Best Zoos in Canberra
National Zoo & Aquarium
The National Zoo can be considered one of the few main attractions in Canberra, and it’s a place we like to visit from time to time. Despite the relatively expensive entrance fee of 50 dollars per person, you will never get tired of it, and each visit is always enjoyable!
The zoo is quite large, and the environment is pleasant. You can bring some food and have a picnic inside. The Rhino Restaurant area has several picnic tables and chairs available.
Address: 999 Lady Denman Dr, Yarralumla ACT 2611
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Jamala Wildlife Lodge is the coolest hotel in Australia where you can sleep with tigers and lions! The hotel is right inside the National Zoo & Aquarium with rooms scattered in different animal areas. The prices range from 1000 AUD to 3000 AUD per night, depending on the room type. The rates include breakfast, dinner, afternoon tea, and a tour.
The Jungle Bungalows are the most expensive and offer a choice of animals such as tigers, lions, black bears, and leopards. There may be an additional charge for weekends. They also have giraffe rooms, shark rooms, and more, which are great for bringing kids along! However, children are not allowed in the tiger rooms.
If you want to stay in the tiger room, it’s best to book in advance, about one or two months ahead, on the official website. During the booking process, you’ll be asked to select three preferred animals.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is the home to various Australian animals, residing in different sub-alpine habitats including wetlands, grasslands, wet and dry forests, and woodlands. These habitats support a diverse range of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, platypus, possums, wombats, large kangaroos, echidnas, emus, lyrebirds, as well as many other bird species and reptiles.
The nature reserve covers an area of 54.5 square kilometres and is located within Namadgi National Park, just a 40-minute drive from Australia’s capital city, Canberra. The reserve encompasses a large mountain valley, Tidbinbilla Mountain, and Gibraltar Range.
It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes, and bring sunscreen and a hat. The nature reserve is quite large, so spending a whole day there is not a problem. It’s also a good idea to bring some snacks and water!
Yarralumla Play Station
Yarralumla Play Station offers activities such as riding a miniature train, feeding farm animals, enjoying coffee, and playing mini-golf. Whenever we go, we usually go in the afternoon, so we don’t have coffee. The mini-golf at Canberra Outlet is more fun compared to the one at Yarralumla Play Station.
The highlight is definitely feeding the farm animals, including various ponies, horses, and sheep. You can buy a can of animal feed and experience the delightful sensation of their warm, thick lips rolling in your palm. After feeding the animals, you can take the miniature train back to the exit.
The adult ticket costs $15, which includes the train ride and access to the farm. Animal feed can be purchased for $2 per can.
Address: 9 Pescott Ln, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Canberra Reptile Zoo
Here you can find the largest and most deadly as well as the most colourful reptiles in Australia.
The zoo also features exhibits covering tropical, temperate, and arid zones.
Address: O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls ACT 2913
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