Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, at Nulkaba near Cessnock in the heart of the Hunter wine country, is a much-loved family attraction a scenic drive from Newcastle. A hands-on wildlife park, it's built a strong following for its interactive approach — the chance to get close to and feed a wide range of native and exotic animals in a relaxed, spacious setting.

The appeal is that interactive, family-focused experience: meeting and feeding kangaroos, koalas and a variety of other animals, making it a great day out for kids and a lovely addition to a Hunter Valley visit. The open, walk-around setting lets families explore at their own pace, and it pairs naturally with the region's wineries and attractions.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 2,800 reviews, it's clearly a hit with families. Admission, opening hours, animal encounters and feeding times vary, and it's a sizeable park that takes time to explore, so it's worth checking current details before you go — and allowing a good few hours, especially if you're visiting with kids who'll want to meet and feed as many animals as they can.