2026 Doonside Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#discoversaudimoment 🐨【Sydney｜Featherdale Wildlife Park】A Day to See Koalas and Kangaroos Up Close On this trip to northwest Sydney, I made a special trip to Featherdale Wildlife Park. It's considered one of Sydney's most authentically Australian zoos, filled with native animals: koalas, kangaroos, rock wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils… almost every adorable Australian creature you can imagine is here. If you enjoy photography, this is definitely a treasure trove. 🚗 How to Get There The zoo is located in the Doonside/Blacktown area, about a 40-45 minute drive from the city center. I drove there; parking was convenient and free. If you take public transport, you can also transfer to a bus at Blacktown Station; the route is clear. 🐨 First Stop: Koala Zone I'm pretty sure this is the most popular area in the entire park. The koalas quietly perched on the tree trunks, sunlight filtering through the leaves, looking like fluffy little balls of fur—it was incredibly soothing to look at. I took lots of koala photos. You can get close-up shots just by standing by the fence; no need for any "hugging" or "hugging for photos" interactions. 🦘 Kangaroo Free Roaming Area This is one of Featherdale's most unique features! As soon as you walk in, you see kangaroos and rock wallabies the size of baby geckos leisurely sunbathing along the walkway. Some will slowly hop over, while others completely ignore you, focused on grazing. The park provides kangaroo food, which you can feed, but remember: Don't suddenly reach out and pat the kangaroos. Don't approach the joeys. Put your pouch away quickly after they're done eating; the kangaroos will really try to steal it! 😂 If you enjoy nature interaction, this area is truly therapeutic. 🐾 A Star-Studded Collection of Australian Animals At Featherdale, you can see many amazing animals that are "only found in Australia": Wombat: Like a chubby bear version of a guinea pig, slow-moving but incredibly cute. Tasmanian Devil: A tiny black sprite, but really fierce when eyeing its food. Quokka: A smiling angel; seeing it instantly brightens your mood. Echidna: A spiky ball that walks slowly. The park isn't large, but the high density of animals makes it surprisingly relaxing. 🍽 Facilities The park has a café, rest area, and some simple hot food. Prices are reasonable for Sydney attractions. Plenty of restrooms and clear signage make it convenient for families. ⭐ Summary: Ideal for travelers who love Australian animals If you're visiting Sydney and want to see unique Australian animals up close, Featherdale Wildlife Park is definitely worth a visit. Close-up animals, easy photo opportunities, user-friendly routes—you can see everything in half a day. But I sincerely suggest: approach animals with gentler methods and avoid engaging in interactive activities that might stress them. Observe from a distance and take your time taking photos; you'll have a more natural and comfortable experience. #SydneyTrip #AustraliaTravel #Koala #Kangaroo #TravelWithLove #AnimalFriendly #SydneyItinerary #NatureLovers #SydneyTravel #AustraliaTravel #MustVisitAustralia #AustraliaTourism #Koala #MustVisitAustraliaSpots #Kangaroo #SydneyPlaces #SydneyAttractions

ENTJs have extreme efficiency and relaxed romance, so here's a Sydney, Australia travel itinerary! ◻️Harbor Bridge & Opera House: Landmarks exist for a reason...! 100 unforgettable shots! *Circular Quay Wharf 3: The perfect spot for Opera House photos! ◻️Port Stephens: Dolphin cruise & desert adventures (sledding, ATVs, etc.) ◻️Blue Mountains: Kings Tableland, Three Sisters, and more! Be inspired by nature. ◻️Featherdale Wildlife Park: Meet the adorable quokkas and kangaroos in real life! ◻️Port Stephens Winery: Get drunk on a winery tour! ◻️Bondi Beach East Tour: Beachside picnics, a surfer's paradise, and plenty of atmospheric pubs (great sunset spots!) . Especially if you go in winter, you can have a midsummer Christmas, so why not head to Sydney this winter? 🎄🦘 (I'm seriously considering going again) #AustraliaTravel #SydneyTravel #Australia #Sydney #PortStephens #BlueMountains #OperaHouseNightView #SydneyOperaHouse

You were a good rock 🎵 Before embarking on my trip, I was already excited about visiting the Blue Mountains. It was the only tour I signed up for during my journey. 📍Featherdale Wildlife Park + Blue Mountains Night Tour - This tour offers two options (morning departure, afternoon departure). Each has its pros and cons: the morning option lets you see lively animals and enjoy free time at night, while the afternoon option gives you free time in the morning and, although the animals are mostly asleep, you get to experience the sunset and starry night at Lincoln's Rock. Here’s my review of the afternoon tour: 1. Featherdale Wildlife Park By the time we visited, the animals had already been fed by the morning visitors and were mostly asleep. I was really looking forward to seeing koalas, but all I got was a view of their backsides. Featherdale Wildlife Park is accessible via public transport from Sydney city, so if I visit Sydney again, I’ll go in the morning to see plenty of adorable koalas. (When booking the tour, you can choose an option to visit the park on your own and then join the Blue Mountains tour.) 2. Blue Mountains: Echo Point The Three Sisters viewpoint varies depending on the tour, but we were given only 20 minutes of free time. It felt rushed, and I realized package tours might not be my thing. The scenery was stunning, but we barely had time to snap photos before moving on. 3. Blue Mountains: Lincoln's Rock Since BLACKPINK’s Jennie visited, this cliff has become even more popular for photos. I joined this tour specifically to take pictures here, so it was a success! Luckily, the weather was great, and I captured plenty of photos at Lincoln's Rock. Watching the beautiful sunset there made me feel it was all worth it. Now I understand why everyone recommends this tour. 4. Blue Mountains: Night Tour The tour ended with stargazing. Since the weather plays a big role, there are days when stars aren’t visible, but I was fortunate to have clear skies and saw a sky full of stars. They even took photos with the starry background, though wearing bright clothes is recommended—I wore black, so my photos turned out too shadowy. After the photos, I enjoyed the serene atmosphere and the dazzling stars. Conclusion Some people might say this tour wasn’t great, but honestly, it’s not like you travel every day, right? Even if you regret it later, it’s better to try and regret than to miss out and feel disappointed!

If you're visiting Australia and want to get up close and personal with koalas, Featherdale Wildlife Park is a must-visit destination! 🐨✨ 🌿 Highlights of the park: This wildlife park is not too large, making it easy to explore. The atmosphere is serene, surrounded by nature, and all the animals here are native to Australia. You'll find wombats, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and of course, koalas. 🧸 Highlight: Adorable Koalas! At Featherdale, you can get incredibly close to koalas—almost within arm's reach! While you can't hold them due to NSW laws, you can take photos with them following proper regulations. Friendly staff will assist in setting up the perfect shot to ensure you leave with adorable memories. 💡 Benefits: - Take close-up photos with koalas. - Spend ample time with koalas without feeling rushed. - Knowledgeable and friendly staff provide insights about koalas. - Plenty of koalas scattered throughout the park. 📍 Getting there: Featherdale is located in Doonside, about a 45-minute drive from Sydney city center. Alternatively, you can take a train to Blacktown Station and then a bus or taxi for approximately 10 minutes. 🎟️ Admission fees: Tickets cost around 40-45 AUD depending on the season, and you can book online in advance. 🌟 Summary: Featherdale Wildlife Park is the perfect destination for animal lovers, especially those who adore koalas. It's a heartwarming experience suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to enjoy the charm of authentic Aussie wildlife. 🐨💕

The wildlife park is located near Sydney and is usually visited en route to Three Sisters in Blue Mountains. The park seems spacious enough for the animals to roam around and have their own space. Further there are animals from all over Australia, giving you a good screenshot of what this varied country has to offer. Head over here to see up close all of Aussie's iconic wildlife, especially kangaroos and koalas. #wildlife #explore #travel #sydney #australia

Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park allows you to pet Koala 🐨 How exciting! Thank you Trip.com for the tickets H-1 🫵🏼👍🏼

Featherdale Wildlife Park is located not far from Sydney city center and is a great place to get up close and personal with native Australian animals. The park isn't large, but the layout is clear and easy to navigate, making it perfect for a half-day trip. The most attractive attractions are kangaroos, koalas, wombats, emus, and other iconic Australian animals, many of which can be seen up close. You can even feed the kangaroos and take photos with them. During our visit, we witnessed a truly spectacular scene—kangaroos were actually "fighting"! Two kangaroos stood up, pushing and kicking each other, a real-life version of Animal Channel, much more interesting than we had imagined. The entire park feels natural and not overly commercialized, with spacious areas for the animals to roam. If you don't have time for a long wildlife tour, Featherdale is a great option for getting to know many Australian animals at once. It's definitely worth a visit for animal lovers or first-time visitors to Australia. #NovemberDestinations2025 #SydneyNearby #FatherdaleWildlifePark #KangarooExperience #KangarooInteraction

Spent the day wandering through Featherdale Wildlife Park, and it honestly felt like stepping right into the heart of Australia’s wildlife 🦘💚 The best part? Super close encounters with their iconic Aussie residents — from hand-feeding friendly kangaroos to watching the fluffiest koalas lounging on their branches 🐨✨ Every interaction was calm, cosy and so, so memorable. The park layout is easy to explore, and you get to see many native animals up close without feeling rushed. Perfect for anyone who loves gentle, meaningful wildlife experiences 🌿 If you’re looking for something wholesome and uniquely Australian while in Sydney, Featherdale is absolutely worth the trip. #hellochristmas

Fatesdale Wildlife Park offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of Australian wildlife, including feeding them. This well-maintained zoo, with its friendly staff, provides a delightful and engaging experience for families and visitors of all ages.

Fatesdale Wildlife Park offers opportunities for close interaction and feeding of a variety of Australian wildlife. This well-maintained zoo, with friendly staff, provides a delightful and engaging experience for families and visitors of all ages.

Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is a must-visit during your trip to Sydney. While smaller than Taronga Zoo, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists because it offers a closer look at iconic Australian animals. As soon as you enter, you're greeted by adorable kangaroos and wallabies 🦘. You can even enter their enclosures and feed them, making it a fun experience for both children and adults. It's also fun to pet their soft fur and take photos. Of course, you can also get up close to koalas, a must-see in Australia. 🐨. Most koalas sleep in the trees, but it was lovely to see them rub their sleepy eyes and move around. Staff members even guide you up close for photos, making it the perfect photo opportunity. Here, you can observe a variety of Australian animals, including emus, dingoes, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. Despite its small size, the zoo is packed with attractions. It's especially recommended for families with children! ✔ Location: About 45 minutes from Sydney city (a great stop on the way to the Blue Mountains). ✔ Tip: Visit in the morning to see the animals at their most active. ✔ Time Required: About 2-3 hours is enough to fully explore the area. 👉 If you want to experience "Australia" up close during your trip to Sydney, Featherdale Zoo is a must-see! #SydneyTravel #FeatherdaleZoo #FeatherdaleWildlifePark #AustraliaTravel #KangarooExperience #SelfieWithKoala #AustralianHotPlaces #SydneyAttractions

I booked through Trip.com and went. It was cheaper than going on-site, and I had a great time... It's a fun and affordable zoo filled with Australian animals. Highly recommended! #Sydney #Zoo #FeatherdaleZoo

Quick trip to Doonside? Don’t miss the serene vibes & photo-ready gates at Chang Lai Yuan Gardens! 🌸 This hidden gem brings classic Chinese garden style right to Western Sydney—think peaceful waters, lush plantings, and cool stone bridges that totally level up your Insta feed. Top Spot to Visit: Chang Lai Yuan Gardens Location: Knox Rd, Doonside NSW 2767 Open: 07:00-18:00, all year round Tip: Get there early morning to grab the best chill-out spots and take flawless snaps before the crowds roll in. Early light makes everything glow. If you’re driving, free parking is right outside. Getting Around: Doonside’s best accessed by car—parking near the gardens is easy and free. If going by train, hop off at Doonside Station and walk or grab a

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips

Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is the ultimate fam day out—if you’re rolling with toddlers, this spot is hands down AMAZING! 🦘👶 From feeding kangaroos to chilling with the cutest quokkas, it’s all about hands-on moments and animal cuddles. The staff here are super friendly, making sure everyone gets up close (and safe!) with Australia’s wildest locals. Legit, I’d come back again in a heartbeat! If you want your little ones to be fascinated by Aussie wildlife, this is THE place. Take note: Location: 217 Kildare Rd, Doonside NSW 2767 Open everyday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Pack comfy shoes, bring your camera, and brace yourself for cuteness overload. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is all about creating core memories with the fam! 🐨✨

1. Recommended for the early morning opening run (the animals are full and unresponsive). Please note: Entry is at 11:00 AM. 2. There's plenty of parking, but it's still limited. 3. I remember the koala photo was AUD 30 for up to 6 people. 4. Kangaroos are the main attraction. 5. Albino kangaroos (white). 6. Stamp tours available. 7. Wombats are bigger than I expected... The kids were very satisfied with the tour, but I felt a bit uneasy after getting splashed with bird droppings.

You absolutely must visit a zoo in Australia!! You can meet iconic Australian animals like cute quokkas, kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas, and even feed them yourself! Most of these animals aren't easily seen up close in Korea, so you'll have a completely different experience than in your home country's zoos. It feels a bit like a wild zoo, so both children and adults will love it! I went around 1 p.m., and some of the animals were awake. It seems the animals also sleep during certain times, so it's worth checking before visiting! 📍Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park Featherdale Sydney Zoo Address: 217 Kildare Rd, Doonside NSW 2767 AUS #sydney #featherdalezoo #featherdale #sydneyzoo #sydneyzoorecommendation #koala #quokka #augusttravelgrant #augusttravelgrantevent

Great place to experience!!

🌇5D4N Sydney Escape – City Views, Beaches & Koalas! 🇦🇺 📍Sydney, Australia 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly | Easy to explore | Food + Nature + City Vibes Just got back from an amazing 5D4N trip to Sydney, and I can’t wait to share our highlights! Whether you’re a first-timer or returning, Sydney never fails to impress — with its iconic skyline, blue beaches, cute wildlife, and world-class dining. 🌉🐨🌊 ⸻ ✨ Our Itinerary Highlights: ✅ Day 1 – Arrival + Darling Harbour • Walked along Darling Harbour, had a chill dinner at the waterfront. • Kids loved the SEA LIFE Aquarium — perfect for a half-day adventure. ✅ Day 2 – City Icons • Explored the Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge. • Took a ferry to Manly Beach – gorgeous coastal views! • Dinner at Chinatown – must try the Emperor’s Puffs! ✅ Day 3 – Wildlife & Blue Mountains Day Trip • Visited Featherdale Wildlife Park – up close with koalas & kangaroos 🐨🦘 • Continued to Blue Mountains – the view from Echo Point is breathtaking. ✅ Day 4 – Bondi Beach & Coastal Walk • Morning at Bondi 🏖️, followed by the scenic Bondi to Coogee walk. • Plenty of cafes along the way – we stopped at Speedos Café for brunch. ✅ Day 5 – The Rocks & Departure • Strolled through The Rocks Market, picked up some local handmade gifts. • Ended the trip with a relaxing lunch overlooking the harbour. ⸻ 🍴 Foodie Faves: • The Grounds of Alexandria – like walking into a garden wonderland! • Hurricane’s Grill (Darling Harbour) – amazing ribs & waterfront view • Chat Thai – legit Thai food in the heart of the city ⸻ 💡 Family Tips: • Opal Card makes travel around Sydney super easy (bus/train/ferry) • Most attractions are walkable or ferry-accessible • Plan Blue Mountains as a full day trip – well worth it! • Book wildlife parks in advance to secure animal encounters

Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park was an exciting experience! I had a blast exploring the various exhibits and getting up close with the amazing animals. The highlight of my visit was definitely the animal feeding sessions - it was such a thrill to feed and interact with the friendly creatures. I highly recommend Featherdale Sydney to anyone looking for a fun and interactive wildlife experience. #zoo #animalpark #sydneytrip

We did the Sydney local walking tour and were amazed by the architectural beauty including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Surprisingly, the food options around the Sydney Opera House are affordable and tasty - nothing close to what we originally expected in a highly touristy area! The close interaction we had with the kangaroos and koalas was unforgettable, Featherdale Wildlife Park is certainly worth a visit. 📍Address: Sydney CBD

Mother and daughter travel to Sydney, Australia🇦🇺 [The best day to be close to kangaroos in this life] In the morning, mother and daughter jumped on the train to the zoo, and then changed buses to the train station to #Sydney Featherdale Wildlife Park The animals are the hungriest in the morning when the park just opens So if you want to feed the animals, it is best to go right after the park opens. Everyone will go back to their nests to sleep at noon z The first time I saw a koala, it was as cute as its reputation I even touched it.•Super soft and cute 6) &:/! 2@ (incoherent) And there are super cute dwarf kangaroos😍 #Sydney Featherdale Wildlife Park #Featherdale_Sydney_Wildlife Park

#Travel Itinerary If you want to experience both the urban charm of Sydney and the Australian wildlife in one day, a combination of a city tour and a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park is the perfect itinerary. Explore the heart of Sydney in the morning, and meet cute koalas and kangaroos in the afternoon. --- 🕘 9:00 AM – Start Sydney City Tour Visit Town Hall, QVB (Queen Victoria Building) Take a leisurely walk to St. Mary's Cathedral and Hyde Park Have a quick brunch at a cafe near Martin Place and Sydney Tower 🕚 11:00 AM – Circular Quay → Opera House Walk around the Opera House and take a commemorative photo Walk along the promenade with the Harbour Bridge in the background 🕐 1:00 PM – Go to Featherdale Wildlife Park It takes about 45-60 minutes by car (towards West Sydney) You can transfer to a bus at Blacktown Train Station for public transportation 🦘 2:00 PM – Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park Hold a koala (reservation required), feed a kangaroo View over 100 species of Australian native animals including wallabies, wombats, emus, and dingoes Family trip, Especially recommended for travelers with children 🛍 4:30 PM - Check out souvenirs and prepare to return Various items such as animal character dolls, commemorative magnets, etc. Return to a nearby restaurant or downtown Sydney for dinner --- This itinerary is also ideal for short-term travelers to Australia. It feels like experiencing both the sophistication of the city and the ecology of Australia in one day. In particular, the zoo is a nature-friendly space that cannot be compared to urban zoos, so it is definitely worth visiting at least once. #Sydney travel itinerary #Featherdale Wildlife Park #Koala experience #Australian city tour #Sydney city walk #Australian animal encounter #Family travel course #Australian nature experience #Recommended overseas travel itinerary #Sydney 1-day course #Australian emotional travel #Queen Victoria Building

Combining the sophistication of a city with the vibrancy of nature in a single day is no easy feat. But in Sydney, it's entirely possible. Spend your morning walking across the iconic Harbor Bridge in the heart of the city, and your afternoon meeting koalas at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Could there be a more quintessentially Australian day? ☕ 9:00 AM – Exploring Sydney City Stroll through Town Hall, QVB, and Pitt Street Mall Enjoy a cup of coffee while gazing at the sea from Circular Quay Capture the perfect shot with the Opera House and Harbor Bridge as your backdrop 🚐 1:00 PM – Heading to Featherdale Wildlife Park Located about an hour's drive away in the suburbs Accessible via tour bus, rental car, or a train and bus combination 🦘 2:00 PM – Encountering Australia's Wildlife Experience close encounters with koalas and kangaroos Discover unique animals like wallabies, emus, and Tasmanian devils Adorable wildlife that brings smiles to both kids and adults 🛍 4:30 PM – Souvenir Shopping & Returning to Sydney Shop for animal-shaped plush toys, koala mugs, and local Australian snacks Wrap up your day with dinner at Darling Harbor upon returning to the city Even with a short itinerary, this day is the perfect answer for those wanting to see the real Australia. A harmonious blend of nature and city, relaxation and adventure—an ideal day for any overseas traveler.

If you're wondering how to spend a day during your trip to Australia, I highly recommend combining a tour of Sydney's city center with a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park. In the morning, you can explore the culture and history of the city, and in the afternoon, get up close with Australia's nature and wildlife. --- 🕘 09:00 – Sydney Town Hall & QVB Stroll Stroll around the historic buildings near Town Hall Enjoy a light breakfast at a bakery inside QVB A perfect area to experience European vibes in the heart of the city 🕚 11:00 – Circular Quay & Opera House Walk Snap a photo at the Opera House The walking path towards the Harbor Bridge offers a refreshing sea breeze and an uplifting mood 🕐 13:00 – Depart for Featherdale (Approx. 1-hour drive) Located on the way to the Blue Mountains A popular spot for family tourists 🦘 14:00 – Arrive at Featherdale Wildlife Park Meet Australia's native animals like koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils Don't miss the feeding experience—a must-try activity Plenty of photo zones to capture memorable travel moments 🛍 16:00 – Browse the Gift Shop and Return Find animal-shaped plush toys, postcards, mugs, and more Families with kids will especially enjoy the selection --- This itinerary lets you experience Australia's iconic landmarks and adorable wildlife all in one day. If you want to feel the true charm of Sydney, where nature and city coexist, follow this route.

#springitinerary #FeatherdaleWildlifePark #FamilyFunAustralia #KangarooFeeding #KoalaEating #SydneyWithKids #TravelWithKids #AussieWildlife #AustraliaNature #AnimalEncounters #FeatherdaleAdventure Featherdale Wildlife Park turned out to be a family favorite during our Sydney trip. I went with my family, and the kids were absolutely thrilled. The highlight? Feeding kangaroos up close — they were gentle, calm, and surprisingly friendly! The kids couldn’t stop giggling every time a kangaroo nibbled from their hands. Even the adults in our group couldn’t resist joining in. Another unforgettable moment? Watching a koala bear munching on eucalyptus leaves right above us! It felt surreal seeing such a classic Aussie animal enjoying its breakfast — so close and relaxed. It wasn’t just the kids who were fascinated; I found myself standing there, grinning and taking far too many photos. The whole place has a relaxed, open feel, and it’s small enough to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. You’re not just looking at animals — you’re right there beside them. Travel Tips and How to Get There: • Best time to visit: • Mornings are cooler and animals are more active • What to bring: • Sunscreen, hat, water bottle, and comfortable shoes • Bring snacks if you’re visiting with little ones (there’s a café too) • Must-dos: • Buy kangaroo feed at the entrance — it’s a must for kids! • Don’t miss the koala area — seeing them eat is a rare and sweet moment • Check out the daily keeper talks for extra animal info • Facilities: • Stroller-friendly paths, shaded areas, clean restrooms How to Get There: • By car from Sydney CBD: • About 45 minutes drive, with parking available • By train + bus: • Take the train to Blacktown Station, then hop on Bus #729 straight to the park • Extra tips: • Weekdays are less crowded • Plan to spend 2–3 hours for a relaxed visit • Hand sanitizer is handy after animal feeding

🕰️Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00 💰Average consumption per person: AUD$44 for adults (there will be discounts on the official website, and there will be special prices when buying through Trip.com) 🗓️Itinerary: It is recommended to visit Blue Mountain Park on the same day. Go to the zoo in the morning when there will be fewer people and the animals will be more energetic. When I arrived before 9am, the koalas were very active. It was rare to see them jump to another tree. I bought AUD5 worth of food to feed the Quokka and kangaroos, and they all rushed to eat it. You can pay attention to the official website for their animal feeding time. It seems that wombat and devil will hide in the tree holes, and the staff will bring them out when feeding. Only kangaroos can be touched and fed up close. If you are interested, you can pay extra to get up close to Quokka, but you have to make an appointment early. There is basically no need to queue up to take photos with Koala in the morning. The price is affordable, and you can touch the patpat and feet. After taking the photos, the staff told us that we can take photos of Koala up close, which is very worthwhile

nice place!