The largest inland city in Australia, Canberra is the capital city of the land of Kangaroos. This small, yet cosmopolitan city is home to some of Australia’ best universities, ancient museums, renowned galleries, and colorful craft markets. The wine and dine experience is also something that you can watch out for in Canberra. There are a lot of fine dining and mid-tier food joints that serve delicious food and drinks. Take a tour around the city and see democracy in action at the Parliament House or explore of the many art galleries that feature some of the priceless collections of the world.
You can also spend a dreamy evening at the Lake Burley Griffin by indulging in the fun activities like hot air ballooning, kayaking, etc. or simply relaxing by the lake. However, if you wish to treat your eyes to some greenery and interact with the wildlife, head to the National Arboretum and the many nature parks that dot the city. Known as “the bush capital,” Canberra is surrounded by parklands, mountain ranges, and the native bush. And that makes it the perfect home for the wild. Canberra has many nature parks and zoos that should definitely be on your travel itinerary. So, are you ready to know more about the zoos in Canberra too? Scroll down know what awaits you here.
The Best Zoos and Parks in Canberra
From Kangaroos, emus to exotic birds, the many zoos in Canberra will leave you spoilt for choice. Here is a list of the different zoos and wildlife parks that you can choose from on your visit to the bush capital.
1. The National Zoo And Aquarium
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Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium, the National Zoo and Aquarium is a privately owned property and one of the best Australia zoos in Canberra. Spread across 19 hectares, the zoo is popular Among children and adults alike for its many attractions. The zoo is also known for housing the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia. Among the many animal exhibits, what draws visitors to this zoo is the night stay at the Jamala Wildlife Lodge. This luxury accommodation allows you to stay right next to the animal enclosures where you can view the cheetahs, hyenas, and other Canberra zoo animals up close with just a glass partition in between.
Tip: The zoo arranges for a lot of activities and tours that allows you to not only meet but pet an animal too. Do try out the zoo venture tour, meet a Meerkat, meet a Cheetah, and walk on the wild side. If you have kids along with you, a visit to the aquarium is a must.
Location: Lady Denman Drive, Next to Scrivener Dam, Canberra.
Entrance Fee: The prices of Canberra zoo tickets vary according to age groups. It is $25 (4 years to 15 years), $37 (Senior citizens and 16-year-olds with a student card), $45 (Adults). There are different rates for members, and you can also book online for great offers.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5 PM, except for Christmas Day.
Other Details: Parking and disabled access is available.
Must Read: 10 Experiences You Must Have While Exploring Canberra
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2. Canberra Reptile Zoo
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With over 50 different species of snakes, crocodiles, lizards, and frogs on display, the Canberra Reptile Zoo is located just 20 minutes north of the city at the very popular Gold Creek Village. Witness some of the world’s deadliest and largest reptiles in the exhibits at the very interactive Canberra Reptile Zoo. There is a Prehistoric gallery too that portrays the evolution of reptiles. There are volunteers that carry around different lizards and dragons for kids to touch and also learn about them. Should you wish to bring a souvenir back home, visit the Reptiles Inc store that is present on the premises.
Tip: The Reptile Zoo arranges for a “Snake Tales” educational progrAM for the visitors where you get to learn about the snakes, how to react when you meet one and the best part is, you get to touch one too!
Location: O’Hanlon Place in Nicholls ACT, within Gold Creek Village, Opposite to the Clock Tower.
Entrance Fee: Free for children under 4 years, $10 (4 years and above), $16 for adults. There are different rates for family and annual packages.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM.
Other Details: Parking and disabled access is available. Conference and function facilities are also available.
Suggested Read: Best Indian Restaurants In Canberra: The Essence Of India In The Foreign Land
3. Weston Park
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Though not a zoo per se, the Weston Park is a perfect place to watch wild Kangaroos. The park has been made on a sprawling 40 hectares of land and is surrounded by water on all three sides. This lovely scenic park houses a lot of things that make it a great spot to spend a nice weekend. Some of its many attractions are the Heritage nursery, the Yarralumla gallery, the Yarralumla Play Station, the views of the city, the white sandy beaches, the free BBQ spots, and the bike paths.
Tip: The wild Eastern Grey Kangaroos are often found grazing in large mobs. So drive slow through the park, and you may spot them under a tree during the day.
Location: Weston Park Road, Yarralumla
Entrance Fee: Free
Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM
Other Details: Car parking is available
Suggested Read: Top 12 Hot Springs In Australia Where You Can Take A Rejuvenating Bath
4. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
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Just 40 minutes from the central business district of Canberra lie the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, which is a dreamland for wildlife lovers. Though this is not a Canberra zoo in Australia, it is an amazing national park that has something to offer to people of all age groups and the wildlife present will surely give you a Canberra zoo experience. You may join a hiking trail, bushwalk in the sanctuary wetlands, join a ranger-guided tour, enroll yourself in one of the many environmental programs, watch the reptiles and frogs at display at the visitor center, or relax in one of the BBQ spots.
Tip: A walk to the Sanctuary will let you meet the platypus, potoroos, possums, wombats, echidnas, different birds, and reptiles that live here. In the Eucalyptus Forest Koala Sanctuary, you will spot koalas that live freely and happily.
Location: Paddys River Road, Tidbinbilla
Entrance Fee: Day Pass for motorcycles: $5, day pass for private vehicles (up to 8 seats): $13. There are different rates for group entry and annual packages that can be checked on the official website.
Timings: The Visitor Centre is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and the Reserve Grounds from 7.30 AM to 6 PM. It is closed on Christmas day and during high winds.
Other Details: Parking is available.
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5. Canberra Walk-in Aviary
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Meet our free-flying feathered friends in this privately owned aviary located in Gold Creek Village. The aviary is home to around 500 birds belonging to 60 different species from Australia and around the world. You are allowed to watch, feed and photograph these beauties and get bedazzled as you see them take flight in groups.
Tip: A small plate of bird food is given to visitors along with the entry tickets. You can even feed the birds with your hand and let them rest on your arm or head.
Location: Shop 13 Federation Square, Gold Creek Village, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls
Entrance Fee: Free for children under 4 years, $9.50 (4 years and above), $13 (Adults) and $10 (senior citizens).
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM in summers and 10 AM to 4 PM on winters. The aviary is closed on Christmas day.
Other Details: Parking is available. It is a non-smoking establishment.
Further Read: These Casinos In Australia: 10 Places To Let The Inner Gamer Out
Visiting these zoos will help you plan a memorable holiday with your loved ones. So, pack your bags and plan a trip to Australia with TravelTriangle and know what the capital city of Australia has to offer you! Do not forget to share about the zoos in Canberra, Australia with your friends.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zoos In Canberra
What are the different tours you can take at the National Zoo in Canberra?
White Lion, Giraffe, and Kangaroo encounter are the most popular tours inside the zoo. You can also have Cheetah and Tiger encounters. You have the chance to feed these wild animals inside the enclosures assisted by an experienced keeper.
What is special about the National Zoo in Canberra?
You will be taken inside the den of these wild animals and have interactive sessions with the help of an experienced keeper.
How big is the National Zoo and Aquarium?
It is spread across 19 acres and has many exotics species of animals and birds. You can choose from a list of tours to get close encounters with wild animals.
What are the facilities provided at the National Zoo?
A gift shop, a playground for kids, a cafe, bistro, picnic area, BBQ area, cabanas surrounded by beautiful landscapes and creeks, and more.
What is the best thing about visiting Canberra Walk-in Aviary?
You get to meet 60 different species of colorful birds from around the world. There are over 500 birds at this aviary. You must remember to take off any jewelry before you visit this aviary as few birds might tug them sitting on your shoulder.
What are the highlights of the Canberra Walk-in Aviary?
A flock of birds could fly over you. You can hand-feed bird at this aviary. You will be delighted to watch species of birds from different corners of the world.
What can you see at Weston Park in Canberra?
You have a chance to spot wild kangaroos at this park. You can enjoy BBQ and walking trails and also get a chance to have a close encounter with these animals.
What wildlife tours are available at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve?
These are wetlands with many scenic spots. You can talk walking trails and meet koalas, kangaroos, and platypus in their natural habitats.
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