Photo: JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ) / CC BY-SA 3.0
Tucked into the eucalypt forests of the NSW South Coast, Mogo Zoo is a small, owner-operated zoo that punches well above its weight. With a focus on conservation and intimate encounters, you can get closer to rare species here than at many larger institutions—think snow leopards, Sumatran tigers and the only white lions in New South Wales. The zoo’s relaxed, family-friendly vibe makes it a perfect pit stop on a drive between Sydney and the South Coast.
Highlights & What to See
- Big Cats – The zoo’s pride and joy: rare white lions, Sumatran tigers and snow leopards. The viewing platforms offer eye-level encounters.
- Primate Encounters – Meet ring-tailed lemurs, capuchins and the strikingly coloured mandrills. The walk-through lemur enclosure is a hit with kids.
- Australia Natives – Koalas, kangaroos, wombats and Tasmanian devils in naturalistic habitats. You can hand-feed kangaroos in the walkabout yard.
- Rare & Endangered Species – Mogo is known for its conservation breeding programs, including the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin and African painted dogs.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours – Book a ‘Zoo Keeper for a Day’ or a private tour to get up close with the animals and learn about conservation work.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the zoo, which is compact but packed with exhibits. If you’re doing a behind-the-scenes experience, allow half a day. The zoo is easily combined with a visit to nearby beaches or a lunch stop in the historic village of Mogo itself.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Mogo Village – A charming gold-rush town with artisan shops, galleries and cafes, just 2 km from the zoo.
- Batemans Bay – The gateway to the South Coast, with stunning beaches, oyster farms and the Clyde River estuary, 15 minutes south.
- Eurobodalla National Park – Coastal wilderness with walking trails, secluded beaches and birdwatching, a short drive east.
- Murramarang National Park – Known for its dramatic headlands, rock pools and the iconic Pigeon House Mountain walk, about 30 minutes north.
- Jervis Bay – Famous for its white-sand beaches (Hyams Beach) and dolphin-watching cruises, about an hour north.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Batemans Bay — MrMosely / CC0
- Eurobodalla National Park — Pete from NSW Far South Coast, Australia / CC BY 2.0
- Murramarang National Park — Pascal Vuylsteker from Paris, France - Australia / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Jervis Bay — Charliekay / CC BY-SA 4.0
- South Coast Drive — User:Orderinchaos / CC BY-SA 3.0