Review: Is Taronga Western Plains Zoo Worth Your Time?
When you think of an Australian zoo, you probably imagine kangaroos, koalas, and maybe a crocodile enclosure. But Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, is a completely different experience. Spread across vast open plains, it’s designed more like an African safari, where animals roam in wide, open habitats that you can explore by car, bike, or even on foot.
For many travellers, the big question is whether it’s worth the trip out to Dubbo, especially if you’ve already visited Taronga Zoo in Sydney. We’ve visited a couple of times over the years, checking out the different circuits, the animal encounters, and even an overnight stay.
So, If you’re planning a road trip through western New South Wales, this is my review, what to expect, how long you need, and the highlights not to miss! Helping you make the most of your time at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
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My Review: Is Taronga Western Plains Zoo Worth it?
Overall, I think the Taronga Western Plains Zoo is worth visiting in Dubbo. Especially, If you like large, open-air facilities and you don’t have the opportunity to see animals in the wild.
I have been to Taronga Western Plains Zoo a few times over the past 10 years and really like their setup with their open enclosures. My overall experience is a very positive one and I wouldn’t hesitate in stopping in again if I’m passing by.
On the downside – Unfortunately, my choice in “time of year” to visit was probably a mistake on my last visit. So, this is NOT something I would recommend in the peak of summer.
With that said, we still made the most of it and enjoyed our time there.
It’s is an animal lover’s paradise, with an extensive range of Animals, and all well cared for by dedicated staff. But, know that it is more than just a simple look and admire ‘kind of zoo.’
The Dubbo Zoo has hundreds of different animals from all over the world, fun interactive experiences, and plenty of surprises along the way. There’s lots of open space to explore with family or friends and discover hundreds of both local and exotic animals.
This means you can get up close to kangaroos, meet some cheerful meerkats, and even go on a safari tour around the reserve. All this while basking in the open-air environment.
Accommodation is also available on-site (We took advantage of this), so if you’re looking to make a real trip out of your experience, it’s well worth checking out. Not only did we get to sleep in front of the giraffes in the African Park, but we also enjoyed private tours through the zoo.
How much does it Cost?
There are lots of options when purchasing your tickets for the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, but price range starts from:
- $29.70 for a child and $49.50 per adult,
- or infants 0-3 year old enter for free.
➡ Click here to book your entry Zoo tickets online with GYG.
You can order online or purchase at the gate on arrival, there is even an option for an annual pass and family tickets.
Do I think it’s worth the cost? I honestly think that comes down to the individual and your expectations. But, comparing to other Wildlife parks I’ve been too – Yes, it’s worth the cost, but when you include Bike Hire with a family, it can certainly add up.
How to get around the Park?
The Taronga Western Plains Zoo is so different from other zoos because it’s like your own safari and is sprawled over a vast expanse. It creates the feeling of being in the African Savannah.
It is approximately 5 km around the sealed driving circuit, surrounded by bushland, with several dirt tracks to via off.
➡ Click here to book your entry tickets online with Get your Guide.
So with that, you have some extra options on how you can get around.
1. Bike – ( My first Choice)
- $17 – all day standard bike hire
- $24 – all day geared bike hire
Riding a bike is for those looking for a more eco-friendly option. Plus, it’s my most recommended way to see everything as quick as possible.
The bike has a simple setup and can be hired with a helmet from reception as you enter the park.
Biking is a great way to get around, and you’ll be able to zip around without any stress or hassle. The best thing is, it goes everywhere – on the roads, down dirt tracks, in and around the enclosures. This means you can stop your bike on the fence line and limits your walking.
Another option is to bring your own bike, but not everyone can fit it in their luggage.
2. Buggy or Electric Cart
Cost: $80 – 4 hour electric cart hire!
The Buggy option (or Golf Cart) is a little more expensive, and hiring is for a half day at a time. Still, it can be handy for a family’s to keep everyone together. Not only that, but it’s also a big hit with the kids for a complete open-air environment.
The downside to buggies is there are specific parking places, and you will need to walk to get close to the animal fence lines. Also, note that these can be popular and must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
3. Vehicle
While driving your own vehicle is economical and more convenient, I feel like it limits your experience. Like the buggies, they use the same parking bays, which are not right in front of every enclosure.
As a result, you’ll find you need to walk back and forth to your car a lot, then drive another 100 metres only to do it again.
Not only that, but parking bays are limited at each place, and during busy times, you won’t always be able to stop where you want.
4. Walking
You certainly can walk around the Zoo, but I think that takes forever, and I wouldn’t recommend it! The zoo is enormous, and most people find that walking the complete circuit isn’t feasible.
Not only that, but time walking around the park would limit what your seeing. I think it defeats the purpose of fitting as much as you can in and I would recommend the Bike as mentioned above.
Best things to see there?
The Zoo boasts 700 hundred acres of dense bushland, combining walk-through aviary exhibits, Australian wildlife paddocks, and state-of-the-art African Savannah exhibition areas. Just a few of your highlighted areas are as follows:
Lions Pride Land
The African Lions are always a bit hit with the kids and they have a few of them to observe.
- Ato and Lwazi are the male lions.
- Maya and Marion are the lionesses.
- Their offspring include cubs named Amali, Imani, Mara, Bahati, Jabari, and Zawadi.
The habitat itself is designed to mimic the lions’ natural environment, providing ample space for the lions to roam, play, and rest. While also being an educational platform, where guests can learn about lion behavior.
Savannah Safari
Join the Savannah Safari truck tour where you’ll experience first hand African wildlife, including herds of giraffes, rhinos, and zebra. There is an extra charge of $10, but I thought the tour is thoughtfully structured to allow plenty of opportunities for close-up views and photo moments.
We had this included in our accommodation ticket and was a nice addition with the Giraffe trying to look into the window, but we also got a chance to feed them.
Wild Herds
Wild Herds is an exhibit that offers visitors an immersive walk-through experience with deer. You’ll see the “Takhi herd” (a Mongolian Horse) enclosed within a small village of Mongolian houses, otherwise known as Yurts.
The exhibit showcases the Zoo’s role in helping to bring the Takhi back from extinction with Fallow Deer and the Takhi. It’s free to enter with the normal Zoo ticket and you can visit any time of day!
Animal Encounters
If you’ve ever wanted to meet a Tiger, Meerkat, Elephant, hippopotamus, or Giraffe; then, you’ll get your option here! Prices range from $15 to $100 on top of the general entry ticket and depending on the animal you want to see.
➡ Click here to book your entry tickets online with Get your Guide.
However, when you weight up that cost against never being able to do it in the wild, I find they can be worth it. Just know that any of these will take time out of seeing the rest of the park, which matters more if you only have one day to visit.
Keeper Talks
Get a live and interactive experience with the Live Keeper Talks around this park throughout the day. Listen to their knowledgeable insights or ask the questions you want to know.
This includes the Lemurs, Black Rhino, Cheetah, Elephant, Tiger Spider Monkey, Meerkats, Tasmanian Devil, Tortoise and Platypus. The Keeper Talks run for about 15 to 30 minutes and included in the ticket cost. However, they run on a specific timetable, so check your pamphlet information as you walk in, to plan your day.
The Waterhole & swimming
The Waterhole precinct is a new addition to the zoo and quickly becoming a favourite. It’s open daily from 10am to 2pm and is a nice pit stop while venturing around the park.
Access to this area is free with your zoo entry. You can refresh with a hot cup of coffee by the Meerkats or Barbary Sheep herd, while your kids are playing with water sculptures and an automated water jet.
Where to Stay?
Following a multimillion-dollar upgrade to its facilities, Taronga Western Plains Zoo offers some fantastic experiences and accommodation options for that unique and memorable experience. These include:
The Billabong Camp
The Billabong Camp is an excellent option for budget-conscious families and groups wanting a slumber party with a difference. Camping under the stars near the brand-new lion pride lands, you’ll hear the nocturnal roaring sounds from the king of the jungle in the middle of the night.
Savannah Cabins
If camping is not for you can get nice a cosy in the Savannah Cabins. These fully contained, well-appointed cabins will have you sleeping comfortably as you look out onto the sprawling grassland, taking in the sounds of the zoo.
➡ Click to book your stay at The Savannah Cabins HERE
Zoofari Lodge
I saved the best for last, and that is the jewel of the accommodation crown, The Zoofari Lodge. Some Zoo’s offer similar experiences, but I think Dubbo does it best, and this is the option we chose for our last visit.
Your lodge backs onto the savannah, and you feel like you are sleeping with exotic animals like Giraffes, Zebras, and antelopes of Africa.
Imagine sitting on the deck drinking your coffee, when a Giraffe comes up feeding right in front of you! Well, that’s precisely what happened on our visit.
While the price for this accommodation is high, what’s included can make it more worth it. The Animal View Lodges (Bushland Lodges also Available) start around $400 per Adult per night, are fully self-contained and come with the following:
- Two day admission to the Zoo
- Guided tour that take you exclusive areas
- Dinner & Breakfast
- Bicycle Hire
- 10% Discount at the Zoo Shop and Cafes
Alternative Accommodation?
Don’t want to stay at the Zoo, then you have plenty of other options. Dubbo is a city full cheap motel and hotel accommodation. It’s also more convenient for other facilities and exploring when you’re not at the Zoo.
Where is the Dubbo Zoo?
The Dubbo Zoo is run by the Taronga Conservation Society, along with Taronga Zoo Sydney. The Western Plains Zoo is located on Obley Road just off the Newell Highway and south of Dubbo.
It’s only a short 5 kilometres drive from Dubbo (or 5 hours from Sydney) in outback New South Wales and easily accessible by a car on sealed roads. To get there, you have a couple of options – Drive or Fly, or a bit of both!
Driving your own vehicle will open up flexibility, time, and seeing other things in Dubbo. You’ll find Dubbo is a popular north-south route for travellers criss-crossing through the country, so why not make a road trip out of it and include other locations.
➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE
Otherwise, getting to Dubbo has been made easier with direct flights or connecting options from Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. In addition, you can take a Flight from anywhere around Australia and connect through with Qantaslink.
From Dubbo, the Zoo is serviced by public transport with buses and of course, taxis.
How long do you need?
It is possible to see enough at the Western Plains Zoo in one day, but know it’s one of the largest zoos in regional Australia. This can make it hard to see absolutely everything, but planning your day around the exhibits, keeper talks, lunch etc, will help make the most of your time.
All my visits have been day passes, but I have enjoyed seeing different things each time. You’ll still be riding around all day on your bike, but you can vary the shows and keeper talks, ensuring they are different from the time before.
Is it better to see Dubbo Zoo over a couple of days? Well, Yes, I think if you want the whole experience and enjoy all the different areas, two or three days might be better.
Best time to visit?
In my experience, any time of year would be great to visit Dubbo Zoo, but this will depend on the weather temperatures. The summer months tend to increase a bit high and I would caution away from December or January.
However, the temperatures throughout the rest of the year, mean visitors can take their time strolling down the pathways, enjoying a picnic lunch, or keeping an eye out for new favourite animals.
One of my visits was for New Year’s Eve and at the height of a sweltering summer. We arrived at the park in the morning and picked up our bikes to start exploring. Within 30 minutes, we were already sweating pretty bad, getting very tired, and every stop was drinking water and trying to find shade.
Other Things to do nearby?
Dubbo is an outback tourist town, so it’s not surprising that you have plenty to do during your stay. With a focus on families, you’re guaranteed to have plenty to do and have a great time.
- The Old Dubbo Gaol is remarkably complete and intact from its original operation between 1847 to 1966.
- Dubbo is home to the Western Plains Cultural Centre where you can be treated to a unique cultural experience of the regional gallery and museum.
- You may not know that Dubbo has a sister city in Minokamo, Japan. To celebrate this sibling, you can stroll around the Shoyoen Japanese Garden and see the Koi Fish. It’s recognised as one of Australia’s most authentic Japanese gardens.
- Dubbo Aquatic & Leisure Centre is a mecca for locals and tourists alike. It’s a fun way to cool off and enjoy fine weather.
- The Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience has received visitors like the Royals. This is where you can first explore and learn the resilience, resourcefulness, and innovation of a Flying Doctor.
- Dundullimal Homestead is currently administered by the National Trust and is considered the oldest slab house in Australia.
- Dubbo Observatory
- Wellington Caves
- Parkes Observatory – This is a quick 5 minute stop as your passing through, or worth it to day trip from Dubbo.
Tip – Why not grab yourself a Great Big Adventure Pass? Conveniently, this is a multi-ticket to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the Old Dubbo Gaol, the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience, and Wellington Caves, plus exclusive offers at partner businesses.
Wrap-up & Read More!
Thanks for reading this blog post today, finding out if the Taronga Western Plains Zoo is worth visiting, along with my personal review. I hope you found the information you were looking for! However, if you’re still researching, please get my other New South Wales tips and tricks HERE for inspiration.
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