Symbio throws 50th party
Helensburgh’s Wildlife Park will mark 50 years of operation with a three-day celebration
By Brodie Meney of Symbio Wildlife Park
Helensburgh’s Symbio Wildlife Park will mark 50 years of operation with a three-day celebration from November 21 to 23.
Entry will include performances by children’s entertainer Emma Memma (Nov 22 and 23), bubble artists, face painting, hula hoopers and sweet treats. For a small fee, visitors can also enjoy carnival rides, including a carousel, flying elephants and mini pirate ship. On Saturday, firefighters will give safety demonstrations and promote “Be Bushfire Ready” activities.
The park has transformed since Max and Pat Mapleson turned a rundown property into Symbio Animal Gardens, opening in 1971. Symbio grew under the stewardship of Bob and Fran Grover, who took over in 1975.
In 2000, John and Margaret Radnidge bought Symbio and it’s now a multi-award-winning attraction: this year at the 2025 Illawarra Business Awards Matt Radnidge was named Outstanding Business Leader and Symbio won the Outstanding Visitor Experience and Excellence in Sustainable Tourism categories.
