June 2021, 5 hour drive from Sydney, we headed to Dubbo Western Plains Zoo, it’s a long drive but well worth the journey to come and experience this fabulous zoo. One can either enjoy a day visit or do an overnight stay like we did, I highly recommend the overnight stay.

Operation Times: 9 am to 4 pm

https://taronga.org.au/dubbo-zoo

Accommodation

Zoofari Lodge, Savannah Cabins and Billabong Camps are 3 types of accommodations offered. We booked the Zoofari Lodge for 1 night $768.00 including GST.

The Zoofari Lodge experience was amazing from start to finish and something I suggest everyone books. Our Giraffe Lodge 6, is located right in the middle of all the cabins in a prime position where the animals group together and also eat. I was so overjoyed on arrival to see all the animals in front of our cabin, it’s a moment I will never forget.

Our Zoofari Lodge package included: –

2 day Taronga Western Plains Zoo admission

One x 1-night accommodation in an African-style canvas-covered lodge

Two x 2 exclusive guided tours

African-inspired Dinner and A La Carte Breakfast

One x 1-day bicycle hire

10% discount voucher for purchases from the Zoo’s Souvenir Shop

10% discount voucher for Zoo Cafe and Bar

https://taronga.org.au/dubbo-zoo/accommodation/zoofari-lodge#zoofarilodgepackage

Dining

We enjoyed a delicious African-inspired curry dinner and dessert. And the following morning were able to choose from the A La Carte Breakfast menu.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Before you start your day, check out the map and make sure you plan your day to avoid missing out on any of the animals.

How to get around – Buggy or bicycle hire is a must to get around easily as the grounds are too big to walk for an average person let alone if you have a family.

As it was a weekday we were lucky to have a 4-hour buggy hire that was enough for us but I think others will need to make morning and afternoon hire bookings. Or like us plan your day where you can walk/drive a certain area as best you can then hire the electric cart for 3 hours but do not include your breakfast or lunch stop during your hire time as the zoo circuit is enormous.

Hire fees: 

$17 – all-day standard bike hire

$24 – all day geared bike hire

$70 – three-hour electric cart hire

https://taronga.org.au/dubbo-zoo/bike-cart-hire

Where to eat –  You can dine indoors, outdoors or why not enjoy a takeaway lunch at a picnic area.

Zoo Cafe & Bar – Here you will enjoy a view of the Savannah Lake and Primate Islands whilst enjoying breakfast or lunch. Food ranges from bacon and eggs, waffles to burgers, fish and chips and Thai squid salad.

The Waterhole –  Located halfway around the Zoo circuit the Waterhole offers a range of burgers, cold and hot food to enjoy whilst overlooking Zebra, Camels, Blackbuck, Meerkats and tortoise. Here the kids can have fun at the waterhole-themed water play area with hippo and elephant sculptures. 

Picnic Areas:

• African Savannah picnic grounds
• Bushland picnic grounds
• Asian Forests
• Savannah Visitor Plaza (near the Safari Park children’s playground)

High Tea – Nice idea if you feel like savoury and sweets. Pricing and more information are provided in the link below.

https://taronga.org.au/dubbo-zoo/food-and-drink

Animal Encounters – Make sure like any zoo to check the animal encounter timetable to take the opportunity to see the animals more lively otherwise you won’t see them up close or they may be chilling further away from the viewing point. You don’t want to be disappointed after travelling 5 hours or more so please plan your day well.

Overall, what a fabulous experience, Dubbo Western Plains Zoo is a place for singles, couples and families to thoroughly enjoy. Do yourself a favour and book now!