Cranky Crocs & man-eating snakes at the Australian Reptile Park
Trying to keep my boy's entertained is a constant challenge. They are dinosaur, train and car obsessed, and are also partial to snakes and crocodiles. Typical boys, really.
The Australian Reptile Park on the NSW Central Coast in Somersby combines most of their interests, bar for the cars and trains. Out of all the attractions - the huge saltwater croc, man-eating python, and inquistive roaming roos - they run squealing to the dinosaur statues first. Then the playground. Typical.
We purchased an annual Reptile Family Pass for $299 (No, this blog hasn't been endorsed/sponsored by the Reptile Park - I wish it were, I love free stuff!). We've been three times now since we purchased our pass in July, and a day's family pass is $99, so we'll be getting our money's worth by the time the year is up.
Having an annual pass means it doesn't hurt so much when we have to leave after an hour only, thanks to our toddler having a meltdown because he couldn't climb into the Tassie Devil enclosure. No matter if we spend an hour or a few at the Reptile Park, each time we've gone we have seen or done something new - the boys have touched a snake, felt the Galapagos tortoise's shell, pat a koala, held a baby alligator, and fed the roos which roam freely about the BBQ area.
They've seen Elvis the croc jump out of the water to nibble on a chook, and listened the funnel web spider talk. One time we visited almost every snake was slithering about in their enclosures. Creepy but fascinating.
If you go during the week, when it's quieter, you'll no doubt spy an animal or reptile having a walk-about the grounds. During the weekends and school holidays you can catch the crocodile feeding. Everyday there are interesting talks, so grab a brochure on arrival. The reptile park is open every day except Christmas.
Here are some photos from our last few adventures.
