Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Set in the vast, sunburnt landscape of Dubbo, New South Wales, Taronga Western Plains Zoo offers a safari-style wildlife experience that rivals Africa. This open-range zoo, spanning over 300 hectares, lets you get up close to rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs without the crowds of a city zoo. It's a must-visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts exploring regional NSW.

Highlights & What to See

• Self-guided bike or car tours: Hire a bike or drive your own vehicle along the 6km circuit, stopping at exhibits for close encounters with elephants, zebras, and white rhinos.
• Primate and Savannah precincts: Watch chimpanzees and meerkats in naturalistic habitats, and time your visit for keeper talks to learn about conservation.
• Nocturnal House and Reptile World: Escape the heat and see bilbies, ghost bats, and thorny devils in climate-controlled indoor exhibits.
• Wild Africa exhibit: The zoo's newest precinct features a walk-through aviary and a herd of African elephants – a highlight for photography.
• Behind-the-scenes experiences: Book a giraffe feeding or rhino encounter for an unforgettable hands-on moment.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate a full day to do the zoo justice. Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and complete the circuit at a leisurely pace. If you're short on time, a half-day (3–4 hours) lets you see the main exhibits by car. For a deeper experience, stay overnight at the zoo's on-site accommodation – the Zoofari Lodge or Savannah Cabins – for sunset and sunrise animal viewing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dubbo – The regional city offers the Old Dubbo Gaol, the Dundullimal Homestead, and a lively café scene.
• Wellington – Just 30 minutes south, visit the Wellington Caves for underground limestone formations and a fossil museum.
• Mudgee – About 1.5 hours east, this wine region boasts cellar doors, gourmet dining, and scenic countryside drives.
• Warrumbungle National Park – Two hours north, this dark-sky park offers spectacular hiking and stargazing.

Please check official sources for current details.