ZooKentucky, US

Kentucky Down Under

Kentucky Down Under offers a unique Australian adventure in the heart of the Bluegrass State.

About

Kentucky Down Under offers a unique Australian adventure in the heart of the Bluegrass State. This distinctive 75-acre adventure zoo combines the charm of a working farm with the exotic appeal of the Australian Outback, providing an engaging and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. It stands out as one of the few places in the United States where guests can enjoy direct, hands-on interactions with Australian wildlife, making it a truly special destination.

The park boasts a variety of captivating exhibits, most notably the Outback Walkabout, where you can stroll freely among kangaroos and emus, often having the chance to pet and feed them. The vibrant Land of Lorikeets allows colorful rainbow lorikeets to perch directly on visitors, creating a memorable bird encounter. Beyond the Australian fauna, the zoo features North American animals like white bison, wolves, and alligators, alongside a petting zoo with friendly farm animals such as goats, horses, and sheep. Adding to its unique appeal, the admission also includes a guided tour of the stunning Mammoth Onyx Cave, an ancient geological wonder beneath the park.

Visiting Kentucky Down Under is an experience that promises both fun and education, blending close animal encounters with the natural beauty of a living cave. It’s a place where you can feed a kangaroo, have lorikeets land on your head, witness impressive sheep herding demonstrations, and explore breathtaking underground formations all in one day. This blend of interactive exhibits and natural marvels ensures a visit filled with memorable moments and fantastic photo opportunities for the entire family. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.

Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo was opened to the public in 1990 by Bill and Judy Austin. The attraction has roots dating back further, as Bill Austin's grandfather purchased the Mammoth Onyx Cave in the 1920s, with Bill later taking over its management. Initially, peacocks and other small animals were introduced to entertain visitors above ground between cave tours. The unique Australian theme developed from Judy Austin's background as a native Australian, who suggested incorporating animals from her homeland, some of which she had even kept as pets. This vision led to the park's renaming and the introduction of its signature Australian animals in 1990. The Mammoth Onyx Cave itself has a long history, discovered in 1799 by 10-year-old Martha Woodson and opening for public tours in the early 1820s or 1922, becoming a steady tourist attraction for over a century. While the park was sold in 2012, it has continued to operate adhering to the original owners' unique vision.

What to do here

Feed kangaroos and emus by hand, allow rainbow lorikeets to perch on you, explore the beautiful Mammoth Onyx Cave, watch Border Collie sheepdogs in action, engage with farm animals, attend educational animal shows, and try your hand at gem mining.

Seasonal info

Kentucky summers can be humid, but the cave provides a natural air-conditioned break. The park is open daily year-round, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Accessibility

The park features paved paths to its main attractions and is generally stroller-friendly in these areas. Golf cart rentals are available and recommended for navigating the park's hills and varied terrain, particularly for guests with limited mobility or young children. The Outback Walkabout has an accessible pathway. However, the Mammoth Onyx Cave tour involves 144 stairs, can be damp and dark, and is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. Leashed dogs are permitted in most outdoor areas and in the cave, but not in the kangaroo or lorikeet enclosures.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Most visitors find 2 to 3 hours sufficient to explore the main attractions, though you could easily spend up to 4.5 hours or half a day, especially with animal shows and the cave tour. The guided cave tour typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
Best time to visit: For the most interactive experience with kangaroos, plan your visit for the early morning, ideally before 11:30 AM or noon, as they tend to be more active and hungry then. The Mammoth Onyx Cave maintains a cool 58°F year-round, offering a refreshing escape during hot summer days.
Location: Kentucky, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With Young ChildrenAnimal Enthusiasts Seeking Interactive ExperiencesAdventure Seekers And Nature LoversEducational Outings And School Groups

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Don't miss the Outback Walkabout for close encounters with kangaroos and emus, the Land of Lorikeets where birds will fly onto you, and the guided tour of Mammoth Onyx Cave with its stunning formations. Other popular attractions include the Woolshed's sheep herding demonstrations, various animal shows, and the interactive petting zoo.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Cave Salamander

Poppy

Delphinium

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Vulture

Asian Lady Beetle

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early for Kangaroos

Visit in the morning, ideally before 11:30 AM or noon, for the best chance to see and interact with the most active kangaroos.

Bring Cash for Feed

Have plenty of $1 bills on hand to purchase feed cups for the kangaroos, emus, lorikeets, and farm animals; it's a key part of the interactive experience.

Consider a Golf Cart

Renting a golf cart is highly recommended, especially if you have young children or mobility concerns, as it makes navigating the park's hills and spread-out exhibits much easier and more enjoyable.

Dress Comfortably

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, especially if you plan to take the cave tour, which can be damp. A light jacket is also advisable for the cool cave.

Pack Water and Snacks

While concessions are available, bringing your own water and snacks can help you stay hydrated and energized throughout your visit, especially on warmer days.

Look for Discounts

Before your visit, check for available discounts for military personnel, first responders, college students, or AAA members. Sometimes, deals can also be found on sites like Groupon.

Frequently asked questions

: A1: Visitors can enjoy hands-on interactions with kangaroos and emus in the Outback Walkabout, feed colorful rainbow lorikeets in the Land of Lorikeets, and meet friendly farm animals at the petting zoo at Kentucky Down Under.
: A2: Yes, a guided tour of the fascinating Mammoth Onyx Cave, located directly on the property, is included with the general admission price to Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo.
: A3: Yes, golf carts are available for rent at Kentucky Down Under and are highly recommended. They are particularly useful for families with small children, the elderly, or anyone who might find the park's steep hills and gravel paths challenging to navigate on foot.