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If you’re exploring the NSW South Coast and craving a day filled with colour, curiosity and a little wild magic, Mogo Wildlife Park is an absolute must visit. This award-winning sanctuary is famed for its rare animals, closeup encounters and immersive experiences that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a real life nature documentary. Lions sunbathe on warm rocks, lemurs leap overhead, giraffes stroll across open savannah style enclosures, and cheeky meerkats pop up like furry little tour guides. It’s vibrant, exciting, and full of unforgettable moments.
What to see & do
Mogo Wildlife Park is home to more than 200 animals and over 40 rare and exotic species, making each corner of the park a new adventure. Up-close viewing platforms bring you face-to-face with lions, tigers and primates, while enclosures are designed to feel natural, airy and immersive. Keeper talks run throughout the day, offering insight into the animals’ personalities, quirks and conservation stories.
On warm summer days, the air hums with cicadas; in winter, you’ll hear lions calling through the crisp morning air. The experience is sensory, thrilling, and wonderfully eye-opening, the kind of place that makes adults feel like kids again.
Star animals & must see exhibits
African Lions: Listen for their deep, rumbling roars that echo across the park before you even see them. Watch them stretch out in the sun or pace with quiet, powerful confidence.
Giraffes: Tall, elegant and endlessly charming. Their open, savannah style habitat gives you clear views of their lumbering walk and sometimes their playful, goofy moments.
Primate Islands: Monkeys, lemurs and tamarins bring constant energy to the park. Expect rustling leaves, lively chatter, and bursts of movement as they leap from platform to platform.
Sumatran Tigers: These critically endangered cats are a highlight. Their lush, leafy enclosure offers an incredible closeup look at their colouring, size and strength.
Aussie Natives: Koalas, kangaroos, dingoes and reptiles showcase the stunning diversity of Australian wildlife.
Animal encounters
The park is known for its unforgettable, hands-on wildlife encounters. You can:
- Feed a giraffe (their giant purple tongue is a surprise in itself!)
- Meet a meerkat mob
- Wander through Lemur Island
- Join behind-the-scenes tiger or lion experiences
- Get up close with a red panda
Encounters book out quickly during peak periods, so it’s worth checking availability ahead of time.
Daily keeper talks & shows
Keeper talks are a highlight. These are fun, informative sessions where you’ll learn everything from what lions eat for breakfast to which lemur runs the show. These talks feel personal and behind-the-scenes, adding depth to your visit.
Wide pathways, shady picnic areas and a convenient onsite café make the park easy to explore for all ages. Families will especially appreciate how close the viewing areas are, giving kids amazing wildlife moments they’ll talk about for days.
Practical info
Allow 2–4 hours to explore comfortably, more if you want to catch all the keeper talks. The park is mostly outdoors, so pack water, sunscreen and a hat, especially on warm days. Comfortable walking shoes and an early start during school holidays are recommended. Parking is easy and available onsite.
How to get there
Mogo Wildlife Park is located just south of Batemans Bay in the village of Mogo, an easy 10–15 minute drive from town via the Princes Highway. It’s well signed and simple to access, with parking right at the entrance.
If you're staying at a Hampshire Holiday Park, travel times are:
- Batemans Bay Marina Resort — Around 12 minutes by car.
- BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park — Just 10 minutes away, making it the closest holiday park to the zoo.
- Moruya Heads Holiday Park — A comfortable 20–25 minute drive with plenty to explore nearby.
- Joalah Holiday Park — About 25–30 minutes inland, ideal for a nature based base before a wildlife packed day.