A Family Day Out at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Tucked into the leafy hinterland just twenty minutes from Ballina, Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is one of those rare spots where kids and adults end up equally captivated. Eucalypt-shaded paths, hands-on animal encounters, and a relaxed pace make it a perfect day trip from the Northern Rivers coast, especially when you want something memorable that doesn’t involve sand in your shoes.

Whether you’re staying with us at Ramada Hotel & Suites Ballina for a long weekend or settling in for the school holidays, here’s why the Sanctuary deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Meet the Locals

The Sanctuary is home to more than 100 native Australian animals. You’ll find kangaroos and wallabies roaming open paddocks, koalas dozing in the gum trees, and a brilliant lineup of birds and reptiles. Resident personalities like Manda the wombat and Arnie the koala have a habit of stealing the show, while the bunnies and guinea pigs in the small animal enclosure are a guaranteed hit with little ones.

It’s a working sanctuary, not a zoo. Every dollar spent on entry, in the cafe, or at the gift shop goes back into wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and the on-site Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.

Daily Keeper Talks and Encounters

The Sanctuary runs a full daily program of keeper talks and wildlife presentations, including a free-flight bird show that’s worth planning your visit around. Talks happen throughout the day, so check the schedule on arrival and time your morning around the encounters you most want to see.

For something more hands-on, the Sanctuary offers a range of bookable wildlife experiences. The reptile encounter lets visitors aged six and up hold a snake or lizard alongside an expert herpetologist. Older kids and adults can try the owl experience with Socrates the Barn Owl, or book the VIP behind-the-scenes tour for an inside look at how the Sanctuary operates.

More Than Just Animals

One of the things that makes the Sanctuary such a winner with families is everything else on site. There’s an 18-hole mini golf course, a nature playground, a splash park for warmer months, and shaded picnic areas with BBQs you’re welcome to use. The on-site cafe serves coffee, lunches, and famously good macadamia treats, or you can pack your own and make a proper day of it.

Plenty of the park is undercover too, so a passing shower won’t ruin the visit.

Getting There from Ramada Ballina

The Sanctuary is in Knockrow, about a 20-minute drive from the hotel along the Pacific Motorway. Pack water, sunscreen, and walking shoes. Mornings tend to be quieter, and many of the animals are most active before midday.

It’s open seven days a week, 8am to 4pm.

Stay With Us and the Kids Go Free

We’ve partnered with Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to offer something special for families staying with us. Book a winter stay at Ramada Hotel & Suites Ballina between May and August and your kids receive complimentary entry passes to the Sanctuary. Pair it with our Stay 3, Pay 2 winter offer and you’ve got the makings of a proper Northern Rivers escape, with riverfront accommodation, a great wildlife day out, and the third night on us.

Just ask our team at reception when you check in. Book your stay or get in touch and we’ll help you plan the rest.