5 Reasons to Visit Symbio This Summer School Holidays

Summer school holidays are the perfect time to get the kids outside, burn off energy, and create lifelong family memories. If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and totally stress-free day out, Symbio Wildlife Park is the ultimate destination. Situated just minutes from the start of the Grand Pacific Drive and only a short trip from Wollongong and Sydney, Symbio offers the best of wildlife encounters, water play, scenic picnic spaces, and family-friendly attractions.

Here are five unforgettable reasons to visit Symbio these summer school holidays.

1. Get Up Close with Australia’s Favourite Animals

Nothing beats the magic of meeting your favourite animal!

At Symbio, kids can get eye-level with our famous kangaroos, hand-feed gentle farmyard animals, and meet adorable creatures like our koalas, meerkats, penguins, and more. Our keepers also run daily presentations, giving families the chance to learn about conservation and ask wildlife questions in an interactive, friendly environment.

Whether it’s your child’s first time seeing an emu or your teen is obsessed with reptiles, there’s something to spark curiosity at every turn.

Must-Do Experiences:

See our cheeky farmyard goats
Meerkat Encounters
Hand feed Little Penguins
Walk-through kangaroo paddock

There is truly something for everyone at Southern Sydney’s Favourite Zoo!

2. Cool Off in the Splash Park and Playground

When the temperature rises, families flock to Symbio’s huge Splash Park, one of the most popular summer attractions!

Featuring tipping buckets, water jets, mini fountains, and shaded seating for parents, it’s the perfect way to keep the kids cool during your day of adventure. Or head over and enjoy the Adventure Playground, packed with climbing frames, slides, and soft-fall surfaces.

Pro-tip: Pack swimmers, towels, sunscreen, and a change of clothes so your crew can jump between wildlife and water play all day long.

3. Picnic, BBQ and Relax in Beautiful Surroundings

Forget the rush of busy holiday destinations, Symbio offers plenty of green open spaces designed for families to unwind. Bring your own picnic or grab a feed from he cafe and hang out under the shaded shelters. There’s room for everyone!

Families looking for a slower-paced afternoon can spread out near the Splash Park, find a quiet table surrounded by trees, or grab a cold drink, snack, ice-cream, and freshly prepared meal!

If you’re planning a meet-up with friends, mothers’ groups, or extended family, Symbio is one of the most convenient and relaxed spots to host a summer catch-up.

4. School Holiday Activities

Looking for the perfect school holiday activity for animal-loving kids? Symbio’s Junior Keeper Camp is the ultimate hands-on wildlife experience designed for children aged 7–13. This unforgettable full-day adventure lets junior keepers step behind the scenes, meet our animals up close, help prepare enrichment, learn how keepers care for wildlife, and discover what it’s really like to work at a zoo. Led by our expert animal care team, the program blends fun, learning, and confidence-building activities, making it one of the most popular education experiences in the Illawarra and Sydney region.

With limited spaces available each school holiday period, Junior Keeper Camp often sells out, so early bookings are highly recommended.

5. It’s the Perfect Full-Day Adventure Close to Home

Symbio is only 3 minutes off the freeway!

…making it an easy day out without the stress of long drives.

Families can also extend their adventure by pairing Symbio with local hotspots like:

Whether you’re planning a big family day or just need to get the kids out of the house, Symbio is the perfect summer solution.