We love animals. We love exploring beautiful spots around the country and meeting new and inspiring people. So, the ultimate trip for us is one that discovers animal sanctuaries across Australia.

If you’re stuck for a weekend idea, want to help out more in your community, or want to make a difference to the life of less fortunate animals, check out our guide to the top five animal sanctuaries around Australia that are a must-visit in 2021. Extra karmic boost guaranteed!

Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary, Wollombi

Now this is the epitome of an animal sanctuary. The team behind Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary are driven by their simple philosophy that all animals should be treated with compassion and respect.

Each of their 100 animals – ranging from cows, sheep, chickens to turkeys – are named based on their distinctive personalities! Our farm favourites include little lamb Eve who is possibly the cutest thing you’ve ever seen; forever hungry and adorable Bubbles the pig; Seamus the most endearing blind lamb (who of course is Bubble’s best friend); and last but not least, Moby the cheekiest and most entitled goat you’ll ever meet!

Debbie, Jamie and their team have created an absolute haven for so many farming animals, which have all been rescued from animal cruelty, abuse and abandonment. It is hard to imagine the horrific stories and places that the animals have previously endured. But, thankfully, the animals are now thriving and living a happy and peaceful life – a fabulous and awe inspiring change!

Where Pigs Fly is a private property, however they run open days and sanctuary tours every one to two months to create awareness, help educate and raise money for their non-profit charity. The open days include walking tours, unlimited patting, hugs and pictures with the animals, as well as the opportunity to learn about each of the residents and how you can help. If you can’t make it along, feel free to check out their website to get the latest on all of the animals and find out how you can volunteer or donate.

Little Oak Sanctuary, Canberra

Little Oak Sanctuary is a beautiful haven situated over 250 acres of land under half an hour from Canberra. They’re a not for profit and registered charity that offers refuge for animals in need. They are currently working with local government and animal protection groups to effect changes in policy that better protect animals.

Little Oak Sanctuary started in 2010 when the owners adopted two piglets named Heavenly Hiranni Tiger and Little Timmy Piglet. Unfortunately, Little Timmy Piglet became severely ill and lost his life in early 2013. His owners planted an oak tree over his grave, and opened the sanctuary in honour of their fallen soldier.  Since opening, they have been actively working to educate the public about the horrible issues faced by animals in Australia. Little Oak Sanctuary also hosts open days and events to help raise awareness and funds to continue their compassionate work.

You can also sponsor animals like Baartholomew Button, Ron Burgundy, James Brown and Lucky Lago for $50! For more information check out their website.

Edgar’s Mission Animal Sanctuary, Lancefield

Edgar’s Mission’s statement is ” If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others, why wouldn’t we?”

Located on 153 beautiful acres near Lancefield, approximately 60-kilometres north of Melbourne, you’ll find a sanctuary filled with over 450 rescued animals – from pigs and horses, to cows, chickens and goats. The sanctuary was stated by Pam Ahern and named after her first rescued pig, Edgar, who unfortunately died in 2010. Pam was driven to make a difference for animals across the nation as an estimated 500 million ‘food’ or ‘production’ animals in Australia are excluded from the protections of animal welfare legislation. Many of Edgar’s Mission’s rescued animals come from miserable conditions where they are unable to move, subjected to cruelty, live without sunshine, freedom and are isolated.

The sanctuary not only provides a peaceful life for her animals, but also a successful platform to educate Australians about the issues these animals face alone. With a number of opportunities to volunteer, donate, sponsor or adopt animals, the sanctuary offers an interactive and engaging way for Aussies to make a difference. And it helps that all of the animals are excessively cute! With vegan endorsing superstars like Elvis Pigsley, Lucky Stars, Levi the wise old ram, Fifi the lamb, Mixie the calf, Snoopy the Shetland and Flip, Flop + Flap- the worlds cutest yellow ducks – it won’t take you long to want to help out and raise awareness.

Greener Pastures Sanctuary, Waroona

Finally, 110-kilometres from Perth, in Western Australia’s Peel region is Greener Pastures Sanctuary in Waroona – a pristine animal haven on 100 acres. A must-visit Australian animal sanctuary, the oasis is home to an array of farm animals including horses, cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and pigs.

Their mission is to protect all animals, especially those that have endured cruelty on factory farms. From debeaking, castration, tail docking to dehorning and mulesing – all of which are extremely painful procedures done without anesthetic or pain relief, along with severe confinement denying them of their most basic instinctual needs. They want to raise awareness that farm animals are the most abused animals on the planet.

Like many of the other animal sanctuaries, they are non-for profit and rely heavily on donations and volunteer work. To welcome you, Greener Pastures offer a variety of ways to get involved, from fun filled open days, to animal sponsorship or adoption, trivia, movie nights and tours. However, best of all, animal yoga! Yep, what could be better than doing yoga in the fresh outdoors with a pig or goat coming up to say hi?  Stay up to date on all the ways you can contribute and participate in their rewarding events. If you do have the chance to visit, be sure to check out a few of the crowd favourites like Petrie the pig; Mowgli Parker the black and white cow; Judy, Dragon and Lola the loveable sheep; and last but not least the stunning fox, Fergie.