A Sydney wildlife park has beaten global heavyweights to be crowned the world’s most picturesque wildlife destination – at least according to Instagram.
According to new research, the most picturesque safari experience in the world isn’t in Africa – it’s right here in Australia. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park has topped Titan Travel’s most Instagram-worthy wildlife locations, based on the number of Instagram tags. But before you start comparing it to the Serengeti, it’s worth reading between the lines.
The list, which ranks safari destinations by how Instagrammable they are, crowned Featherdale – one of our must-see Sydney wildlife experiences – the winner with a whopping 160,000 tagged posts. Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria came second with 126,000 tags, while Sri Lanka’s Horton Plains National Park rounded out the top three with 94,400.
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park has topped Titan Travel’s most Instagram-worthy wildlife locations. (Image: Destination NSW)
So, how did a suburban wildlife park just west of Sydney beat the world’s most iconic safari spots?
It’s all about accessibility. Located just 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, Featherdale gives visitors the chance to get up close to Aussie icons like koalas, kangaroos, wombats and echidnas – all without needing to book a tour to the outback or hop a plane to Africa. It’s also home to rarer species like the Tasmanian devil and the glossy black cockatoo.
Plus, with a relatively affordable entry price of $44 for an adult, it’s no surprise that people are posting their wildlife selfies in droves. After all, when you can take a selfie with a quokkaand upload the proof in one afternoon, why wouldn’t you?
Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria came second.
Still, it’s worth noting that this ranking is based purely on Instagram popularity – not on size, scale or biodiversity. That means more accessible and urban-adjacent spots like Featherdale and Werribee naturally rake in more tags than remote or harder-to-reach destinations.
For context, the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve – where visitors can witness the Great Migration – came in at number seven, with 50,300 Instagram tags.
Despite the disclaimer, the list gives us a fascinating look at how people interact with wildlife experiences around the world. And it highlights something else, too: you don’t need to leave Australia to enjoy a snapshot-worthy experience.
Healesville Sanctuary was the fourth most popular wildlife experience.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Top five most Instagrammed wildlife experiences
1. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park (Australia) – 160,000 tags
2. Werribee Open Range Zoo (Australia) – 126,000 tags
3. Horton Plains National Park (Sri Lanka) – 94,400 tags
So whether you’re in it for the likes or the wildlife, it turns out some of the world’s most photogenic wildlife experiences might be closer to home than you think.
Visit the wombats at Moonlit Sanctuary.
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
Come for a couple of unmissable festivals, stay for a long, leisurely weekend of wining, dining and exploring all the heritage-rich glory Ballarat has to offer.
Far from a sleepy town, the historic city of Ballarat is an unexpectedly vibrant cultural and culinary destination. Year-round, it hosts a roster of events and experiences – including the upcoming Ballarat Heritage Festival, a celebration of the city’s past, and the new Ballarat Craft and Design Week, a must for fans of all things handmade and thoughtfully designed.
Beyond the festivals, there’s a bevy of things to see, do, eat and drink – making a weekend in Ballarat an absolute no-brainer.
Plus, just 90 minutes away from Melbourne by car along the Western Freeway or an easy train ride from Southern Cross, getting here is simple and stress-free.
Day 1
Morning
Peruse works by local First Nations artists at Perridak Arts. (Credit: Tony Evans)
Start your Ballarat jaunt at Johnny Alloo, a beautifully restored cafe harking back to the 1870s with original details and contemporary touches. Order a seasonal plate from the all-day brunch menu alongside a cleverly reimagined ‘cup of tea’ – the cafe’s very own Earl Grey-infused early bird spritz.
Next, head to Perridak Arts, a First Nations-owned and operated gallery filled with powerful works by local First Nations artists. Your next stop is Hop Lane, an alleyway crowned by a floating canopy of technicoloured umbrellas and centred on Hop Queen, a striking mural of a commanding female figure.
Afternoon
Create your own artworks at The Pottage. (Credit: Mass Motion)
Cobb’s Coffee is a firm favourite for consistently good coffee and thoughtful food, making it a solid lunch spot. The cafe’s signature sandwiches and toasties are well worth trying as you take in the heritage surrounds.
While away your afternoon at The Pottage, where Ballarat ceramicist and social media favourite Shelby Sherritt has just moved into brand-new digs. Try a throwing workshop, or pick a piece of pottery to paint from the extensive collection (the team will post it to you once it’s fired).
Now it’s time to check into Hotel Vera, the newest boutique accommodation in the city’s already-impressive line-up. The hotel presents a modern spin on Ballarat’s gold rush-era past – think design-led rooms, gold detailing and a curated art collection. There are only seven suites, each as beautifully finished as the next, with high-quality linens and plush furnishings.
Evening
Sit down to a seven-course feast at Babae. (Credit: Einwick)
Treat yourself to a pre-dinner drink at Grainery Lane. The saloon-style bar has rich, period-inspired decor (including an original bar top sourced from Chicago) and drinks reminiscent of 1900s classics, crafted with local ingredients.
Head back to Hotel Vera for a seven-course feast at Babae. This intimate dining room serves up a refined, ever-evolving menu made with exceptional produce and is a truly memorable experience.
Day 2
Spend the day at Ballarat Craft and Design Week. (Credit: Klapper Films)
Linger over a slow breakfast at Hotel Vera. You’ll graze your way through a spread of locally sourced treats, from toasted granola and pastries to seasonal fruit, and will need a strong coffee before a busy day at the main event: Ballarat Craft and Design Week.
This year marks the event’s inauguration, a celebration of artists, makers, designers and manufacturers. It’s a testament to Ballarat’s position as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.
The festival features a thoughtfully curated roster of events and activities, including free talks, hands-on workshops where you can craft your own keepsake, displays, studio tours and more. The central theme is Bound, with a flagship exhibition hosted in Ballarat’s grand and iconic Mining Exchange. The exhibition brings together five immersive projects designed to be touched, explored and experienced.
Afternoon
Discuss your favourite artworks over lunch at Pancho. (Credit Einwick)
The Craft and Design program continues at The Unicorn Collection. The gallery is hosting Why Are You Here?, an installation presented by artists from the community that centres on the meaning of Ballarat as home.
Recharge with lunch at Pancho, which turns out vibrant food from across Central and South America. Make sure to order from the specials board, often featuring dishes from more far-flung locations.
For a top-up of local craftsmanship, a visit to Wootten is a must. This workshop and retail space is a Ballarat institution, making and selling made-to-order and customised footwear alongside a selection of handcrafted leather goods.
Evening
Ballarat’s streets contain incredible dining options. (Credit: Tony Evans)
Book a table at Mr Jones, headed by chef Damian Jones, who’s worked in Michelin-Starred restaurants around the globe. The modern Asian menu changes weekly, but you can always expect the very best ingredients cooked with precision and restraint.
Finish off your day of art and exploration with a nightcap (and maybe a cheeky late-night snack) at Renard. This intimate and atmospheric cocktail bar does clever drinks alongside French-leaning small plates – we love the smoked trout pate and goat’s cheese doughnuts.
Day 3
Morning
Stop into Black Cat Truffles before heading home. (Credit Einwick)
It’s your final morning in Ballarat (that is, until you inevitably return), so it’s worth making it an unhurried one. Turret Cafe is your best bet for a relaxed and satisfying breakfast, with a produce-driven all-day menu and excellent coffee inside a character-filled setting.
A wander around the leafy Ballarat Botanical Gardens, followed by an excursion to Ross Creek Gallery, is the ideal way to stretch your legs after your morning feast. The gardens are replete with seasonal flower displays and heritage-listed trees, while the gallery is hosting a group exhibition centred on printmakers from across the region as part of Craft and Design Week.
Farewell your weekend escape – and fuel up for the journey home – at Black Cat Truffles. True to its name, the restaurant serves truffle-infused dishes (alongside regular fare) and the surrounding farm hosts truffle hunts and experiences. Pair your meal with a drop from the on-site Meredith Wines cellar door.
