Western Plains Zoo

Sprawling across 300 hectares of open bushland near Dubbo, Western Plains Zoo (officially Taronga Western Plains Zoo) offers a safari-style wildlife experience that is a world away from traditional city zoos. Here, animals roam in expansive, naturalistic enclosures, and you explore the zoo by bicycle, on foot, or in your own car. It’s a standout attraction for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone self-driving through New South Wales.

Highlights & What to See

• African Savannah exhibit – spot giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and ostriches sharing the same vast paddock; you can even book a keeper talk to learn about conservation efforts.
• Asian elephant herd – the zoo is home to one of Australia’s largest breeding herds of Asian elephants; the purpose-built elephant barn lets you watch these gentle giants up close.
• Primate and lemur walkthroughs – get eye-to-eye with ring-tailed lemurs and squirrel monkeys in immersive, free-ranging exhibits.
• Australia’s native species – see kangaroos, koalas, and wombats in habitats that mimic their wild homes; the bilby enclosure is a highlight for conservation-minded visitors.
• Bicycle and electric cart hire – the best way to cover the 6 km circuit is by bike (free with entry) or rent a small electric cart; driving your own car is also permitted.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a full day – the zoo opens at 9am and most visitors spend 4–6 hours exploring the loop. Arrive early to beat the heat and catch the animals at their most active. If you’re on a tight schedule, a half-day (3–4 hours) still allows you to see the main African and Asian exhibits, but you’ll miss the slower-paced walking trails. For the best experience, combine the zoo with an overnight stay in Dubbo or one of the nearby farm stays.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dubbo – the regional city offers the Old Dubbo Gaol, the Dundullimal homestead, and a growing café culture; it’s a convenient base for the zoo.
• Mudgee – an hour’s drive south, this wine region is perfect for a post-zoo relaxation with cellar doors, gourmet produce, and scenic countryside.
• Wellington Caves – 45 minutes east, these limestone caves offer guided tours through cathedral-like chambers and a fossil museum.
• Warrumbungle National Park – two hours north, this dark-sky park is ideal for stargazing and hiking to the Breadknife and Siding Spring Observatory.
• Hunter Valley – if you’re driving from Sydney, break the journey in the Hunter Valley for wine tasting and hot-air ballooning before heading west.

Please check official sources for current details.