National Zoo & Aquarium
A 25-acre sanctuary near Canberra offering exotic & native animals, unique overnight stays, and close encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
National Zoo & Aquarium
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 25-acre sanctuary near Canberra offering exotic & native animals, unique overnight stays, and close encounters.
"Hands down one of the best zoos in Australia with incredible animal variety and interaction opportunities!"
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort for a better experience!
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
Stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during warmer months. Hats and sunscreen are essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giraffe Treehouse Experience
Accommodation Area
Stay overnight and feed giraffes from your balcony for an unforgettable, magical experience.
Diverse Animal Encounters
Zoo Exhibits
Explore a vast array of native and exotic animals in spacious, well-maintained enclosures.
Aquarium Exhibits
Aquarium Section
Discover fascinating aquatic life, a popular attraction, especially for younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit Early
Consider Overnight Stays
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort for a better experience!
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
Stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during warmer months. Hats and sunscreen are essential.
🗺️ Grab a Guide Map
Essential for navigating the 25-hectare site and ensuring you don't miss any exhibits.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is plentiful but can get crowded during peak times. Beat the rush by arriving early.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort for a better experience!
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
Stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during warmer months. Hats and sunscreen are essential.
🗺️ Grab a Guide Map
Essential for navigating the 25-hectare site and ensuring you don't miss any exhibits.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is plentiful but can get crowded during peak times. Beat the rush by arriving early.
📸 Great for Photography
Capture stunning shots of animals and the beautiful grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Zoo & Aquarium for its incredible variety of well-cared-for animals and the numerous opportunities for close encounters. The unique overnight stays are a standout highlight, offering a magical experience. However, some guests have noted that entry fees are on the higher side and signage, particularly for exits, could be improved.
"This large zoo and aquarium is popular with ACT folk and tourists. It is located on 25 hectares of land and near Canberra. It is privately owned and hence entry fees are on the higher side. It is nevertheless a good place to visit and we found that the guide map with numbered exhibits was particularly useful as you may miss out on an exhibit otherwise. Fair bit of walking around though some spots are under shade. The terrain can be uneven. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Toilets available. Cafes and restaurants available around the zoo. Lovely place for picnic. Parking is easy and plentiful though can be crowded at peak times. Best to go there early to avoid the heat and crowds. The aquarium has nice exhibits too and it popular with children. Great place for photography. Takes about 2 to 3 hours overall to visit"
s vivekananda
"Had an amazing day at the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra! The animals were well cared for and there’s such a great variety to see. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the enclosures are clean and spacious. Perfect for a fun family outing or a day with friends. Highly recommend!"
Sampada
"This place is magical. If possible you'll want to stay the night. We did the giraffe tree house! We were able to watch them from our balcony and feed them. This was over my anniversary and birthday 🎂 and they absolutely made it extra special. The service is top notch the guest experience is unforgettable. If I lived here I would make this a yearly event. It's top notch 💯 they made my anniversary and birthday unforgettable"
Lindsey Tsuya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Zoo & Aquarium is located near Canberra. Driving is the most common way to get there, with ample parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so check local bus routes if you're not driving.
Parking is generally easy and plentiful, but it can get crowded during peak times like weekends and holidays. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
While driving is the most convenient, it's worth checking local ACT bus schedules for routes that might get you close to the National Zoo & Aquarium.
The zoo is spread across 25 hectares, so grab a guide map upon arrival. Some visitors found it tricky to navigate initially, so starting from specific car parks like 1 or 4 and looping around is suggested.
The terrain can be uneven in parts, and there's a fair bit of walking involved. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are on the higher side as it's a privately owned facility. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing for general admission and any special experiences.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for special experiences like overnight stays, is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always a good idea to check the official National Zoo & Aquarium website before your visit for the most current information.
Look out for potential discounts on the zoo's website or through third-party ticketing sites. Family passes or group rates might also be available.
Some visitors have reported difficulty finding the exit, especially as it gets dark. Better signage would be beneficial. Pay attention to signs and the map to avoid stress.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The National Zoo & Aquarium is considered a great place for photography, offering opportunities to capture stunning images of a wide variety of animals in their enclosures.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, which is ideal for photography. Arriving early also helps avoid crowds, giving you clearer shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or restrictions around certain sensitive exhibits.
You can expect to capture close-ups of animals, wide shots of enclosures, and candid moments. The variety of species ensures diverse photographic opportunities.
Many areas are photogenic, but the enclosures with more naturalistic settings and opportunities for interaction, like the giraffe feeding area, tend to be very popular for photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants available around the zoo, offering convenient options for visitors.
The National Zoo & Aquarium is a lovely place for a picnic, so bringing your own food is a great option. There are designated picnic areas.
Food options typically include standard cafe fare like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Specific menus can be found on their website.
It's advisable to check with the on-site cafes or restaurants directly for their current menu and specific dietary options.
Prices at zoo cafes and restaurants can be typical for such attractions. Bringing your own picnic is a budget-friendly alternative.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as there's a lot of walking involved. Comfortable shoes are a must for little feet too! Consider arriving early to avoid the biggest crowds and the midday heat, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look out for any potential discounts or family passes that might be available on their official website. Planning your route with a map beforehand can also help you efficiently see all the exhibits without backtracking, saving you time and energy.
💖 Couples & Special Occasions
Even without an overnight stay, the zoo provides a beautiful setting for a day out. Enjoy leisurely walks, discover fascinating animals together, and perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch. The chance to get up close with animals adds an element of excitement and wonder to any visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Overnight Experience
These stays are more than just a place to sleep; they are immersive experiences that allow for a deeper connection with the animals. The service is consistently praised as top-notch, ensuring guest experiences are unforgettable. If you're looking for a truly special way to visit the zoo, consider booking one of these unique stays well in advance.
While the cost is higher than a standard zoo visit, the memories created are often described as priceless and worth making a yearly event for those who can. It transforms a day trip into a memorable getaway.
Navigating the Grounds and Avoiding Hassles
A common piece of advice from visitors is to grab a guide map upon entry. This is crucial for navigating the extensive grounds and ensuring you don't miss any of the exhibits. Some reviewers noted that finding their way around, especially to specific areas like the aquarium or the exit, could be tricky without clear signage.
Beyond navigation, remember to pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and a hat, as many areas are exposed to the sun. The zoo does have toilets and cafes available, but being prepared with your own supplies can enhance your comfort throughout the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit