Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
- Admission
- $27.95 adults, $17.95 children (ages 4-14), discounts for seniors and military
- Hours
- Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (seasonal hours may vary)
- Duration
- 3-4 hours
- Parking
- Free on-site parking available for cars, buses, and RVs
- Access
- Paved pathways provide wheelchair access to most animal exhibits, but the Mammoth Onyx Cave tour has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
This unique Australian-themed adventure zoo lets you pet free-roaming kangaroos, feed colorful lorikeets, and explore the beautiful Mammoth Onyx Cave. It offers a surprising slice of the Outback nestled in the rolling hills of Kentucky.
Read more
Opened in 1990, Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo brings a taste of the Australian Outback to the rolling hills of south-central Kentucky. Founded by a local couple inspired by their travels, this unique attraction seamlessly blends exotic wildlife encounters with regional geological wonders.
Visitors can walk among free-roaming kangaroos in the Outback walkabout, hand-feed colorful lorikeets, and meet dingoes, emus, and other exotic animals. Admission also includes a guided tour of Mammoth Onyx Cave, a beautiful, active cave system discovered on the property in 1799.
This hands-on park emphasizes interactive education, allowing guests of all ages to connect closely with nature. Its quirky blend of Australian fauna and Kentucky limestone caves makes it one of the most distinctive roadside stops along the Interstate 65 corridor.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Purchase animal feed at the entrance to get the most interactive experience with the lorikeets, kangaroos, and farm animals.
- ◆ Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes, as the park is situated on hilly terrain and the cave tour requires navigating stairs.
- ◆ Bring a light jacket or sweater for the Mammoth Onyx Cave tour, as the cave remains a cool 58°F (14°C) year-round.
- ◆ Check the daily schedule upon arrival so you don't miss the sheep herding demonstrations and animal show times.
Heads Up
- ◆ The park's steep, hilly terrain can be physically demanding and may pose challenges for strollers, manual wheelchairs, or those with mobility issues.
- ◆ Be gentle and cautious when interacting with the free-roaming kangaroos, and closely supervise children to ensure safe animal encounters.
Common questions
Is the cave tour included with admission to Kentucky Down Under?
Yes, a guided tour of Mammoth Onyx Cave is included in the price of your general admission ticket.
Can you pet the kangaroos at Kentucky Down Under?
Yes, visitors are allowed to walk through the kangaroo habitat to pet and hand-feed the free-roaming kangaroos. Kangaroo food is available for purchase inside the park.
Are golf carts available to rent at Kentucky Down Under?
Yes, golf carts are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis, which is highly recommended for visitors who have difficulty walking up steep hills.