Meet some iconic Aussie animals, including emus, wombats, snakes and lizards, as you explore the 90 hectare wildlife refuge located at Bargo, New South Wales.

After a day exploring, stop by the White Waratah Café for a bite to eat. The Café prides itself on sustainability and ethics, and has a range of delicious plant-based treats on the menu.

The Australian Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of educational opportunities and is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers.

History

The sanctuary was started in 1962 by conservationist and educator, Dr Thistle Stead AM. Thistle was a prolific author and published twelve books – the first of which was ‘Wildflowers of Australia’ (1938). This publication helped popularise the recognition and appreciation of Australian native plants. It set in motion a chain of events which established an international appreciation of Australia’s flora.

Thistle started the sanctuary in memory of her husband, David George Stead. David and Thistle shared the same vision of conservation of Australia’s flora and fauna. David was a noted marine biologist, pioneer conservationist, and a key player in stopping the export of koala and wombat skins to overseas countries.

In 1965 the Stead Foundation gifted the sanctuary and its buildings to the National Trust (NSW) and since 2019, it has been managed by the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary.