Hunter Valley might be famous for its shiraz and Hunter Valley wine tours, but tucked away off Lomas Lane near Nulkaba is a zoo that punches above its weight for a regional attraction. I’ve been there with kids, with mates and even solo when I needed to reset after a rough week. So if you’re wondering how much is entry fee to Hunter Valley Zoo and what kind of value you’re really getting, here’s the lowdown from someone who’s actually queued at the gate (and been ambushed by a goat in the petting pen).
No fluff. No PR spin. Just real costs, best times to go and a few cheeky tips to save you a few bucks and a future tantrum.
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Zoo Entry Prices
Let’s get to the dollars:
General Admission (as of 2025):
- Adults (16+): $35
- Children (3-15): $20
- Seniors/Concession: $25
- Family Pass (2 adults + 2 kids): $90
- Under 3s: Free
Annual Passes:
- Adults: $95
- Children: $55
- Family: $245
If you live within a few hours’ drive and have critter-mad kids, that annual pass pays for itself in three visits. I’ve had one for years — and yes, I’ve used it just to sit and watch the meerkats with a takeaway coffee while the school group chaos rages elsewhere.
Extras to Budget For:
- Animal feed bags: $3
- Giraffe or meerkat encounters: $25-$30 (book ahead — they sell out faster than servo sausage rolls on a long weekend)
- BBQ hire: Free, but first in best dressed
- Souvenirs: $5 for a pencil to $40 for a red panda plushie
Best Times to Visit
If you like elbow room and aren’t keen on queuing behind a horde of sugar-fueled school groups, here’s when to go:
Best Days:
- Weekdays (especially outside school holidays)
- Winter mornings — fewer people, animals are more active
Worst Days:
- Midweek during school excursions (listen for that unmistakable whistle of a Year 4 teacher on edge)
- Long weekends
- Hot summer days — animals (and humans) go full sloth mode
Opening Hours:
- 9 am-4 pm daily
- Christmas Day closed
Get in early for keeper talks or a shaded picnic spot — by 11am the good spots are gone.
What’s Included
Your entry fee gets you more than just a walk past some sleepy roos. There are a lot included things to do in Hunter Valley Zoo:
Included:
- Access to all animal exhibits and interactive yards
- Free parking
- Use of picnic areas and BBQs
- Keeper talks and feeding shows
- Petting zoo
Not Included:
- Food (BYO or buy snacks on-site)
- Animal encounters (book online to avoid disappointment)
- Transport (public transport is patchy, more on that below)
How to Get There
The zoo’s just outside Cessnock — about a two-hour drive from Sydney if the M1 behaves. Pop 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba into your GPS, but make sure it doesn’t take you down some weird farm tracks.
Driving is your best bet. There’s plenty of free parking and it’s well signed once you get close. If you’re coming from the wineries, it’s just a 10-minute drive from Pokolbin.
Public Transport? Tricky. You can get to Cessnock by bus, but from there you’ll need a cab or Uber. Not ideal with kids or eskies full of lunch gear.
Local Tips
- BYO lunch and snag a BBQ. Food outlets are limited and a delicious picnic lunch under the gum trees beats overpriced sausage rolls.
- Wear comfy shoes. It’s not Taronga-sized, but there’s still a bit of walking (and hills).
- Bring coins or small notes for feed bags and the odd vending machine.
- Don’t wear red. The emus think it’s some kind of challenge — I found that out the hard way.
- Don’t skip the bird show. It’s short, sharp and the cockatoo with attitude is worth the price alone.
What You’ll See
Hunter Valley Zoo might not be as big as the city zoos, but it’s packed with a wide range of animals from all over the world. Whether you like exotic species or Aussie battlers, it’s a real treat.
Some of the highlights:
- Australian wildlife: roos, wombats, echidnas and a baby giraffe that’s becoming a local celebrity
- Exotic animals: capuchins, tamarins and servals
- Domestic animals: goats, ponies, guinea pigs — always a hit with the little ones
- American animals: raccoons, alligators, bison
- Australian birds: cockatoos, lorikeets and that one chatty galah who should have a podcast
- Fascinating birds: owls, macaws, kookaburras and more
Every enclosure is designed to mimic natural habitats where possible and the keepers know the animal family trees better than I know my cousins’ birthdays.
Experiences for Visitors
If you want more than just a walk and point, there are some great opportunities to get up close to the zoo’s most fascinating creatures:
Animal Encounters (book online):
- Meerkats (a favourite)
- Giraffes (yes, including the baby)
- Reptiles for the brave
- Native Australian animals — hands-on and great for kids
You’ll meet the animal residents, chat with the keepers and learn how they’re cared for. For animal lovers it’s a great chance to go behind the scenes and find out what makes each species tick.
Perfect for Families with Kids
Whether you have toddlers or teens, the zoo is one of the top attractions for kids in the area. There’s something magical about watching kids light up when a curious wallaby hops over or a llama sniffs them.
Why it’s a winner for families:
- Safe, enclosed pathways and interactive yards
- Fun activities like feeding and petting
- Plenty of shady spots and tables for that great picnic lunch
- Flexibility — stay for an hour or a full day
Got extra kids not covered by the family pass? No worries — extra tickets are reasonable and no one blinks if your crew rolls six deep.
Must-See Stop on Valley Tour
If you’re doing one of the many Hunter Valley tours on offer and want to see the region, the zoo is a fun and educational detour. It’s a great way to mix wine tasting with some outdoor family friendly fun.
In fact many visitors on Hunter Valley wine tours from Sydney have been surprised to find out how much fun the zoo adds to their itinerary. It’s a nice change of pace especially after a morning of cellar door visits.
So whether you’re looking into full-day Hunter Valley tours from Sydney or planning a weekend of things to do in Hunter Valley, consider setting aside a few hours to meet the animal crew.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: It’s one of the more affordable family outings in the Hunter, especially when you factor in the BYO food option and free extras like keeper talks. It’s smaller than city zoos, sure, but that’s part of the charm. You can actually see the animals up close, the paths aren’t crowded and the staff seem to care.
It’s the activity of choice for many locals when visiting rellos are in town or when school holidays roll around. Plus the kids sleep well after a full day of running around — bonus.
FAQ
Are there any discounts for locals?
Not officially, but if you visit often an annual pass is your best bet.
Can I buy tickets online?
Yep, and it’s recommended for weekends or holidays.
Is there wheelchair access?
Mostly yes — the main paths are accessible but some hilly bits can be tricky.
Do they accept card payments?
Yes — but bring cash for animal feed and BBQ snacks just in case.
What animals can I see there?
You’ll find lions and lemurs to farmyard favourites and feathered troublemakers (looking at you, cockatoos).