Make a Day of Your Visit: 10 Things to Do Near Symbio Wildlife Park
Located just over an hour south of Sydney, Symbio Wildlife Park is the perfect starting point for a family adventure through the beautiful Helensburgh and Illawarra region.
Whether you’re visiting for a school holiday adventure, a weekend escape, or a day trip from Sydney, there’s plenty to explore nearby once you’ve met our incredible animals.
From coastal views and rainforest walks to beaches and local adventures, here are some of our favourite things to do after your visit to Symbio.
1. Meet the Animals at Symbio Wildlife Park
Your adventure begins at Symbio!
Spend the day connecting with more than 500 animals, including koalas, kangaroos, quokkas, red pandas, meerkats, cheetahs and more.
Explore our wildlife habitats, enjoy keeper talks, cool off in our Splash Park, and discover how Symbio is helping protect threatened species through conservation programs.
Don’t forget to check out our animal experiences, where you can get even closer to some of your favourite animals.
2. Take in the Views from Bald Hill Lookout
Just minutes from Symbio, Bald Hill offers one of the most spectacular coastal viewpoints in NSW.
Look south across the Illawarra coastline, watch hang gliders launch from the escarpment, and take in views stretching across Stanwell Park, the Sea Cliff Bridge and beyond.
It’s the perfect spot for a family photo after your wildlife adventure.
3. Drive Across the Iconic Sea Cliff Bridge
The Sea Cliff Bridge is one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives.
Stretching along the cliff face between Coalcliff and Clifton, this engineering masterpiece offers breathtaking ocean views and is a must-visit stop along the Grand Pacific Drive.
4. Relax at Stanwell Park Beach
Looking for somewhere to unwind after your wildlife adventure?
Stanwell Park Beach is a beautiful family-friendly destination surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery.
Pack a picnic, enjoy the sand and surf, or simply relax while taking in the views.
5. Explore the Royal National Park
Just a short drive from Symbio, the Royal National Park is one of Australia’s oldest national parks and offers incredible opportunities to connect with nature.
Discover rainforest walks, waterfalls, coastal trails and native wildlife throughout this spectacular natural landscape.
6. Discover Local Cafés and Food Experiences
Extend your visit with a stop at one of the region’s local cafés, bakeries and restaurants.
Whether you’re after coffee, lunch, a sweet treat or a relaxing meal after a big day exploring, the Helensburgh and Illawarra region has plenty to offer.
Helensburgh
- Cafe Diem
- The Cupbearer
- The Local on Walker
- Helensburgh Hot Bread Shop
- Gelato Man
- Red Nectar
- Phu Thai Restaurant
Darkes Forest / Stanwell Tops
- Glenbernie Orchard (Darkes Cider)
- Flying High Café
Stanwell Park / Coalcliff / Northern Illawarra
- Uluwatu Blue
- Stanwell Park Beach Kiosk
Thirroul / Northern Beaches
- Earth Walker & Co
- Beaches Hotel
- Ryan’s Hotel
Wollongong
- Diggies North Wollongong
- Levendi
- Steamers Bar & Grill
- Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant
- His Boy Elroy
- North Beach Kiosk
- The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant
7. Visit Wollongong’s Beaches and Harbour
Continue south to Wollongong and explore its beautiful coastline.
Enjoy:
- North Wollongong Beach
- Wollongong Harbour
- Coastal walks
- Local shopping and dining
8. Chase Waterfalls and Rainforest Adventures
The Illawarra escarpment is home to some incredible natural landscapes.
Discover hidden waterfalls, walking tracks and lush rainforest environments just waiting to be explored.
9. Spot Wildlife in the Wild
After meeting animals at Symbio, continue your wildlife adventure outdoors.
Keep an eye out for native birds, wallabies, kangaroos and other Australian wildlife throughout the region’s parks and reserves.
Try a Wollongong Whales, Seals & Seabirds. Five Islands Nature Reserve Ecotour with The Abyss Project.Â
10. Stay Longer and Make a Weekend of It
There’s so much to see around Symbio that one day may not be enough.
Turn your visit into a weekend getaway and explore more of Sydney’s southern gateway.
July 8, 2026
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