Animal Sanctuaries to visit in Australia

Animal Sanctuaries to visit in Australia

This list of animal sanctuaries around Australia offers you the chance to embark on a memorable adventure, allowing you to visit and truly experience the magic that rescue animals can offer us all.

See the list below where you can book a visit, embark on a guided tour, and intimately connect with the charming residents. Prepare to be captivated by the stories of these adorable creatures up close, fostering a sense of compassion and understanding that few encounters can match.

Visiting an Animal Sanctuary

When visiting a sanctuary, this experience isn’t just for you; it’s an opportunity to share the wonder with your children and the animals you are visiting. Rather than opting for a traditional zoo visit, consider bringing your little ones along to an ethical alternative such as the places mentioned below. Observing these animals in a sanctuary environment imparts invaluable lessons about empathy, fostering a deep respect for all living beings.

Moreover, these sanctuaries serve as ideal places to bring family members who might be on the fence about embracing a vegan lifestyle. Seeing the joy, freedom, and contentment of these animals firsthand can often inspire a change of heart, making your visit not just a personal adventure but a potential catalyst for broader, positive change. So, prepare to be inspired, educated, and thoroughly enchanted as you step into the world of these remarkable sanctuaries across Australia. 

There might just be one nestled close to your own backyard, waiting to offer you an experience you and your loved ones will cherish forever.

Let’s take a look at the list!

 Moo to Ewe Sanctuary | NSW

Since June 2018, Moo to Ewe Sanctuary has been family-led and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, offering a haven to over 50 rescued animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas, roosters, hens, ducks, and wildlife. This non-profit organisation is committed to educating and fostering a connection between humanity and these sentient beings. Their mission revolves around promoting kind and ethical actions and encouraging people to make compassionate choices in their daily lives.

Details

• Public Tours: Moo to Ewe offers public tours.
• Weekly Weekend Tours: Tours are available every Saturday and Sunday, starting at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Booking Required: Reservations are necessary, and you can easily book through their Airbnb Experience listing, which offers a convenient booking platform.
• Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personalised tour with a maximum of 8 people per group.
• Booking Link: To book your tour, visit their Airbnb listing: Moo to Ewe on Airbnb

Loki’s Lodge | VIC

This local registered not-for-profit organisation is passionately dedicated to animal welfare, specifically focusing on finding homes for surrendered rural animals. As people increasingly move away from rural areas, leaving behind their beloved animals, this organisation steps in, offering care and rehoming services.

Situated on an 80-acre property north of Melbourne, they not only provide a safe haven for these animals but also utilize their site for public education, shedding light on the challenges faced by farmed animals.

Through education, they strive to raise awareness about animal suffering within the agricultural industry, believing that knowledge is the key to transforming societal attitudes towards the welfare of farmed animals.

Details

• Location: Derrinal, Victoria
• Scheduled Tours: Loki’s Lodge typically runs four tours a year in Autumn and Spring, by donation.
• Private Group Tours: Although private tours for this year have concluded, groups of 10 or more can inquire about arranging a large group tour by sending them a direct message.
• Booking Link: contact us page or send them a direct message on Instagram

Happily Heifer After | QLD

Happily Heifer After, a registered charity located on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming mistreated and abandoned animals. Their mission involves providing medical care, nutrition, shelter, and a nurturing environment to animals that have endured neglect and suffering. Since January 2019, they have saved over 600 lives, including animals considered ‘waste’ in the agriculture industry. The sanctuary offers a safe haven for all animals, ensuring they can live out their natural lives without harm. Happily Heifer After not only provides a permanent home for animals but also focuses on education, sharing the stories of these creatures to foster connections between people and the animals they consume. Their work is driven by compassion, love, and the belief that animals are here to live harmoniously with us, inspiring others to adopt cruelty-free and compassionate lifestyles.

Details

• Public Tours: Public tours are usually held at the end of each month on either a Saturday or Sunday. Note that tours are not available from November to January due to hot weather conditions.
• Next Tour: The next public tour is on Sunday, October 29th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. These tours last for 2 hours and include a guided tour of the sanctuary where you’ll learn about the residents’ stories, followed by some quality cuddle time.
• Pricing: Public tours cost $30 per person, with a special rate of $100 for a family of four.
• Private Tours: Private tours are also available for groups of 4, priced at $250. These tours offer a more customised and private experience.
• Booking Link: Visit

Rabbit Sanctuary | NSW

• Location: Grafton, NSW
• Visit Arrangements: The Rabbit Sanctuary offers visits for those interested in volunteering, and these arrangements can be made directly with Kim, the sanctuary coordinator. There are no set days and times for these visits.
• Volunteer All Ages: Volunteers of all ages are welcome, as long as they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
• Booking Link: www.rabbitsanctuary.com.au/contact-us or contact Kim Cooney at 0416 062 947 (please text your message)
  

Farm Animal Rescue Sanctuary | QLD

Nestled in the picturesque Pine Rivers district, just 45 minutes north of Brisbane CBD and conveniently located 90 minutes from the Gold Coast and 45 minutes from the Sunshine Coast, Farm Animal Rescue Sanctuary offers a heartwarming experience for animal lovers. The sanctuary provides a safe refuge for animals rescued from abusive situations and factory farms, allowing visitors to witness their incredible journeys towards a better life.

Details

Open Day Tours:

• When: Open days run from 10 am to 2 pm.
• Guided Walking Safaris: Departure times at 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:00 p.m., lasting around 90 minutes. Guests are accompanied by knowledgeable guides, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
• Visitor Area: Arrive between tour times and enjoy the visitor area. Tofurky sausage sizzles and other treats are available for purchase.
• Donation: A suggested $5 donation is appreciated to support the sanctuary’s mission.
• Children: Children under 15 must be supervised as animals roam freely. Certain areas, like those with cattle and pigs, require navigating steep paths.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, water, long trousers, and mandatory fully enclosed shoes for safety reasons.
• Animal Interaction: Visitors get the chance to interact with the animals, including patting sheep, cuddling goats, and feeding roosters, while hearing their inspiring rescue stories.

Private Visits:

• Duration: Private walking safaris last 90 minutes and offer an intimate experience with the sanctuary animals.
• Terrain: The sanctuary’s hilly terrain involves walking significant distances. Not all animals may be visible due to their free-ranging nature.
• Visitor Responsibility: Visitors must adhere to safety guidelines and follow instructions from animal care staff.
• Booking: Private tours can be booked online for groups of 1 to 9 people at $195 per group.
• Booking Link: www.farmanimalrescue.org.au

Additional Information:

• Donations: Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, watermelons, bananas, grapes, strawberries, pumpkins, pears, and carrots are welcome for the animals. Additionally, packaged vegan food items for the sanctuary’s interns are appreciated.
• Merchandise: Visitors can purchase sanctuary merchandise from the visitor centre.
• Important Note: Visitors should have at least an average level of fitness and mobility due to hilly paths.
• Sensitive Content: The sanctuary provides age-appropriate content, recognising that some animal rescue stories may be distressing for younger visitors.
• Disclaimer: Visitors will be required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival.
• Booking Link: www.farmanimalrescue.org.au/what-we-do/visit-the-sanctuary/

Farm Animal Rescue Sanctuary offers a profound opportunity to connect with animals, learn their stories, and contribute to their well-being. Book your visit online and embark on a transformative journey, witnessing firsthand the resilience and joy of these rescued beings.

Kermandieridge Farm Sanctuary | Tasmania

Kermandie Ridge Farm Sanctuary is dedicated to providing a secure and caring home for farm animals in need. Their mission involves rehoming animals to loving environments and offering a forever sanctuary for those who cannot be re-homed, allowing them to live their lives in peace and happiness.

They do public tours, but they are by appointment as every day is different. Please contact the team to set up a day/time to visit.

• Booking Link: https://kermandieridgefarmsanctuary.org/contact/

Cranky’s FARM (Farm Animal Rescue Mission) | QLD

Cranky’s FARM is a registered charity dedicated to caring for unwanted, neglected or abused farm animals. Cranky’s FARM has been operating since 2010

Details

• Location: Queensland
• Public Days: Check their event calendar for open days and events.
• Private Tours: Available upon request via website contact button, email (info@crankysfarm.org.au), or social media message.

Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary | WA

Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary in Mount Helena, Western Australia, is managed by Chris and Mark along with dedicated volunteers. They care for 230 native and farm animals on their 30-acre property. The sanctuary was founded after Chris took in a woolly orphan named Missy, marking a turning point in their lives. The organisation is licensed and registered with relevant authorities, allowing tax-deductible donations.

Details

• Location: Mount Helena, Western Australia
• Resident Animals: 270+
• Tours: Scheduled sanctuary tours, dates and times vary. See the link below for available dates.
• Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/634378

Furever Farm | SA

Furever Farm, a charity rescue/sanctuary in South Australia, relies on donations to provide care for unwanted, abused, and orphaned rural animals. Their mission includes providing love, care, devotion, commitment, educating the community, and making a promise to continue their efforts. The founders became advocates for farm animals after learning about their mistreatment in slaughterhouses. Since 2016, they have rescued and cared for various animals, including lambs, bobby calves, horses, ducks, chickens, and pigs, and now provide a home for 150 animals.

Details

• Location: Rockleigh, South Australia
• Booking details: Available year-round; tours can be scheduled on weekdays and weekends at mutually convenient times. The tours will include stories about the animals and education.
• Booking: Please contact the team via Facebook, Instagram or 0434 842 621.

Greener Pastures Sanctuary | WA

Greener Pastures Sanctuary, located in Waroona, Western Australia, is a family-run refuge spanning 100 acres, providing a home for neglected, abandoned, and mistreated animals rescued from slaughter. 

Founded by Rachael Parker and her family in March 2013, the sanctuary houses 170 rescued animals, including farm animals, cats, dogs, rabbits, galahs, and foxes. 

Rachael, a former veterinary nurse, along with her husband Dave and their children Phoenix and Aurora, dedicates their lives to caring for these animals and promoting a vegan lifestyle. 

The sanctuary encourages visitors to learn about the animals’ stories and advocates for kinder food choices. Despite the challenges, the sanctuary continues to operate through donations and the support of animal lovers, aiming to change people’s perceptions about farm animals and inspire compassionate choices.

Details

• Location: Western Australia
• Resident Animals: 150+
• Tours: 1-2 tours monthly, limited to 15 people for a personalised experience. Tours last 1.5 to 2 hours and are led by volunteers who share animal stories and industry facts. (check their Facebook events tab for specific dates)
• Private Tours: Available upon request; contact for details.
• Booking Link: Tours

Where Pigs Fly | NSW

Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary, founded in 2014 in Sydney, Australia, rescues and cares for hundreds of farmed animals, aiming to raise awareness about animal agriculture’s abuses. They treat animals as friends, not food, educating thousands of people about their situation and the impact of animal agriculture on health and the environment. The sanctuary advocates for cruelty-free living and urges others to join their mission for a compassionate world.

Details

• Location: New South Wales
• Tours: Typically one Sunday/weekend per month; November tours are sold out, next tours are on 9 and 10 December. Private Tours are also available.
• Ages: Tours are suitable for ages 6yrs+ (for safety reasons), with plans for child-friendly tours during summer school holidays. Check their website for more details.
• Bookings: visit https://www.wherepigsfly.org/visit_us/ for booking and event details

Deathrow Unchained | QLD

DRU is an animal rescue organisation dedicated to saving abused, neglected, and abandoned animals of all kinds, offering them a chance at life when they have no other options. They are open to the public for tours and run therapeutic programs focusing on disabilities, mental health, and victims of violence. The organisation operates solely with volunteers, currently having over 175 volunteers, and relies entirely on community support for funding. They provide care for over 180 animals in their sanctuary and have saved over 4500 animals through rehoming programs. Their efforts extend to various animals, including dogs, cats, farm animals, and wildlife. They prioritise the rescue of seniors, large dogs, and animals with high medical needs, emphasising compassion over popular breeds or sizes.

Details

• Location: Brisbane
• Tours: Tours at DRU are conducted every Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. and lasting approximately an hour. Tours are held every weekend all year round unless of a significant weather event or other unforeseen circumstances. Visitors have the opportunity to hear the stories of all the beautiful animals at DRU and enjoy an up close and personal experience with some of them. Available tour dates are advertised online a few weeks in advance for people to peruse if they wish to book.
• Bookings: Weekend tours
• For private bookings and school events: email- sanctuary@deathrowunchained.org

The Owl & the Pussy Cat | NSW

Established in 2017 near Byron Bay, Australia, this family-run sanctuary spans 130 acres and offers a safe haven for rescued farm animals to rehabilitate with love and care. They provide permanent homes for animals in need and actively rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome neglected and abused individuals. Operating as a registered Australian charity, they are largely self-funded but appreciate donations and volunteer support.  They encourage visitors to meet their furry and feathered friends.

Details

• Location: 20 minutes to Byron Bay
• Private tours: Typically span a duration of 1.5 to 2 hours, and provide a personalised exploration of their sanctuary.
• Events: In addition to private tours, they also hold public events offering delectable vegan grazing platters, as well as impressive 2-meter-long grazing tables.
• Bookings: They are “super flexible with private tours and can usually accommodate any time that suits the visitor”. Visit their Contact Us page.

The Owl and The Pussy Cat’s commitment to the community is further evident through their assortment of public events, such as the upcoming ‘Nup to the Cup’ gathering, the festive ‘Christmas at the Sanctuary,’ and wellness-oriented events rooted in equine-assisted learning and connection principles, complete with immersive experiences like sound healings. Private versions of these events are also available for groups of friends or businesses, offering a more intimate and exclusive experience.

Their versatile approach extends to hosting vegan weddings and engagement parties, crafting memorable moments for special occasions.

For those seeking a complete sanctuary experience, The Owl and The Pussy Cat provides beautiful accommodation on their sprawling 130-acre seaside property. This allows guests to immerse themselves fully in the sanctuary’s unique and picturesque surroundings.

Notably, The Owl and The Pussy Cat operates as a 100% volunteer-run charity. Every tax-deductible dollar contributed directly supports the care of rescue residents and ongoing life-saving efforts, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the well-being of the animals they serve. 

Edgars Mission | VIC

Edgar’s Mission Sanctuary, located in Victoria, Australia, is a well-known animal sanctuary and rescue organization dedicated to providing lifelong love and care for rescued farm animals. Founded by Pam Ahern in 2003, Edgar’s Mission aims to create a humane and compassionate world for all animals, promoting kindness, understanding, and empathy.

The sanctuary provides a safe haven for a wide variety of animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and more, who have been rescued from neglect, abuse, or the farming industry. At Edgar’s Mission, these animals receive proper medical attention, nutritious food, and a loving environment where they can live out their lives peacefully.

In addition to rescue efforts, Edgar’s Mission is actively involved in animal advocacy and education. They conduct educational programs, tours, and events to raise awareness about animal welfare issues, factory farming, and the importance of compassion towards animals.

Overall, you will see that Edgar’s Mission Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope and compassion, providing not only a sanctuary for animals in need but also inspiring people to embrace a kinder and more ethical way of living.

Details

• Location: Victoria
• Bookings: Tours fill up fast. Booking early is highly recommended. Tours operate from September to June (as Winter is muddy and chilly)
• Tour types
  Free standard tours: Free. Run for around 1.5 hours covering 3 km. Strictly ages 10+ for safety reasons.
  Free short/kids tours: Free. Run for around one hour covering 2 km. Suitable for all ages. If you use a walker or wheelchair, please book this tour.
  Premium tour: $45. Running for around two hours and covering 4 km, this smaller group tour offers a more intimate and behind-the-scenes experience. Strictly ages 10+ for safety reasons.
• Booking Link: Visit The Sanctuary

If you’re unable to book a tour, there are alternative ways to experience Edgar’s Mission, such as volunteering or taking virtual tours.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Australia boasts a diverse and remarkable collection of animal sanctuaries, all bound by a shared commitment to providing love, care, and sanctuary for animals in need. These sanctuaries extend more than just heartwarming tours; they offer direct pathways for your involvement and support. Your contribution is profoundly meaningful to these organisations.

Whether you opt to purchase their merchandise, sponsor an endearing resident, volunteer your time, or make a tax-deductible donation, your support plays a pivotal role in covering the fundamental costs of nourishment and medical care for these beautiful animals, ensuring they receive the care and attention they so rightly deserve. By uniting with these sanctuaries, you not only enhance the lives of these creatures but actively contribute to their well-being and the noble cause of animal welfare.

Together, we can help shape a brighter future for all living beings, upholding the values of compassion, kindness, and empathy that bind us. As you embark on your journey to these sanctuaries, remember that bookings are essential at all of them. Your visit not only enriches your own understanding but also furthers the mission of creating a world where every being is cherished, respected, and loved.

Let us know what sanctuary you have visited or what’s on your bucket list. Have we missed any? If so, be sure to let us know by email or in the comments section.

LGV!