Spotlight on Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

Photo by Tony264 on Pixabay

Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo is a place to get WILD!

This animal-tastic attraction is an incredibly unique and exciting place to visit in NSW, and well, in Australia!

This iconic and fascinating zoo features over 200 native Australian creatures, making it the perfect day out for animal lovers of all ages. Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo is located about a five to six hour drive from Sydney, Canberra and Newcastle. Make sure you take your time and stop along the way because the region has a number of wineries, historic villages and attractions to enjoy!

What's great at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo is that there are so many educational activities for kids including keeper talks, informative animal feeding sessions, hands-on experiences with some animals, so it really will make for a WILD day out!

If you have kids who are interested in becoming a zoo keeper one day, then this experience will be very helpful for them!

What to see at Taronga Western Plains Zoo!

Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo houses a wide range of iconic Australian animals such as koalas, wombats, kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, dingoes, emus, echidnas, koalas, wallabies, and so many more.

In fact, the zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals representing over 350 species, and is also a breeding and rehabilitation centre for a large number of animals making it a beautiful educational experience for kids who can learn all about conservation!

The zoo also offer you the chance to experience a host of keeper activities, from talks to feedings, so if you are thinking about visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo for the first time, then make sure to check the timings of all the animal feeings and talks that you would like to see!

Hours & Admission

If you are an animal lover, then Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo is the perfect place for you to visit and is open every day of the year except on Christmas Day. You can visit the zoo between 9am and 4pm, and these hours are extended to 8:30am - 5pm during school holidays.

The entry fee for adults is $45.90 AUD, $27 for children and offer free admission for under 3s. Apart from the entry fee, there are a couple of other things that you would need to pay for, such as the food and beverages, or additional experiences to make that stay extra special.

However, if you want to visit the zoo more than once in a year and want to help support the zoo, consider becoming a member! If you are a member of the zoo, you can enjoy free admission! You can check out their website to know more about the membership.

Which is the best time to visit?

Dubbo is usually a very hot place to be over summer with temperatures ranging from 35-40 degrees Celsius. So, if you are thinking about visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo during this time, make sure to carry enough water and also wear appropriate clothing! Don't forget - slip, slop, slap and wrap!

The best time to visit Dubbo during the months of February to May, or September into October. The temperature is relatively cooler than the other months and when the weather is pleasant and dry.

What to bring to the zoo?

Make sure to carry drinking water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and personal hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, comb, etc. You can buy water and other beverages at the zoo, but it is better to carry your own water bottle. Moreover, it is very hot during the summer months, so you might want to keep hydrated throughout the day. Since you are visiting an animal park, you would need to carry some insect repellents and sunscreens.

For lunch, you can either take advantage of their various food options or bring your own packed lunch! Sit down and enjoy modern Australian cuisine with a gorgeous view of the Savannah Lake at Zoo Cafe & Bar or enjoy a packed lunch in one of their free picnic and barbecue areas!

Something EXTRA for your visit?

Did you know that you can actually stay overnight at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo for a truly unique experience?

For this incredible adventure, you can choose from three types of accommodations available, where you can create a unique holiday experience that meets your need for adventure!

From the Zoofari Lodge where you can experience the magic of Africa right in the heart of NSW, or the beautiful and tranquil Savanniah Cabins! Maybe you might choose to camp under the stars and in close proximity to Lion Pride Lands, where you can hear the lions roar at night!