Trips were advertised from Aus$61 per person from Sydney. We researched at the Information Centre on George Street and found we could go by train (Aus$6.40 each return) from Circular Quay to Blacktown, then #725 bus (Aus$1.80 each, one-way) to the wildlife park. We found a discount coupon which gave one free adult entry so the whole trip cost us just over Aus$25 for the both of us, and we could stay as long as we wanted. The journey took just over an hour.

Featherdale is full of native animals, such as koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, flying foxes, and birds such as kookaburras, emus, etc. For me, the best part was being able to pet the koalas. They are so cute and soft to the touch. They just cling to the trees, fast asleep, and you expect them to fall off, but they don't. One was in a special area (still fast asleep, clinging to the tree) where you could pet it and take photographs at no extra charge. Later in the day, when we returned (about 3pm), they seemed to be waking up, and another was put by the side of the first one in the petting area. After three people had taken photographs, it climbed down--it had obviously had enough--and was taken back to its pen. They are not kept in cages, and the pens are open at the top, with a wall about halfway up.

The kangaroos and wallabies were also free, but areas with shade and huts, surrounded by a small wooden fence, were available for them to escape attention if they wanted to. For a small charge, food can be bought to feed the kangaroos and wallabies.

Some animals and the birds are caged, but there were plenty of wild birds visiting for a free feed. Wombats were chasing through tunnels in their pens, penquins were swimming, the giant lizards/iguanas were lazing in the sun, and the dingos were asleep. Unfortunately, the Tasmanian Devil, which is nocturnal, was nowhere to be seen.

It was a very enjoyable day for animal-loving adults and children alike. We were there approximately 4 hours and enjoyed every minute. There is a cafe on-site where sandwiches and drinks can be bought, as well as a souvenir shop. Instead of getting the bus, we decided to walk back to Blacktown for the train, which took about 30 minutes. It is quite easy--just turn left out of the car park and go straight on--but it was a long walk in the hot sun.

Fair warning, this place is not in a good part of town. It is in the Blacktown area which can be rough at night. We happened on it on our way back down from the Blue Mountains. The traffic was terrible; so we thought we would wait it out with a late in the afternoon visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Plenty of free parking. You can do a very good job of seeing all the animals in less than one hour. You can buy handfulls of food to feed the kangaroos. Some very nice fairy penguins, but they were hard to photograph in the late afternoon dim of late May. Also some very well protected Koalas.

This place is a good alternative for people with small children to the big trek and expense required if you visit the Sydney Zoo. The claim is that this is like being out in the bush. Well, only to the extent that you can really see the animals. I don't call cement walkways and chain link fencing bush!

There is an extensive collection of birds. Either visit in the summer or at least on a brighter day if you want to take good photos.

It's about a 45 minute drive outside of Sydney and definitely worth the trip.

At Featherdale, you are encouraged to get as close to the animals as you want. I got to touch kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and emus while I was there. They also have a bunch of other animals such as wallabies, dingoes, and Tasmanian devils.

They have a cool crocodile exhibit. We got to see the croc eat, which was quite an experience.

After a short bus ride, you get to this beautiful park. They allow visitors to pet Koalas and Kangaroos, but you may also get a close look at emus, penguins, dingoes, and other native species. Some are caged, some run around free, but it's an incredible experience to be so close to them and for them to approach you in need of touch. Just stay away from the protected areas, you'll be right. Then stop by at the souvenir shop, you'll find it fun and maybe worth buying a stuffed toy or two.