Central Coast News

The wildlife park, renowned to be The Best Family Fun Day Out, also took home bronze in the Major Tourism Attractions category, selected by a judging panel for exceptional contribution to the NSW Tourism Industry.  In this category Australian Reptile Park was flattered to be on the podium alongside Sydney Bridge Climb and the Australian National Maritime Museum, who took out first and second consecutively.

To the park itself the biggest accolade was winning the people's vote.  “It’s a proud moment for all of us at Australian Reptile Park,” said Tim Faulkner, General Manager.

“Australian Reptile Park ingrains a memorable experience to our guests from the first time they visit, whether they’re a child or adult, and these memories carry on for a lifetime.  We pride ourselves on personalised service with hands-on animal interaction, entertaining and educational shows and the promise of an experience guests will want to return to enjoy again and again.

“It’s most satisfying to all staff that the people recognise our passion and commitment to tourism, and animal welfare by voting for Australian Reptile Park as People’s Choice Gold Winner.  We cannot thank all the voters enough, from all of us at the park we pass on a warm and big hearted thank you.”

The NSW Tourism Awards took place at Luna Park, led by the tourism industry, a division of the NSW Business Chamber and supported by Destination NSW.  The awards are a submission and inspection-based program that encourage businesses to meet and aim to exceed industry standards.  The People’s Choice Award recognises the winner of The People’s Choice on-line poll.  The finalist with the highest number of votes by the public takes out the honour, for which Australian Reptile Park dominated at this year’s awards.

Accepting the award at the Luna Park venue on behalf of Australian Reptile Park was Marketing Manager, Lizzie Doyle.  “It was a nice surprise for Australian Reptile Park to be recognised by the people,” said Lizzie.

“The Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier (Western Sydney) Mr. Ray Williams MP mentioned to me on stage that he still remembers visiting the Australian Reptile Park when he was a young boy, demonstrating just how memorable the park experience is to all who visit and I reiterate thanks again-and- again to all who voted for the park in the People’s Choice category.”

The Australian Reptile Park is the original ‘hands-on’ zoo, with a colourful history spanning nearly 60 years.  Located on the Central Coast of NSW, Australian Reptile Park features a unique visitor experience that includes not only reptiles, but also a wide range of native fauna and flora.  Visitors can spend a relaxing day viewing animal exhibits in natural Australian bush settings, enjoying a family BBQ in the company of kangaroos, emus, geese and the odd giant tortoise, plus a range of hands-on entertaining shows and multi-faceted themed exhibits.