Celebrating 30 Years On The Hill
Win a Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip to Meet Ploddy
Celebrate 30 years of the Australian Reptile Park at Somersby and go in the draw to win an exclusive trip to meet Australia’s first BIG THING, with a special historic wildlife show every day, plus free face painting and dinosaur appearances on weekends.
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 to enter for an exclusive trip to see Ploddy up close. Families can also enjoy a special daily Historic Show, Ploddy’s Scavenger Hunt, free weekend face painting and appearances from Ploddy’s dinosaur friend.
What’s Included With Your Ticket
- The chance to go in the draw to win an exclusive trip to meet Ploddy
- A special Australian Reptile Park Historic Show each day
- Meet animals connected to the move from Wyoming to Somersby
- Free face painting every weekend
- Appearances from Ploddy’s dinosaur friend on weekends
- Ploddy’s Scavenger Hunt, where families can follow the clues and discover the animals, people and programs that made the move to Somersby
- Daily wildlife shows and keeper talks
- Full-day access to the Australian Reptile Park
Win an Exclusive Trip to Meet Ploddy
Each day from 8 to 23 August, one lucky winner will receive a double pass for an exclusive trip to meet Ploddy on the hill.
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.
Visit between 8 and 23 August 2026 and follow the competition entry instructions.
Book Before Entries Close
Celebrating 30 Years On The Hill finishes on 23 August 2026.
Guests must visit during the campaign period to enter the Ploddy competition and experience the special anniversary program.
Book ahead and choose the day that best suits your family. Visit on a weekend to enjoy free face painting and appearances from Ploddy’s dinosaur friend.
FAQs
The celebration runs at the Australian Reptile Park from 8 to 23 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.
One double pass will be given away each day for an exclusive trip to visit Ploddy on the hill, an area not normally open to guests. Full details will be 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 Historic 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 Historic 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 23 August.
Coast landmark. Built in 1963, she is recognised as Australia’s first BIG THING and moved to Somersby during the famous Ploddy Parade in 1996.