The Tintenbar wildlife attraction long known to locals as the Macadamia Castle has entered voluntary administration, raising questions about the future of one of the region’s most recognisable tourism icons.

The sanctuary — rebranded as the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in 2021 after being acquired by not-for-profit Wildlife Recovery Australia (WRA) — has struggled for patronage in recent years after the Pacific Motorway upgrade bypassed the site.

More recently it has faced ongoing criticism from some community members over entry fees and perceptions about the value of its attractions.

Despite the announcement, the park was trading and open to visitors when Ballina News Daily visited this  morning.

WRA Statement

In a statement issued Tuesday, WRA confirmed that Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Operations Pty Ltd (BBWSO) — the entity operating the sanctuary — had gone into voluntary administration.

“The decision to go into voluntary administration was made by the Directors of BBWSO,” the organisation said.

WRA emphasised that BBWSO operates independently with its own board and approximately 25 full-time equivalent staff, led by a General Manager.

WRA founder and CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil acknowledged the impact on employees and assured the public that animal welfare remains the priority.

“We would like to reassure the community that the welfare and veterinary care of the Sanctuary’s 130 animal residents will continue through our trained and experienced wildlife veterinarians and nurses.”

WRA also confirmed it will work with administrators during the transition period and continue to support staff, volunteers and trainees.

What Stays — and What’s Uncertain

WRA maintains several assets at the Knockrow site, including:

• MacRae-Seaton Wildlife Recovery Area
• Vet accommodation and training facilities
• A mobile wildlife hospital

These operations are expected to continue regardless of the sanctuary’s retail and visitor future.

However, it is unclear at this stage how long the public attraction will remain open as administrators assess viability and options.

A Local Icon with a Colourful Past

Founded in 1974 by Allan and Joyce Howard as Knockrow Castle, the site began as a small café, nursery and mini-golf course, built to give families something to do on rainy holiday days. Its iconic six-metre knight, created by surfboard shaper Bob McTavish in 1985, became a beloved roadside landmark for locals and tourists alike.

The property expanded under successive owners, most notably under Tony Gilding from 2007, who developed its wildlife offering and conservation programs.

In 2021, Wildlife Recovery Australia purchased the attraction, renaming it the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and shifting its focus toward wildlife rehabilitation, education and conservation.

Community Reaction

Locals and tourism operators have reacted with a mix of nostalgia and concern.

The Macadamia Castle has been woven into generations of family trips along the old Pacific Highway — and while many welcomed its shift to wildlife care, others felt it struggled to reinvent itself as a visitor experience.

What Happens Next

Administrators are expected to review operations in the coming weeks. Staff and volunteers have been advised support will continue during the transition.

Ballina News Daily will continue to monitor developments.