Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Sprawling across 300 hectares of open bushland near Dubbo, Taronga Western Plains Zoo offers an immersive, drive-through safari experience that feels a world away from the typical city zoo. Here, you can come face-to-face with rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roaming freely in vast enclosures, all from the comfort of your own car or hire a bike to pedal the 6km circuit. It’s a must-do for families and wildlife enthusiasts exploring inland New South Wales.

Highlights & What to See

• Drive-through Savannah – Cruise past herds of African and Asian animals in a landscape that mimics their natural habitat; keep your camera ready for elephants and white rhinos.
• Walk with the Animals – Park up and explore the walk-through precincts, including the lemur island, reptile house, and free-flight bird aviary.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours – Book a keeper talk or private tour to get up close to cheetahs, meerkats, and the zoo’s breeding programs for endangered species.
• Overnight Safari Stay – For a truly unique experience, camp in a safari tent or lodge within the zoo and hear the lions roar at dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day (5–7 hours) to comfortably complete the circuit, enjoy the walk-through areas, and attend keeper talks. If you’re self-driving, you can easily break the loop with a picnic lunch. For an immersive experience, consider an overnight stay to split the visit across two days.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dubbo – The regional hub offers heritage architecture, the Old Dubbo Gaol, and the Macquarie River walking trails.
• Mudgee – A scenic 1.5-hour drive south, famous for its cellar doors, gourmet food scene, and historic streetscape.
• Wellington Caves – Just 30 minutes east, explore limestone caves with guided tours and a fossil museum.
• Warrumbungle National Park – About 2 hours north, this dark-sky park is perfect for stargazing and bushwalking among volcanic peaks.

Please check official sources for current details.