Hit the road to Kyabram

Have you made the road trip to Kyabram Fauna Park yet? We have compiled our top tips to

make the most of your visit to the thriving town in northern Victoria.

WORDS Jo Stewart

Drive north from Melbourne and in about 2.5 hours you’ll reach Kyabram Fauna Park – the newest addition to the Zoos Victoria family, located on Yorta Yorta Country. Home to more than 600 resident animals (including Tasmanian Devils, Alpine Dingoes and free-roaming kangaroos, emus and wallabies), the Park’s dedicated team of staff and volunteers has welcomed visitors from near and far since it opened in 1976. Now, a new chapter is unfolding for the Park after 45 years of operation.

“Over the past four decades, our staff, volunteers and community have developed a strong commitment to conservation and education. Now, as part of the Zoos Victoria family, we are excited to see those efforts increase as more members and visitors come to enjoy the Park for the same reasons we love it,” says Lachlan Gordon, Director of Kyabram Fauna Park.

Creative connections

The relaxed pace of this agricultural region, famed for its dairy producers and fruit orchards, is a far cry from the buzz of the city. While driving around the town, you may notice a local landmark that has a special connection to Kyabram Fauna Park. In March 2021, artist Jimmy Dvate (real name James Beattie) spent four weeks completing a striking mural on a large water tank commissioned by Goulburn Valley Water.

Known for creating large-scale, colourful artworks featuring Australia’s flora and fauna, Jimmy says that he visited Kyabram Fauna Park for inspiration when planning the mural.

“Lachlan and the staff at Kyabram Fauna Park were a huge help. The Park was also a great resource for me to take reference photos, some of which I was able to use in the final mural, such as the Pink Cockatoo and the Bush Stone-curlew,” explains Jimmy.

Having run successful breeding programs for the Endangered Bush Stone-curlew and Vulnerable Malleefowl, Kyabram Fauna Park has a long history of supporting wildlife conservation. The Park is set to play a bigger role in the fight against wildlife extinction.

“Kyabram Fauna Park will help Zoos Victoria to expand our critical wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation work in northern Victoria, utilising the expertise and experience of the Kyabram Fauna Park team. We are now the largest zoo-based conservation organisation in the Southern Hemisphere, and together we can make a tangible difference for the species we share the earth with,” says Dr Jenny Gray, Zoos Victoria CEO.

Touring the region

There’s plenty to see and do in Kyabram, including a volunteer-run vintage cinema that screens movies and exhibitions by local artists at the Kyabram Town Hall Gallery. Allan Street is where to head to refuel, with cute cafes and a classic country bakery offering vanilla slices, lamingtons and pies.

Thirty minutes’ drive away, the regional centre of Shepparton is a popular stop, with the Shepparton Art Museum’s strong collection of contemporary Australian art and impressive ceramics gallery attracting visitors from Melbourne and beyond.

However, wildlife is the true drawcard for most members and visitors, with a range of native bird species delighting birders. Apart from the feathery friends who call the Kyabram Fauna Park aviaries home (including cockatoos, finches, owls and more) the Park also has a restored wetlands area that attracts a diverse range of birdlife.

Lachlan is keen to welcome more members and visitors from Melbourne to Kyabram, whether they come up for the day or make a weekend of it.

“We can’t wait to see more Zoos Victoria members visit Kyabram Fauna Park and enjoy the unique wildlife that call this place home,” says Lachlan. ZN

See the sights

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Kyabram Fauna Park is a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne and is open 10–5pm every day. Bring along your member card for seamless entry. Scan code (above) for more information.

Kyabram water tank art

Created by Melbourne mural artist Jimmy Dvate, the striking water tank art has added a splash of colour to Kyabram’s landscape. Have fun guessing the names of the native species depicted on the water tank.

Echuca paddlesteamers

Cruise down the mighty Murray River aboard an historic paddlesteamer while admiring the incredible redgums that line the riverbanks.

Shepparton Art Museum

Designed by acclaimed architects, the new Shepparton Art Museum building is home to more than 4000 works of art by creators from near and far.

WANT TO MAKE YOUR VISIT EXTRA SPECIAL?

Book an exclusive encounter with a cassowary, koala or dingo to learn more about these unique creatures. Members receive 10% off all animal encounters and 15% discount at the retail store.

zoo.org.au/kyabram