Australian Reptile Park celebrates 30‑year move of iconic Ploddy dinosaur

The Australian Reptile Park marked the 30th anniversary of its relocation from the original Wyoming site to Somersby on the Central Coast. The move in 1996 included the park’s 26‑metre, 100‑tonne concrete Diplodocus replica, known as Ploddy, which travelled a 10‑kilometre route and was escorted by a street parade that drew more than 10,000 spectators.

Around 1,000 animals were also transferred, including the alligator population, a pig‑nosed turtle, Galapagos tortoises and an alligator snapping turtle. Staff such as long‑time keeper Mick Tate ("Ranger Mick") and executive director Liz Gabriel highlighted the logistical challenges and community support that secured the park’s future. The celebration underscores Ploddy’s status as a Central Coast landmark and the park’s ongoing antivenom program.