Sightseeing

Australian Reptile Park

📍 Pacific Highway, Somersby NSW 2250

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Introduction

The Australian Reptile Park at Somersby on New South Wales' Central Coast lies about 80 km (roughly one hour's drive) north of Sydney. Founded in 1958 by venom expert Eric Worrell, it blends reptile exhibition with venom research, and as the only zoo in Australia committed to saving lives through snake and funnel-web spider venom milking, its produce is used to make all land-snake and funnel-web antivenom in the country - credited with saving over 300 lives a year for more than 50 years. The park showcases captive platypus, Tasmanian devils, saltwater crocodile Elvis and more, with multiple free keeper talks.

✨ Highlights

Australia's only venom-milking zoo

The only Australian zoo producing snake and funnel-web spider venom to save lives, supplying venom for all land-snake and funnel-web antivenom in the country.

Founded by Eric Worrell

Established in 1958 by venom expert Eric Worrell at Gosford, growing from humble beginnings into a premier Australian tourism attraction.

Saltwater crocodile Elvis show

Demonstrations featuring 'Australia's Crankiest Crocodile', saltwater crocodile Elvis - one of the largest salties in the country.

Platypus and rare wildlife

See captive platypus, Tasmanian devils, dingoes and Galapagos tortoises, with free daily keeper talks and presentations.

Interactive encounters

Bookable reptile-handling and crocodile encounters, plus Ploddy, Australia's first 'Big Thing' dinosaur statue erected in 1963.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere; check local weather and events. For outdoor sites, mornings or late afternoons are often more pleasant.

→Transport：Australia is vast; most attractions suit self-driving or local day tours. For city sites, check public transport timetables in advance.

→Climate & dress：UV is strong; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, and beware of insects. Inland areas may have large diurnal temperature swings.

→On site：Follow on-site signs, do not feed or disturb wildlife, protect nature and heritage, and stay on designated trails in national parks.

→Accessibility：Some natural attractions have uneven paths or steps and may challenge those with limited mobility; check accessibility services in advance.

💡 Tips

• Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Open daily approximately 9am-5pm; confirm on the official site.; admission: Adult about A$39-40, child about A$21-28, plus family and encounter options; confirm pricing on site..

• Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

• Respect local culture, wildlife and natural park rules; never feed animals or leave designated trails.

• Plan alongside nearby sights, using self-driving or local day tours to link your route.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Australian Reptile Park?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Open daily approximately 9am-5pm; confirm on the official site.; admission: Adult about A$39-40, child about A$21-28, plus family and encounter options; confirm pricing on site.. Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.