Zoos
Zoos | Aquariums | Sanctuaries | Theme Parks | Other Attractions
Melbourne Zoo
The oldest zoo in Australia, this zoo has a fun new feature called the Trail of the Elephants. Here elephants live in a recreated Asian rainforest, complete with an elephant-sized pool for swimming and cooling off. Another fun spot to visit is the Butterfly House, where butterflies are quite happy to land on you as you pass through.
Parkville, Victoria
Werribee Open Range Zoo
This enormous zoo houses animals that are native to the grasslands of Africa, Asia, North America and Australia, including giraffes, rhinos, meerkats, cheetahs and vervet monkeys. To get a closer look, guided safaris tours are available where you get to travel in an open vehicle and drive through the beautiful savannah, just like they do in Africa!
Werribee, Victoria
www.zoo.org.au/werribeeopenrangezoo
Taronga and Western Plains Zoo, Sydney
This is Australia’s first open-range zoo, housing more than 2000 animals from five continents. There are animal feedings and keeper talks for your favourite creatures, but make sure to check the timetable so you don’t miss out. There is also a Skyline Safari, which offers amazing views of the harbour as well as a unique way of seeing the animals from a cable-car. Animal Encounter tours are available for visitors to interact with reptiles, koalas, giraffes and seals. You will be given information about each animal, focusing on what they eat, conservation issues they deal with and their daily life at Taronga Zoo. You will also get a photograph with an animal which you can take home with you.
Mosman, Sydney
Alma Park Zoo
A day at Alma Park Zoo will allow you and your family to discover a wide range of Australian, international, exotic and endangered animals. If you are interested in animals you won't want to miss the Zookeeper presentations that run everyday. This zoo is a great way to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. You can even touch and hold koalas, snakes and crocodiles, and hand feed kangaroos and deer. Alma Park Zoo has free BBQ facilities and picnic lawns for you to enjoy.
Dakabin, Brisbane
Sydney Wildlife World
Right next door to the Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World takes you deep into the heart of the Australian bush, from the rainforests of the tropical north to the deserts of the red centre. Over 130 different Australian species live within their own natural habitats and ecosystems. This is your chance for a close encounter with some of Australia’s most beautiful and unusual plants and animals.
Darling Harbour, Sydney
www.sydneywildlifeworld.com.au
Adelaide Zoo
This zoo is unique because its original nineteenth century buildings and layout is just like it was in the old days. The Elephant House, built over 100 years ago, was made to look like an Indian Temple. The zoo is also famous for its amazing bird collection; see a colourful exhibition of native Australian birds at the Australian Rainforest Aviary, or more exotic displays, such as the macaws, in the Amazon Aviary. There is also a children’s zoo where you can interact with animals such as guinea pigs, wallabies, deer and koalas.
Adelaide, South Australia
Monarto Zoo, South Australia
This open-range zoo includes Australian, African and Asian animals. It also runs a breeding program for rare and endangered species. Jump on a safari bus tour to see the animals up close. On the way you might encounter the huge giraffe herd or some cheetahs, zebras or rhinoceroses.
Monarto, South Australia
www.adelaidezoo.com.au/monarto-zoo
Australia Zoo, Queensland
Once a small park, this zoo was made famous by ‘The Crocodile Hunter’, Steve Irwin. Originally developed by Irwin’s parents, the complex is now a huge home to a wide variety of animals. See the otters catching fish, the birds of prey soaring in the skies, the ever-popular crocodile demonstrations, or feed the kangaroos by hand in the Kids’ Zoo. Crikey!
Beerwah, Queensland
www.australiazoo.com.au/index.php
Cleland Wildlife Park, Adelaide Hills
This wildlife park allows many of its native animals to wander around freely within the grounds. You can watch the daily animal-feeding shows, and during the koala information sessions you have the chance to hold one of the cuddly creatures. Fabulous guided night tours let you encounter the park's nocturnal residents, and you might even be able to feed wild possums.
Crafers, South Australia
www.clelandwildlifepark.sa.gov.au
Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo is just a short ferry ride across the river from the city. Visit the Australian Walkabout for a close-up look at native animals in a bush setting. Other exhibits include the Penguin Plunge, African Savannah, Reptile Encounter and Rainforest Retreat.
South Perth, Western Australia
Crocodylus Park, Northern Territory
Crocodylus Park is a fascinating place to learn more about crocodiles. You can see the huge variety of saltwater crocs that live in the waters around Darwin, as well as other species from around the world. Crocodylus Park is a research centre as well as a tourist attraction and there are other animals on show including monkeys and tigers. Scientists here have helped establish the Northern Territory's ground-breaking policies on crocodile preservation. Crocodiles emerge from their murky waters at feeding times (10am, noon and 2pm) to take pieces of meat that are dangled over the side of their enclosures. Well-trained guides will let you handle baby crocodiles with their jaws taped shut to avoid any sharp teeth.
Darwin, Northern Territory
Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin
Watch brave tourists in the ‘Cage of Death’ be submerged in a clear cage with gigantic saltwater crocodiles. Visitors also have the chance to swim in a separate pool next to some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in captivity. Crocosaurus Cove also houses the largest range of Australian reptiles in the world, a turtle sanctuary and an aquarium.
Darwin, Northern Territory
