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30 (26) Australian Reptile Park
The Australian Reptile Park resides on, or at least close by, to
the site of the Old Sydney Town theme park about an hours drive
north of Sydney. If you look closely on your way out you should
see some of the old buildings / facades and picnic areas. The drive
itself is a pleasure if you haven't done it before and aren't stuck
in a traffic jam. The road has been cut deep into the earth and
Hawkesbury River looks spectacular.
The Australian Reptile Park is sign posted from the freeway by
a giant dinosaur billboard and their is also a large thrilly Priscilla
Queen of the Desert Lizard (not a drag queen) on top of the entrance.
This made for a big, and slightly scary introduction for my two
year old which was soon offset by a cartoon sign for Eric the Crocodile.
The slightly scary but very family friendly theme seemed to continue
for rest of the morning.
On the one hand we listened to tales (Reptile show 11am) of a kookaburra
taking out eyes and rattle snakes eating cowboys. There is the largest
collection of Alligators I've ever seen, crocs, spiders, snakes,
lizards etc
The family friendly is evidenced by a nicely well spread picnic
area with pet friendly emus and kangaroos and an excellent children's
park nearby.
Of the exhibits I'd rate the Cassowary the highest (even though
I didn't actually see one), the friendliest and fastest moving wombat
I've ever seen and weirdest turtle I've ever seen re the Alligator
turtle. Now I think that's three 'ever seens' which is pretty good
for one day.
The environment in the park is relaxed and laid back which may
well rub off on the residents. Its a good day out.
To fill in a few holes / stand on a soapbox:
Cassowaries are rare and endangered so if the Reptile Park is looking
after theirs properly and not forcing them on show then I applaud
them. If they were just on holiday can I have my money back please.
Don't we have enough snakes in Australia. Rattle snakes maybe more
crowd pleasing but surely not necessary. Secondly, the talk was
too repetitive we 'got it' that animals are dangerous the first
six times.
Finally, it is a jungle out there and zoos are competing with each
other, The Reptile Park could offer some water based tours such
a trip on Alligator Lake. Come on guys, apply your imagination and
the people will come.
For more official information as opposed to my rantings:
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