Somewhere out there is a version of these school holidays where your kids hang out with a Capybara. Or a Meerkat. Or a Clown Pied Ball Python!
Where they meet a koala, drive a digger, get gloriously lost in a maze, and come home glowing, muddy and full of stories.
That version is real. It’s twenty minutes from the M1. And this guide is how you plan it.
Bookmark this one. Here’s everything happening at Amazement this July, and how to build your family’s perfect day around it.
What’s happening these school holidays?
Three new features this school holidays in this order: MUM. DAD. LOOK!
The Junior Wildlife Keeper program is back — two dates only. Also below. (Also fills fast.)
A brand-new Clown Pied Ball Python has arrived. The park’s newest resident is settling in beautifully — all gorgeous patterned scales and calm, curious charm. Meet them at the daily reptile presentations (11.30am and 2.30pm), and keep an eye out for the community naming competition.
The Construction Zone is in full swing. Real diggers, real controls, real hard-hat-wearing, earth-moving glory for your resident little builder.
When is the Junior Wildlife Keeper program?
Two dates these holidays — Tuesday 8th July and Monday 14th July.
This is the one where your child puts on the keeper’s cap, goes behind the scenes, feeds the animals and learns what real wildlife keepers actually do. It’s part adventure, part education, and entirely the story they’ll be telling at school for the rest of term.
Spots are strictly limited on both dates, so if there’s one thing you book ahead, make it this.
What animal encounters can we book?
Here’s the bit many first-time visitors don’t realise: the penguins are just the beginning. Amazement runs a whole menu of up-close, keeper-guided encounters — each one small-group, hands-on and completely unforgettable.
Meerkat Encounter — Curious, playful and full of personality, the mob will steal your heart (and possibly pose for your camera — the keeper will help you get the perfect shot). Private keeper time and fun facts included.
Marmoset Experience — Fifteen magical minutes with the tiniest, most inquisitive monkeys you’ve ever seen, with a keeper sharing all their secrets.
Capuchin Family Encounter — Enter the exhibit with the park’s cheeky capuchin family, hand-feed them and help with their daily enrichment. Mischief guaranteed, memories included.
Tortoise Feeding — Meet the park’s slow-and-steady superstars and hand them their lunch. This one can be booked on the day at admissions — just ask one of the friendly keepers at entry.
Capybara Cuteness and Coolness — Come face to face with the world’s largest rodent and discover just how charming they really are!
Good to know before booking: encounters are intimate by design — most are capped at just two guests per session, some have minimum ages, and children under 16 need a paying adult with them. All encounters depend on animal welfare and may be rescheduled in weather that affects the animals’ wellbeing — which tells you everything about how these animals are cared for.
What’s included with general admission?
Plenty. Once you’re through the gates, your crew can fill the whole day with:
- Magical mazes — multiple mazes to conquer (race you to the middle)
- Free daily animal presentations — reptile talks at 11.30am & 2.30pm, koala presentation at 12.30pm, wildlife shows and donkey walks throughout the day
- Petting zoo and bottle feeding — sessions from 9.30am, perfect for little hands
- The Construction Zone — diggers at the ready
- Playground, RhinoPlay and giant games — for burning off whatever energy somehow remains
Then add the extras that make the day: the Maze Express train ride (11am, 1pm and 3pm — spot the lions, camels and ostriches of Central Coast Zoo along the way, and grab camel cookies to hand-feed the camels), pony rides (11.30am–12.30pm), and amusement rides (11am–2pm daily these holidays).
How do we plan the perfect day?
The WOW-maximising game plan:
- 9.30am — Arrive at opening and head straight to bottle feeding while little hands are freshest
- Mid-morning — Your booked encounter (penguins, if you’re taking the July deal)
- 11am — The Maze Express train for the grand tour (camel cookies: essential)
- 11.30am — Reptile presentation to meet the new python
- Lunch — Maze Terrace Café: hot food for the crew, proper coffee for you
- 12.30pm — Koala presentation
- Afternoon — Construction Zone, mazes, playground, pony rides
- 4pm — Home time, with happy, exhausted kids and a camera roll to prove it
Know before you go: the park is open 9.30am–4pm every day of the school holidays (last entry 3pm), at 170 Yarramalong Rd, Wyong Creek — minutes from the M1. Pack layers for the crisp winter mornings, closed shoes for the Construction Zone, and a spare set of clothes for your most enthusiastic explorer.
Ready to build your family’s best day of the holidays?
The python is waiting. The penguins are ready for breakfast. The diggers are fuelled up.
All that’s missing is your crew.
FAQs
What animal encounters are available at Amazement? Little Penguin, Meerkat, Marmoset, Capuchin Family, Tortoise Feeding and the Capybaras — all small-group, keeper-guided experiences. Penguin Encounters are 50% off for July.
Do encounters include park entry? Encounter bookings and general admission are separate — check the details on each encounter page when booking, and note the July penguin discount applies to the encounter price only.
When does the Junior Wildlife Keeper program run these holidays? Two dates: Tuesday 8th July and Monday 14th July. Spots are limited and pre-booking is essential.
What are the park’s school holiday opening hours? 9.30am–4pm every day of the holidays, with last entry at 3pm.
Is Amazement suitable for toddlers? Wonderfully — bottle feeding, the petting zoo, train and pony rides and the playground are made for little ones, while bigger kids get the mazes, diggers and encounters.
