A Visit to Gan Garoo
On our trip from Kfar Saba to the Sea of Galilee, my husband and I were looking for a fun stopover to break up the drive for our two kids. We picked Gan Garoo—a spot we both loved as kids and were excited to share with our own children. It is located in the Beit She’an Valley. Little did we know, this spontaneous detour would turn out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
Meeting Kangaroos at Gan Garoo
From the moment we entered, Gan Garoo felt like stepping into a little corner of Australia. Right away, we were greeted by a troop of kangaroos hopping freely between visitors. The kids were absolutely thrilled to feed them from the palm of their hands, and honestly, so were we!
What sets Gan Garoo apart is the unique opportunity to interact closely with these animals. The kangaroos roam freely, allowing visitors to feed and pet them—a feature that many reviewers highlight as a standout experience.
The park is home to a variety of Australian native fauna, including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and cassowaries. Kangaroos are large, herbivorous marsupials native to Australia and nearby islands. They’re among the most iconic animals in the world—and especially symbolic of Australia. Wallabies are small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia and nearby islands. They are closely related to kangaroos but are generally smaller in size. The emu is the second-largest living bird by height, after the ostrich. Native to Australia, emus are flightless and known for their long legs and ability to run at high speeds.
Colorful Creatures and Unique Encounters
As we wandered deeper into the park, we came across colorful lorikeet parrots flying all around, a striking cassowary that looked like it came straight out of prehistory, and a majestic emu calmly striding through its enclosure. We also saw peacocks, tiny dwarf goats at the Australian farm area, and a variety of unique marsupials, reptiles, and birds—many of which we had never seen before.
Interactive Experiences for All Ages
Beyond the kangaroos, the park offers a range of engaging activities. Our children were thrilled to feed colorful lorikeets in the aviary, where the birds would perch on their shoulders. There’s also a petting zoo with pygmy goats and other friendly animals, providing hands-on experiences that are both fun and educational.
A unique feature of Gan Garoo is the Dinosaur Trail, a path lined with life-sized dinosaur models that move and make sounds. Walking through this trail felt like stepping back in time, and it captivated both our kids and us. The combination of interactive exhibits and informative displays made it a memorable part of our visit.
Comfort and Convenience
After a while of walking around and enjoying the animals, we were happy to find shaded picnic areas with benches and tables—perfect for taking a break. You’re welcome to bring your own food, but if you’d rather buy something, the park has a small snack stand with cold drinks, ice cream, light snacks, and even fresh pizza and coffee (check ahead on Facebook or the website to see if the pizza stand is open that day).
The park is thoughtfully designed, with shaded picnic areas and a small café offering refreshments. We appreciated the clean facilities and the friendly staff who were eager to answer questions and assist visitors. The manageable size of the park allowed us to explore at a relaxed pace without feeling overwhelmed.
Accessibility and Practical Info
Since we were traveling with a stroller, I was relieved to find out that the entire zoo is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it very easy to explore with little ones.
One important note for families: kids aged two and up need to purchase a ticket—children under two can enter for free.
If you’re planning to bring your dog, be aware that pets are not allowed inside the zoo, in line with Ministry of Agriculture regulations. However, there’s a designated kennel near the entrance where your pet can stay comfortably and safely during your visit.
Opening Hours
Weekdays (Sunday to Friday):
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Please note:
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Last entry to the park is allowed up to 60 minutes before closing time.
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The kangaroo yard and aviaries close 30 minutes before the park closes.
