Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo, one of Australia’s oldest zoos, is a lush sanctuary in the heart of the city where heritage meets conservation. Home to more than 3,000 animals and 300 species, this intimate zoo offers a wonderfully personal wildlife experience, from giant pandas to native Australian marsupials. The leafy grounds, shaded by magnificent old trees, make for a relaxed stroll, and the passionate keepers bring the animals to life with engaging talks and feedings.

Highlights & What to See

• Giant Pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni – the only giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere, housed in a dedicated bamboo-filled enclosure.
• Nocturnal House – step into the dark to spot bilbies, numbats and other shy Aussie creatures active after hours.
• Encounters with Aussie Icons – get close to koalas, kangaroos and wombats in naturalistic habitats; daily keeper talks reveal quirky facts.
• South East Asian Rainforest Aviary – walk through a steamy dome where colourful birds fly freely around you.
• Heritage-listed Elephant House – a charming 1930s building that now houses the zoo’s education centre, with original Art Deco tiles.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least three to four hours to comfortably see the main exhibits and catch a couple of keeper talks. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or visiting with kids, a full morning or afternoon is ideal. The zoo is compact enough to cover without rushing, and the café makes a pleasant spot for a midday break. Combine with a picnic in the adjacent Botanic Garden for a full day out.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Adelaide Botanic Garden – a serene green oasis right next door, perfect for a post-zoo wander among exotic plants and glasshouses.
• Adelaide Central Market – a 15-minute walk away, this bustling food hub offers gourmet bites and fresh produce for a self-catered lunch.
• Rundle Mall – Adelaide’s premier shopping strip, about 20 minutes on foot, with boutiques, arcades and street performers.
• Adelaide Oval – a 25-minute walk or short tram ride; catch a tour or a game of cricket or footy at this iconic stadium.
• North Terrace Cultural Precinct – a 10-minute walk, home to the South Australian Museum, Art Gallery and State Library – ideal for a culture fix.

Please check official sources for current details.