Zoo in Australia

A visit to a zoo in Australia is among the favourite ways to spend time for families and animal lovers. These places offer a chance to see wildlife from around the world. MakeMyTrip features 3075 zoo attractions in Australia for 2025, each with safe enclosures and engaging exhibits. From exotic animals to interactive spaces for children, every corner of the zoo is designed to educate and entertain. Shaded areas, cafes and rest stops make it easy to spend a full day exploring. With Australia zoo ticket prices starting from INR 266, it’s an affordable outing for all ages. Spend time with your loved ones this December by booking your Australia zoo tickets through MakeMyTrip.

Zoos in Australia: Wild Encounters Across the Continent

Australia’s wildlife is as iconic as its landscapes, and visiting a zoo in Australia is one of the best ways to experience it up close. From the lush coastlines of Queensland to the urban harbour views of Sydney, these attractions bring you face-to-face with native favourites like koalas and kangaroos, alongside exotic animals from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Each zoo in Australia has its own signature style. Some specialise in sprawling open-range safari landscapes, others in intimate, themed habitats that recreate the wild with remarkable attention to detail. The focus is always on conservation, animal welfare, and giving visitors an unforgettable encounter with wildlife.

A visit to a zoo in Australia is as much about education as entertainment. Interactive keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and conservation programmes help deepen your understanding of the animal kingdom. Whether you’re a family with young children, a keen photographer, or simply someone who loves animals, these destinations promise experiences that linger long after you’ve left.

Why Visit a Zoo in Australia

Close-up and Safe Wildlife Encounters

Get close to animals in thoughtfully designed spaces, hand-feed kangaroos, and walk among free-flying birds.

Innovative Habitat Design

Natural landscapes, open enclosures, and themed precincts replace traditional cages, allowing animals to move and behave naturally.

Educational for All Ages

Hands-on feeding sessions, keeper talks, and interactive displays make learning engaging for children and adults alike.

Easy to Reach

Most major zoos are located near capital cities or regional hubs, with good public transport and parking.

Value for Money

Family passes, annual memberships, and bundled experiences offer savings while enhancing your visit.

Perfect for Photography

From sunrise over a lion’s habitat to a rare bird in flight, a zoo in Australia is a dream setting for photographers.

Top Zoos in Australia

From Queensland’s tropical Sunshine Coast to Victoria’s African-inspired open ranges, these four attractions offer some of the most memorable wildlife experiences in the country.

1. Australia Zoo

Location: Beerwah, Queensland (Sunshine Coast)

Overview:

Founded by the Irwin family, Australia Zoo spans more than 750 acres, making it one of the largest zoos in Australia. It houses over 1,200 animals in spacious, natural habitats and is home to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which treats thousands of native animals each year. The zoo is designed for a full-day adventure, with expansive walking trails, themed sections, and live shows that run throughout the day to keep visitors engaged.

Key Highlights:

• Crocoseum shows featuring saltwater crocodiles
• Koala cuddles and kangaroo feeding lawns
• Africa Safari section with giraffes, rhinos, and zebras
• Behind-the-scenes tours and photography sessions

Featured Animals: Koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, tigers

Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (most animals settle by 4:30 PM)

Ticket Price: Adults around INR 4,270, children around INR 2,850, with concessions and family passes available.

Visitor Tips:

• Arrive early to see animals before the midday heat
• Watch the Crocoseum show for a signature experience
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for the large grounds

2. Taronga Zoo Sydney

Location: Mosman, New South Wales

Overview:

Set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals across 350 species. Themed zones replicate global habitats, and its focus on conservation and sustainability is matched by its stunning location. Visitors can enjoy not only the wildlife but also some of the best harbour views in the city, making it a unique blend of nature and scenery.

Key Highlights:

• Free Flight Bird Show with sweeping harbour views
• Sumatran tiger habitat with immersive viewing
• Australian Walkabout with kangaroos, wombats, and emus
• Lemur Forest Adventure and gorilla families
• Overnight Roar and Snore experience

Featured Animals: Tigers, gorillas, elephants, kangaroos, seals, penguins

Opening Hours: Winter (May–August): 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Summer (September–April): 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Ticket Price: Adults around INR 2,820 online, children around INR 1,690, with slightly higher prices at the gate.

Visitor Tips:

• Book tickets online for better prices
• Arrive early for the Free Flight Bird Show
• Take the ferry for a scenic approach to the zoo

3. Sydney Zoo

Location: Bungarribee, Western Sydney, NSW

Overview:

Opened in 2019, Sydney Zoo is a fully accessible, modern wildlife park that blends open-range enclosures with cutting-edge design. Its themed precincts cover everything from the African Savannah to a massive Reptile and Nocturnal House, making it a versatile day out for visitors of all ages. The zoo’s flat, easy-to-navigate layout and well-planned facilities make it ideal for families and groups seeking a comfortable but immersive wildlife experience.

Key Highlights:

• African Savannah with lions, giraffes, and zebras
• Aquarium with crocodiles and tropical fish
• Aboriginal culture and heritage displays
• Seasonal events and night zoo experiences

Featured Animals: Lions, orangutans, crocodiles, meerkats, boa constrictors, red pandas

Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Ticket Price: Adults around INR 2,850 online, children around INR 1,140, with higher prices at the gate.

Visitor Tips:

• Use the free parking available on-site
• Visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather
• Allocate at least three hours to explore fully

4. Werribee Open Range Zoo

Location: Werribee, Victoria

Overview:

Only a short 30-minute drive from Melbourne, Werribee Open Range Zoo transports visitors into the heart of Africa with vast, open landscapes teeming with wildlife. The signature safari bus journey takes you past free-roaming giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and antelope, recreating the feel of a genuine African expedition. With its immersive habitats, sweeping views, and focus on conservation, it offers one of Australia’s most authentic open-range zoo experiences.

Key Highlights:

• Safari bus tour through open-range habitats
• African River Trail with hippos, gorillas, and meerkats
• Lion Gorge and cheetah habitats
• Conservation talks and feeding demonstrations

Featured Animals: Giraffes, rhinos, lions, zebras, gorillas, hippos

Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)

Ticket Price: Adults around INR 3,020, concessions around INR 2,280.

Visitor Tips:

• Join the first safari bus tour for fewer crowds
• Bring a hat and sunscreen for outdoor areas
• Spend extra time on the African River Trail for great photo spots

Tips for Visiting Zoos in Australia

Book Tickets in Advance

Get discounted rates and confirm your preferred entry times, especially during weekends and school holidays.

Plan Your Route

If visiting more than one zoo in the same trip, schedule them based on location and opening hours to maximise your day.

Stay Hydrated and Sun-protected

Carry a refillable water bottle, wear light clothing, and use sunscreen to handle Australia’s sunny climate.

Check Show and Feeding Schedules

Arrive a few minutes early for keeper talks and animal presentations to get the best views.

Use Park Transport Options

Large zoos often have trams or safari buses that save time and energy while covering more ground.

Add Special Experiences

Upgrade your visit with behind-the-scenes tours, close-up animal encounters, or seasonal events for a unique day out.

Look Out for Multi-zoo Passes

Family passes and combination tickets can provide excellent value if you plan to visit more than one attraction.