Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Dolphin Marine Conservation Park) in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales is dedicated to the conservation of native marine wildlife. A local family took over the park in late 2023 with the aim to create a more holistic wildlife sanctuary for marine animal welfare and the care of injured local wildlife.
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary cares for permanent residents like penguins, sea lions and dolphins and supports the rescue and rehabilitation of other marine wildlife. Part of their mission is to educate visitors by giving them the opportunity to get up close to the animals on guided tours, to better understand what’s needed to conserve each species.
Formerly known as the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park and Pet Porpoise Pool, the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the NSW Mid North Coast, between Sydney and Brisbane. The sanctuary overlooks the picturesque Coffs Creek and is close to Coffs Harbour’s popular Jetty precinct.
The sanctuary opened in 1970 as the Pet Porpoise Pool - a rescue and rehabilitation centre for native marine animals - and that work continues today. It has evolved into a multi-award-winning marine and terrestrial wildlife centre and is now home to many marine animals including Australian sea lions, Indo-Pacific bottle-nose dolphins, green sea turtles, freshwater turtles, little blue penguins and local fish species.
For animals that can’t return to the wild due to injury or illness, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary becomes their ‘forever home.’ These cherished ambassadors, currently numbering around 40, help every day to educate the public and raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection.
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary invites visitors to engage with Australia’s unique marine and terrestrial wildlife through experiences that are interesting, educational and inspiring. The dedicated sanctuary team see it as a privilege to care for the amazing marine animal ‘ambassadors’ that call the park their home. They’re proud to be able to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured marine animals and wherever possible, release them back to the ocean.
The sanctuary plays a vital role in the Australasian Species Management Program and has successfully bred more than 14 Australian sea lion pups. These sea lions are endangered, with fewer than 8,000 remaining in the wild. Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is excited to be contributing to their survival.
A visit to Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a day out. It’s an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of marine conservation and leave inspired to help protect Australia’s incredible wildlife.
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is at 65 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.
There are a wide range of activities to participate in at the sanctuary - dolphin and sea lion experiences, Trainer for a Day, Animal Carer Experience, Dolphins at Dusk, Behind the Scenes tours and more!
Yes! The Peckish Penguin Cafe overlooks Coffs Creek and offers a selection of snacks, cakes, light meals, and hot and cold drinks.
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily from 9 am to 3 pm, including Christmas and Boxing Day. Peckish Penguin Cafe is open from 7.30 am to 2 pm daily for dine-in or takeaway.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
.avif)
We are a Green Travel Leader. This is awarded to businesses which have consistently proven their commitment to sustainable tourism management over ten years.
As a Sustianable Tourism accredited business, we are proud to offer engaging tourism experiences that follow sound sustainability practices and environmental appreciation.
Quality Tourism accredited businesses like Fun Over 50 lead the way by offering the highest industry standards of customer service, satisfaction, reliability, and ethical practices.
We are committed to operating in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the authenticity and integrity of living cultures of Indigenous communities.
We have incorporated strategic climate change responses across all relevant levels of our planning and operations. We are working towards becoming carbon neutral.
With Advanced Ecotourism certification, we offer outstanding experiences which let you get back to nature, help conservation, and minimise environmental impact.
We are a credible, well trained, and professional business. We conduct business in compliance with Australian Consumer Law and in accordance with ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators represents tour operators and wholesalers. As a full CATO member, we provide authentic and original holidays with sustainable travel.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.
Powered by EngineRoom
Fill out your details and we will get in touch with you to reserve your place on the tour.
We roll out the red carpet so you can just sit back and relax and know that everything is included in your holiday experience, no surprises, all inclusive!
More on tour inclusions
.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
%20-%20Wentworth.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
-min.avif)
