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Get ready for a wild day out at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, one of Dubbo’s best-known attractions. Set across a spacious open-range environment, the Zoo is home to animals from Australia and around the world, with plenty to see and do along the way.
Whether you’re visiting Dubbo with the kids, travelling as a couple or stopping in as part of a Central West road trip, the Zoo is an easy addition to your holiday itinerary. Take your time exploring, enjoy the open spaces and make a day of discovering some incredible wildlife.
Explore the Open-Range Zoo
One of the best things about Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the freedom to explore at your own pace. The 5.5km circuit winds its way through the Zoo and can be explored by car, bike, electric cart or on foot.
Along the way, keep an eye out for giraffes, rhinos, zebras, lions, elephants, tigers and many more animals across the Zoo’s different habitats.
With plenty of space to explore, you can stop at the exhibits that catch your interest, spend a little longer watching your favourite animals and enjoy the journey around the circuit without feeling rushed.
Get to Know the Animals
There is more to a day at the Zoo than spotting animals along the circuit. Keeper talks and feeds are held throughout the day, giving you the chance to learn more about different species and the work that goes into caring for them.
For an extra-special addition to your visit, you can also check out the Zoo’s bookable tours and animal encounters. Experiences and availability can vary, so it is worth seeing what is on before your visit.
It all adds another layer to your day and gives curious kids and wildlife lovers even more to discover.
Make a Day of It
With so much ground to cover, Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the kind of attraction where it pays to take your time.
When you’re ready for a break, stop at The Waterhole Cafe around halfway along the circuit for coffee, lunch or a snack. There is also a nearby water play area where the kids can cool off and burn off a little extra energy.
Cafe Wild and picnic areas provide more places to stop throughout the day. You can also hire bikes or an electric cart for a fun way to make your way around the Zoo.
Add the Zoo to Your Dubbo Getaway
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is open every day of the year, with the Savannah Visitor Plaza open from 8.30am to 4pm and the Zoo circuit open from 9am to 4pm.
Allow plenty of time to explore, particularly if you want to catch a keeper talk, book an animal encounter or simply enjoy the Zoo at a relaxed pace.
Opening hours, activities and experiences can change, so check the official Taronga Western Plains Zoo website for the latest information and tickets before heading out.
Stay at Dubbo Holiday Park
After a big day of wildlife adventures, head back to Dubbo Holiday Park and enjoy a relaxing evening before your next day of exploring.
With cabins, motel-style rooms, caravan sites and camping options, the park makes a convenient base for families, couples and road trippers discovering Dubbo and the Central West.
Stay a little longer and give yourself time to experience the Zoo along with more of the attractions that make Dubbo worth exploring.