Taking pride of place in the northern NSW suburb of Knockrow is Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Macadamia Castle). For over 40 years it’s been a popular tourist destination located between Byron Bay and Ballina.
Please note: This article was written when the attraction was known as Macadamia Castle. Changes have been made since it became Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, so please check for updated information.
Visiting the castle itself is free and it features a cafe, animal fun park, nut bar, fine food section and a retail store with local goodies. It’s also a place where you can take kids for a full day’s entertainment and education.
>> Read more about animal adventures on the Gold Coast here.
Is there much for kids at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Macadamia Castle)?
Yes indeed. Kids will be amused for an entire day doing various supervised activities at the animal fun park held throughout the year. There are also a number of fabulous family-friendly activities that are always on the go. Best of all, while kids are amused parents can enjoy a day at the castle learning more about why northern NSW is one of the world’s largest producers of Macadamia nuts. Another option is visiting the beach a few kilometres away. It’s a win-win!
What is there to do at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Macadamia Castle)?
If you’re after a place to take the kids for the day to get them out and about then you can’t go wrong here. Kids can visit the animal park, play mini golf or engage with a number of activities that take place every day.
A train ride is just $2 and this all-ages ride gives kids and adults alike a chance to give tired legs a rest and explore the natural beauty of the park. You’ll be entertained by entertaining commentary from park keepers about the quirky residents. Scroll down for some other activities!
- An engaging bird flight show
- Meeting crocodiles and other reptiles
- Visiting and feeding baby animals
- Time with wombats and koalas
- An owl feed and keeper talk
- The chance to pat a rabbit
You can access the daily activity schedule by visiting here.
Keen to know what’s on for your trip? You can access the daily activity schedule by visiting here.
A day at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Macadamia Castle) Macadamia Castle
If you don’t get it all done in one day, why not come back and take the animal parks rainforest kangaroo walk or visit the baby chick house. In addition, you can also visit the park’s wide variety of farm and local native animals that are on show all day.
There are day passes, six-month pass and even annual passes. Prices depend on the age of your children and concession tickets are available.
The essentials regarding Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Macadamia Castle)
- Open 9am to 4pm daily except Christmas Day
- Facility is wheelchair and stroller friendly
- Sells more than 200 locally-made products
- Offers six acres of family attractions
- Features 150 native and farmyard animals, birds and reptiles
- 18 hole mini golf course
- Variety of boutique food and beverages available
- The car park is caravan friendly
- Eftpos facilities available
Entry cost at a glance:
Adults: $29.50 day pass / $80 annual pass
Children (2-16): $19 day pass / $70 annual pass
Concession: $22 day pass / $75 annual pass
Where exactly is Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Macadamia Castle)?
The castle is hard to miss, well, because it’s a castle! But it’s located just two minutes from the Lennox Head exit off the Pacific Motorway. The actual address is 419 Hinterland Way Knockrow in NSW.
If you’re after some easier directions from a friendly staff member, call them on 02 6687 8432. To visit the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Macadamia Castle) visit here.
