Whether you and the family want to pat dolphins, eat with the koalas, meet a baby dingo, ride a horse or feed a lorikeet, there’s a vast array of budget-friendly animal adventures to enjoy right across our great country.


SADDLE UP
Where: Experience the wonder of Western Australia’s Swan Valley just to the east of Perth and the open bushland of Whiteman Park with a trail ride on horseback.

What to expect: You’ll be escorted by two professional guides through the bridle trails of the Swan Valley and Whiteman Park. Not only will you spy kangaroos in their native habitat, you’ll learn how to mount and how to control the horse, too. And, if you’re feeling confident, you’ll learn to canter.

Is it safe? The horses are allocated to suit the individual’s age and riding ability, plus  you’ll be allocated a helmet. All instructors have current St John senior first aid certificates and working with children cards, issued by the WA government.

How long is it for? One hour.

How much does it cost? Adult lessons cost $120, children’s are $100 and a family package is $220.

TOTALLY WILD
Where: Queensland’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located 20 minutes drive south
of Surfers Paradise and five minutes drive north of Coolangatta Airport.

What to expect: The sanctuary is famous for its wild lorikeet feeds, but you can also get close to wildlife here, from the biggest, proudest kangaroo to the littlest gecko. Speaking of reptiles, check out Crocodile Wetlands, where visitors can get new insights into the saltwater crocodile and the freshwater crocodile. A not-for-profit property of the National Trust of Queensland, the sanctuary is now home to more than 1400 birds, reptiles and mammals. And the staff are also serious about research, rehabilitating sick and injured wildlife and educating future generations on the importance of conservation.

Is it safe? Take precaution around emus, even though their initial response is to run away rather than attack.

How long is it for? The sanctuary is open every day from 8am to 5pm.

How much does it cost? $39 for an adult, $21 for a child and a family pass is $110.

BREAKFAST WITH THE KOALAS
Where: See some amazing wildlife right in the centre of Sydney at Sydney Wildlife World, located at Darling Harbour.

What to expect: This activity includes entry into Sydney Wildlife World, a full hot buffet breakfast and a free photograph with the koalas. The adventure begins at 7.30am, when you’ll be seated at tables among gum trees and banksias filled with koalas. You’ll also have the opportunity to pat the koalas, which makes for a perfect photo opportunity. Afterwards, you’re welcome to explore three levels, nine habitats and 65 exhibits, featuring the largest variety of Australian plants and animals under one roof.

Is it safe? Yes. Trained professionals will be on hand and there will be an educational talk from a keeper so you know how to pet the koalas.

How long is it for? Breakfast with the furry marsupials takes about 90 minutes, then you’re free to explore Sydney Wildlife World for the rest of the day.

How much does it cost? Gather your family and friends. A 10-person breakfast with the koalas costs $55 per person.

 
PADDLE WITH DOLPHINS
Where: The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary self-guided kayak tour in South Australia is located 10 minutes drive from Port Adelaide, and about 40 minutes drive from the city centre. To start, just head to the Garden Island Reserve, which is at the end of Grand Trunkway, Gillman.

What to expect: This three-hour kayak tour is a unique way to have an encounter with the Port River dolphins. In among the mangrove forests and sheltered creeks, you’ll spy not only these magnificent creatures but an array of birds, too. You can also view the shipwrecks in the Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail.

Is it safe? You’ll be given safety advice and information on the best spots to explore, a detailed map of the area and high-quality buoyancy vests and paddles. And there’s no need to haul the kayaks because they’ll be waiting for you at the water’s edge. The tour is for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

How long is it for? Three hours.

How much does it cost? $65 for an adult, $30 for a child and a family pass is $130.

 
PET SOUNDS
Where: Situated less than an hour’s drive from Sydney on NSW’s Central Coast, Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is at the corner of Peats Ridge Road and Darkinjung Road, Calga.

What to expect: For an interactive adventure that’s big on value, it’s hard to beat a day at this wildlife park, where more than 180 species of Aussie wildlife roam free. A day trip includes patting a snake or a dingo pup, meeting the kangaroos, wallabies and emus, listening to a talk about the koalas, a boomerang-throwing class and feeding the pademelons. You’ll also brush up on your knowledge of bush tucker and bush medicine with the rangers, who give talks and walks all day. The park has a diurnal wombat (one that’s awake in the day) called Ally who likes a back scratch, and a koala called Saligna who is partial to a shoulder rub!

You can eat in the cafe, take a picnic or hire a barbecue – and lunch is a magical affair on the shady veranda surrounded by roos and wallabies. This is also one of those rare places where you can get extra close to the animals, so don’t forget the camera.

Is it safe? Yes. The rule of thumb is that if any animal will let you touch them, then you are welcome to touch them! Want to meet a snake? Then Jub Jub and Neil in the visitors’ centre are waiting for you.

How long is it for? The park is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.

How much does it cost? $24.50 for an adult, $12 for a child, $58 for a family of four.

To go: Call (02) 4375 1100, www.walkaboutpark.com.au.