom, reptiles, and crocodile feedings.
Is the Australian Reptile Park worth it?
Absolutely — especially if you’re looking for an educational and hands-on day out. It’s one of the few places in the world that collects venom for antivenom, and the live shows make it entertaining for adults too.
Can you bring your own food?
Yes. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, snacks, and drinks. There are plenty of picnic tables and free BBQ facilities, so you can save money and enjoy a relaxed lunch outdoors.
When’s the best time to visit?
Arrive early in the morning (around 9–9:30am) to avoid crowds and catch the first shows like the Reptile Presentation and Elvis the Crocodile Feeding. Weekdays and non-school-holiday periods are generally quieter.
Are there playgrounds or activities for kids?
Yes! There’s a large playground, open lawns, picnic areas, and seasonal extras like Bluey & Bingo live shows, face painting, and inflatables during school holidays.
Can you buy tickets at the gate?
You can, but it’s cheaper to buy online. Booking through the official website saves around 8–10% off the gate price and helps you skip the queue at entry.
Is the park pram and wheelchair friendly?
Mostly yes. The park has paved walkways and ramp access, though some paths are slightly uneven. Baby change facilities and shaded rest areas are also available.
Where is the Australian Reptile Park located?
It’s located in Somersby on the NSW Central Coast, about one hour north of Sydney or one hour south of Newcastle. There’s free on-site parking, and taxi/Uber from Gosford Station gives you a 25% entry discount.
What are the park’s opening hours?
The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, closed only on Christmas Day.
