Celebrating 30 Years On The Hill
Celebrate 30 Years of Ploddy at Somersby
Celebrate 30 years of the Australian Reptile Park at Somersby with a special daily show, plus free face painting and dinosaur appearances on weekends.
Visit between 8 and 23 August to go in the draw to win an exclusive trip to meet Australia’s first BIG THING.
The Move That Made History
In 1996, the Park relocated from Wyoming to its new home at Somersby. Around 1,000 animals, long-serving team members and the lifesaving antivenom program made the journey.
Leading the way was Ploddy, the Park’s 26-metre dinosaur. Thousands of people lined the streets of Gosford to watch her travel to Somersby during the famous Ploddy Parade.
Visit during the anniversary celebration for the chance to win an exclusive trip to see Ploddy up close. Families can also enjoy a special daily show, Ploddy’s Scavenger Hunt, free weekend face painting and appearances from Ploddy’s dinosaur friend.
Make your visit even more memorable with special Ploddy-themed treats from the Hard Croc Cafe and limited-edition Ploddy merchandise from the Gift Shop.
What’s Included With Your Ticket
- The chance to win an exclusive trip to meet Ploddy! Details and T/Cs below
- Free face painting every weekend
- Meet real-life dinosaurs every weekend
- A special show daily
- Ploddy’s Scavenger Hunt, where families can follow the clues and discover the animals, people and programs that made the move to Somersby
- Free daily wildlife shows and keeper talks
- Full-day entry to the Australian Reptile Park
Win an Exclusive Trip to Meet Ploddy
- Every visitor to the Park from 8 to 23 August has the chance to win a double pass for an exclusive trip to MEET Ploddy on the hill at a VIP event on 26 August 2026.
- See Australia’s first BIG THING up close and meet the Central Coast icon that has watched over the Park at Somersby for 30 years.
- This experience has never been offered before and will never be offered again.
- How to enter: Visit between 8 and 23 August 2026 and follow the competition entry instructions at Reception. Terms and Conditions apply.
FAQs
The celebration runs at the Australian Reptile Park from 8 to 30 August 2026, marking 30 years since the Park moved from Wyoming to Somersby.
Visit the Park during the campaign period and follow the entry instructions displayed onsite.
Double passes will be awarded for an exclusive trip to visit Ploddy on the hill, an area not normally open to guests. Full details are available in the competition Terms and Conditions.
No. This is the first and last time guests will have the chance to win a trip to meet Ploddy.
The special show and Ploddy’s Scavenger Hunt will run every day. Free face painting and appearances from Ploddy’s dinosaur friend will take place on weekends.
The show shares the story of the Park’s move to Somersby and features animals connected to that journey.
Yes. The program is designed for families, with wildlife, live entertainment and activities for children of different ages.
Yes. The special show, Ploddy’s Scavenger Hunt, weekend face painting and dinosaur appearances are included with general admission.
Online booking is recommended so families can plan their visit before the campaign ends on 30 August.
A Central Coast icon, Ploddy was built in 1963 and is recognised as Australia’s first Big Thing. She moved to Somersby during the famous Ploddy Parade in 1996.