THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
This January, Aussie Ark opens its gates for a limited time. Join guided tours to see and learn about Australia’s endangered species and conservation efforts at one of the country’s largest wildlife sanctuaries.
This January, Aussie Ark opens its gates for a limited time. Join guided tours to see and learn about Australia’s endangered species and conservation efforts at one of the country’s largest wildlife sanctuaries.
Book with Aussie Ark
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Aussie Ark · Tomalla, New South Wales
Located in the heart of Tomalla, New South Wales, Aussie Ark stands as one of Australia's largest conservation facilities dedicated to protecting the nation's endangered native species. From January 1 to February 1, 2026, this exclusive Summer Open Days event invites visitors to step behind the scenes of this vital wildlife sanctuary. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aussie Ark offers an immersive, guided tour experience beginning promptly at 11 a.m., giving adventurers a rare chance to encounter some of Australia’s most threatened animals firsthand.
Situated within striking natural surroundings accessed via Tomalla Road, Aussie Ark is uniquely positioned near the entrance to Barrington Tops National Park—a region renowned for its ancient rainforests and diverse ecosystems. Though the National Park itself is temporarily closed due to recent weather events, the facility remains accessible, preserving this gateway to conservation exploration.
Visitors embarking on the guided tour can expect to meet iconic creatures including the Tasmanian devil, spotted tree frogs, and brush-tailed rock-wallabies, each part of Aussie Ark’s ambitious breeding and habitat restoration programs. These species represent critical pieces of Australia’s ecological puzzle, and the Ark serves as a lifeline, helping prevent their extinction. The enclosures and habitats have been thoughtfully designed to mimic natural environments, providing authentic encounters and educational insights.
Beyond animal encounters, Aussie Ark fosters a connection between people and the land. It highlights regional biodiversity and the critical role of community-supported conservation efforts. At the site, guests can enjoy light refreshments from the BBQ offering sausage sandwiches, steak or cheeseburgers, alongside coffee and snacks, making for a relaxed visit rooted in local flavors.
The onsite gift shop features exclusive Devil Ark merchandise—perfect for visitors wanting a tangible memory or to support ongoing conservation work. Though simple in setup, Aussie Ark's Summer Open Days pack a powerful punch as a must-visit for nature lovers, families, and anyone eager to witness conservation in action.
For those staying in or near Gloucester, just a short drive away, Aussie Ark offers an unforgettable day trip combining wildlife appreciation, education, and the pristine environment of New South Wales. Whether you’re a dedicated wildlife enthusiast or curious traveler, this moment to engage with Australia’s endangered species promises lasting inspiration and adventure.
easy.
2.5 hours.
Suitable for most visitors with basic mobility; walking on uneven surfaces required.
Advance booking online is recommended to guarantee entry as spaces can fill quickly.
The tour includes some walking over uneven ground, which may be challenging for those with mobility limitations.
Yes, BBQ items, snacks, coffee, and drinks are available for purchase during Open Days.
Absolutely. Children aged 3-15 receive discounted tickets and can enjoy the educational experience.
Guests will meet several endangered animals such as Tasmanian devils, spotted tree frogs, and brush-tailed rock-wallabies.
Yes, parking is available onsite along Tomalla Road for visitors arriving by car.
Aussie Ark plays a key role in preserving native species once endangered by habitat loss and introduced predators, part of a broader national conservation strategy.
The facility focuses on captive breeding, research, and reintroduction programs to restore animal populations and protect local ecosystems sustainably.
Aussie Ark is a conservation sanctuary located near Tomalla in New South Wales, focused on protecting and showcasing endangered Australian wildlife. The sanctuary offers guided wildlife experiences and on-site accommodation options that place visitors close to the natural habitat of species such as Tasmanian Devils and Eastern Quolls. Accommodation options include Devil’s Retreat, a spacious Barrington Tops property with four bedrooms, a self-contained kitchen, fireplaces, and outdoor BBQ facilities suitable for families and groups of up to 10 guests. Devil’s Retreat provides cozy evenings by the fire and star-lit BBQ nights, and is located approximately 11 km from the Aussie Ark sanctuary. Quoll’s Cottage is a smaller two-bedroom mountain cottage in the Barrington Tops that accommodates families, couples, or groups of up to eight guests. The cottage features a fully equipped kitchen, a warm fireplace, and BBQ facilities for relaxed, self-catered stays. Aussie Ark runs the Devils in the Wild Tours, guided by Rangers and offering close observation of endangered species in natural settings while explaining conservation programs and species recovery work. Tours and stays combine wildlife viewing with access to the New England high country, offering options from one night to multi-night stays including 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-night packages as well as open days. Visitors booking with Aussie Ark choose experiences that balance immersive wildlife encounters with comfortable, self-contained accommodation in the Barrington Tops region. Aussie Ark provides short and extended stays, from one night to week-long retreats, aligned with on-site conservation activities and guided tours.
Book with Aussie Ark