Exploring our local area: Australian Reptile Park

Part way between Newcastle & Sydney is the Australian Reptile Park. It was opened in 1948 - and I had *never* been there! That probably has a lot to do with the fact that snakes give me the creeps and judging by the name, I thought it was all snakes & lizards.

We headed off to meet my Mum, sister & nieces there on Monday - and I was blown away by how good it was.

There were lots of reptiles - some out "wild" in the enclosures, and some safely behind glass cages. The Lost World of Reptiles exhibit was awesome - I loved the iguana!! (but didn't get a photo because my batteries were flat by then :( )

Lizards & turtles

Some sort of Australian lizard - I think it's an Eastern Water dragon

Some reptiles were unexpected!

American alligator - *squirm*

Galapagos tortoise - feeding time!

Galapagos tortoise - so ugly, they're cute!

But there were also lots of "cute" (and smelly) Australian animals:

Dingo - Australian native dog

Koala with baby

Wombat

Rock Wallaby

Tasmanian devil - aggressive & very smelly!

Another koala!

Emu having a feed

and some beautiful bush to walk through as well.

Some sort of native flower - can't remember what but it was pretty!

It was well worth a visit - we'll be back!