Chewton - Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation & Wildlife Education Centre
The centre was established in 1975 to be a haven for injured wildlife. Following the Ash Wednesday Bush fires in 1983, Jirrahlinga received National and International media coverage acclaiming the rescue mission launched to seek out and treat shocked and burnt animals.
Jirrahlinga is not just for distressed native animals. It is primarily about people. Particularly people who have a disability, a special need, the frail or the aged.
What better therapy could there be than to come into a supportive environment to work quietly with animals or just visit and touch a koala or joey that do not place demands on a person's physical or mental capacities.
Home to 128 dingoes and over 200 native animals, our not-for-profit sanctuary offers unforgettable wildlife encounters, education programs, and conservation experiences for families, schools, and visitors of all ages.
There are up-close, ranger-led presentations every day which are included in the entry fee. Our daily animal presentations are the heart of a Jirrahlinga visit. In small, friendly groups you'll meet our resident dingoes, get an arm's-reach view of koalas, gently handle reptiles, and spend time with a wombat. Keepers share animal stories, conservation tips, and fun facts - perfect for curious kids and animal lovers.
Opening Hours:
Opening Times
Animal Encounter Times
Note: Hours can vary on public holidays and with weather. Current opening times on social media.
Cost:
Admission Prices
The centre is situated just over an hour from Melbourne in the centre of Heritage Diggings National Park near Castlemaine.
Location
Cnr Dingo Park Road and Eureka Street, Chewton 3451 View Map
✆ 0493 387 144
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ www.jirrahlinga.com.au
→ Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation & Wildlife Education Centre on Facebook
