Kentucky Down Under – Australian Themed Animal Park

Kentucky Down Under has been on my adventure list for a while. One of the big reasons it’s been on my list is because they have kangaroos! What’s even better is that you can interact with them!

There is so much to see on your visit! I would give yourself several hours so that you have enough time to see and do anything.

Here is a little more about the animal park from Kentucky Down Under’s website.

In 1990, the special interests of two outgoing individuals came together to create a unique attraction in central Kentucky. In that year, Bill and Judy Austin opened Kentucky Down Under to the public. Bill and Judy first met in New Zealand in the late 1960s. Judy, a native Australian, was working as a physical therapist on the island, while Bill, an engineer with the National Science Foundation, was preparing for an expedition to Antarctica.

In time, the two married and moved to Washington, D.C., but stayed there only a few years before deciding to move to Horse Cave, Bill’s hometown. Back home again, Bill became manager of Mammoth Onyx Cave (which was later renamed Kentucky Caverns), which his grandfather had purchased in the 1920s.

Throughout the years, peacocks and other small animals had been added to the park for visitors to enjoy on the surface in-between cave tours. Bill and Judy observed how much their guests like these animals, and this encouraged them to add others. They started by adding a herd of American bison in the 1970s, followed by the Australian animals in 1990, and Kentucky Down Under was born.

We started our visit with a tour of Mammoth Onyx Cave. We sampled some great fudge beforehand in the gift shop and then were given helmets and a flashlight.

The cave temperatures are around 60 degrees all year. I really enjoyed the 30-minute tour.

We learned about the history of the cave and witnessed its unique features and beautiful formations. The cave opened to public tours in 1922 but was discovered in 1799.

Next, we went to visit some of the animals.

This Kookaburra bird was so funny! He sounded like he was belly laughing. This Albino peacock was so beautiful.

The Lemurs were really funny to watch as they jumped around.

The aviary was also so much fun! The Rainbow Lorikeets interacted with us right away. I’m sure it had nothing to do we the fact that we were holding nectar.

We even caught a pair of love birds in action.

Kentucky Down Under offers horse carriage rides during the warmer months.

My absolute FAVORITE part of our visit was getting to interact with kangaroos on the Outback Walkabout.

Two kangaroos allowed us to touch them.

Amelia, a Red Kangaroo, allowed us to pet her.

The Emu would also let you pet him.

The Woolshed program allowed us to watch and participate in some of the daily chores.

We got to milk a cow and watch the herding dogs in action.

The Outback Cafe onsite offers affordable meals and don’t forget to check out the fudge.

Before we left, we got to meet Emma, who was a 7-month-old joey.

She is bottle-fed and is being hand-raised until she is old enough to go to the Outback Area at Kentucky Down Under. She was soooo adorable!

We absolutely loved our visit to Kentucky Down Under!

You can connect with Kentucky Down Under on their website or Facebook page.

Disclosure: I was given complimentary accommodations and admissions from Visit Bowling Green for review purposes. All opinions are my own. 

Kentucky Down Under is located at 3700 L and N Turnpike Road, Horse Cave KY 42749