On Wednesday 26 August 2026, the Australian Reptile Park marked 30 years at Somersby with an exclusive VIP event at one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks: Ploddy the Dinosaur.
Guests were transported to the Ploddy site by bus, welcomed by the town crier, and greeted by roving wildlife including koalas, snakes, turtles and lizards as live music played beneath the Central Coast’s most famous landmark.
The event brought together the people who have shaped the Park’s story: founding family, long-term partners, local community leaders and media, united in celebrating what Ploddy represents for the region.
“Ploddy is a Central Coast icon… it marks the gateway to the Central Coast.” Australian Reptile Park Managing Director Tim Faulkner said.
“One of the things that has been consistent over the last 30 years at the Reptile Park is our heart and soul.”
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch spoke on behalf of the local community and the significance of the Park’s contribution to the Central Coast.
“Not only is Ploddy an icon but she and the park contribute a significant amount our community and the economy.” Ms Tesch said. “It’s the legacy of conservation and the value they add across Australia and the world. It a joy that all of us can gather here to celebrate a history making Ploddy.”
When the freeway bypassed the old Wyoming site in the early 1990s, visitation dropped dramatically. John Weigel knew the Park had to move. He scouted more than 15 sites before finding Somersby, drawn in by its bushland setting and the lake that would become home to the Park’s American alligator lagoon. Every animal, every program, and Ploddy, made the journey north.
To be able to move Ploddy her feet and tail had to be removed and were the only pieces remaining of what once was the dinosaur of Wyoming. Gosford City Council backed the parade, and the whole community came together to support the parks journey. Ploddy’s giant footprints were painted along the route by local schools, businesses Waters Cranes and Robsons Excavations gave their time for free.
Co-owner Robyn Weigel reflected on three decades at Somersby. “It doesn’t feel like 30 years. It’s just flown so quickly. It’s been a phenomenal success,” said Robyn Weigel. “Local people just came and offered help. Waters Cranes and Robsons Excavations, they all did it for free. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
The speeches were followed by a cake cutting before guests gathered for official photos with Ploddy herself.
The special VIP event was the centrepiece of the Park’s month-long 30th anniversary celebration, with free activities for guests to enjoy during their visit to the Australian Reptile Park.
“The next 30 years hopefully sees us thrive like the last 30. We are a community based wildlife organisation and that’s our market, our community. We look forward to seeing everyone again in the next 30 years.” Said Tim Faulkner
The Australian Reptile Park has continued to grow and thrive over the past three decades at Somersby, recently winning gold for “Best Major Tourist Attraction” at the national Tourism Awards. Today, the Park draws visitors from across Australia and around the world to the Central Coast, with an exciting future ahead under the leadership of Managing Director Tim Faulkner.
About Ploddy the Dinosaur:
Ploddy the Dinosaur is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and the country’s very first giant roadside icon. Built in 1963 by Australian Reptile Park founder Eric Worrell, the 26-metre, 100-tonne concrete Diplodocus has been a beloved fixture for generations of Australian families. In 1996, Ploddy made the ten-kilometre journey from the Park’s original Wyoming home to its current Somersby location, with over 10,000 people lining the streets of Gosford to watch her go. She now sits atop a hill beside the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway, seen by more than 40 million passing vehicles every year.
About the Australian Reptile Park:
The Australian Reptile Park is a hands-on zoo located in a natural bushland setting on the Central Coast of NSW, just one hour from Sydney or Newcastle. Awarded Best Major Tourist Attraction at the 2023 Australian Tourism Awards, the Park offers daily wildlife shows, themed exhibits, and unforgettable encounters with iconic Aussie animals. Open daily from 9am–5pm with free parking and BBQ facilities.
For more information visit www.reptilepark.com.au