Winter wildlife wonderland

A matriarchal meerkat mob is positioned beside the café, so you can view them while warming up with your morning brew before setting out for a wildlife adventure.

The expansive wetlands are a hive of activity year-round, perfect for bird noticers and twitchers alike.

A newly refurbished bird hide built among the trees allows for a unique 360-degree vantage point to see various native bird species.

At least 36 species of migratory birds visit Australian wetlands each year, with many travelling more than 20,000 kilometres to the Northern Hemisphere and back.

Among them are great egrets, nankeen night herons, brolgas and royal spoonbills.

It’s good news if your little ones love ducks too.

You can see Pacific black ducks swimming with their chicks, colourful red rumped parrots in tree hollows, and even endangered freckle ducks, blue billed ducks and musk ducks.

If cold-blooded animals are more your thing, then you must check out the new Reptile Habitat.

The climate-controlled habitats are home to stunning snakes, lizards and amphibians.

Kyabram Fauna Park general manager Paul Lavars said even prehistoric beasts have taken up residence, but may only be in town for a little longer.

“Dinos at the Zoo has been a huge hit with the community,” Paul said.

“The 16 animatronic, life-sized dinosaurs have to migrate to the Northern Hemisphere after the winter school holidays (July 14), so rug up and visit while you still can.

“Over the next 18 months we will be building new habitats and creating interactive spaces for families to learn about Zoos Victoria’s Fighting Extinction programs.

“We also have plans to improve amenities for guests, including new green spaces to have a picnic, seating areas and new paths.”

As part of the Victorian Government’s Kids Go Free program, children under 16 can visit Kyabram Fauna Park for free on weekends, public holidays and school holidays.