Hand-Feed Kangaroos, Wallabies & Emus
The petting area is one of the main reasons visitors come to Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park. Open space, no booking required, included with your general admission ticket, and equally fun for kids and adults. Pick up a feeding bag at the entrance and walk straight in to meet some of Australia’s most iconic animals up close.
What is the petting area?
An open-space paddock where you can walk among kangaroos, wallabies and emus, hand-feed them with our park-supplied feeding bags, and take photos at your own pace. There are no enclosures between you and the animals once you’re inside, and a keeper is on hand if you have questions.
It’s accessible all day during park opening hours, and you can return as many times as you like during your visit.
Which animals can you meet?
Three of Australia’s most iconic species live in the petting area:
- Kangaroos (Eastern Grey and Western Grey)
- Wallabies
- Emus
You’ll often spot them lounging in the shade, hopping across the paddock, or coming straight up to you when they hear the feeding bag.
How does feeding work?
We supply purpose-formulated feeding bags at the entrance to the petting area. These are designed specifically for kangaroo, wallaby and emu diets, and they are the only food allowed inside the paddock.
- Grab a feeding bag at the front desk or petting area entrance
- Offer feed from your flat, open hand (not from above or in a fist)
- Let the animals approach you, don’t chase or corner them
- Please do not bring your own food. Bread, fruit, snacks and other human foods are harmful to these animals
Who is it for?
Everyone. The petting area is one of the most family-friendly parts of the park, and kids especially love the close interaction. Adults love it just as much, because there is something deeply special about a wild kangaroo eating from your hand.
Mostly flat terrain, pram-friendly, easy access for older guests and small children alike.
Petting area vs sanctuary walk
These are two different things and we recommend you do both:
- Petting area: open-space, hands-on, feeding and touching the animals (kangaroos, wallabies, emus)
- Sanctuary walk: a self-guided scenic walk through fields, past our lake and observation points, where you observe horses, alpacas, sheep, deer, kangaroos, emus and birdlife from walking paths
Both are included with your general admission ticket, so make time for each.
How do I get there?
The petting area is at the heart of the park, clearly signposted from the front entrance.
Address: 29 The Boulevarde, Gellibrand Lower VIC 3237 (on the Great Ocean Road between Lavers Hill and Princetown, about 15 minutes from the 12 Apostles).
Petting area FAQs
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Do I need to book the petting area?
No. The petting area is included with general admission and there are no booking slots. Just turn up.
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Can I bring my own food for the animals?
No, please don't. Our feeding bags are formulated specifically for kangaroos, wallabies and emus. Human food, bread, fruit and snacks are harmful to these animals.
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How long do people usually spend in the petting area?
Anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. Most visitors come back through multiple times during their visit.
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Is the petting area suitable for young children?
Yes, it is one of the most kid-friendly parts of the park. Adults should stay close to children and help them feed from a flat hand.
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Can I bring my dog or pet?
Sorry, no pets are allowed in the petting area.
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Is the petting area wheelchair and pram accessible?
Mostly yes. The terrain is flat and accessible. Get in touch ahead of your visit if you have specific access requirements.
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What is the difference between the petting area and the sanctuary walk?
The petting area is open-space, hands-on feeding. The sanctuary walk is a self-guided scenic walk where you observe animals from paths. Both are included in admission.