Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary

Overview Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is a marine and terrestrial wildlife sanctuary focused on the rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term care of native animals. Established in 1970, the facility provides a home for animals that cannot be released back into the wild due to injury or illness, including Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, Australian sea lions, little blue penguins, and green sea turtles. The sanctuary's mission is centred on conservation and education, offering visitors interactive programs and presentations designed to promote awareness and responsible stewardship of marine ecosystems.

The sanctuary operates as a not-for-profit organisation and is involved in conservation programs such as the Australasian Species Management Program and the #SealTheLoop initiative to combat fishing line entanglement. In addition to daily presentations, the facility offers a range of bookable, hands-on experiences with its resident animals. All profits from visitor admissions and experiences support the sanctuary's animal care, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts.

Highlights

• Features marine animals including dolphins, Australian sea lions, little blue penguins, and turtles.
• Offers daily presentations and educational talks about marine life and conservation.
• Provides bookable, up-close animal encounters such as meeting or swimming with dolphins and seals.

Community Sentiment (The "Vibe")

What parents like: Visitors often praise the knowledgeable and passionate staff, the educational value of the presentations, and the opportunity for close encounters with the animals. The smaller size of the park is also seen as manageable for families.

What to watch out for: Some visitors and advocacy groups express ethical concerns about the animals, particularly dolphins, being housed in habitats they consider small or unnatural.

Logistics & Tips

Best for: All ages for general admission. Specific encounters have age restrictions, such as 'Meet the Dolphin' (minimum 4 years old) and the in-water 'Dolphin Experience' (minimum 10 years old and 130cm). School holiday programs are available for ages 8-16.

Facilities: Onsite café ('Peckish Penguin'), gift shop, toilets, baby changing facilities, and car parking. The sanctuary is noted as being all-weather and accessible for prams and wheelchairs.

Note: Pre-booking tickets online is recommended to secure a preferred date. The sanctuary does not permit assistance animals due to the welfare of its resident animals. The facility is open daily from 9 am to 3 pm.