Best Zoo Tours in Australia for 2021
A trip to a zoo on any holiday is sure to please anyone, but there are plenty of places across the country that take your experience even further.
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Getting up close with animals is a magical experience and zoos can bring a smile to even the most serious of faces, because who doesn’t love watching an animal do something hilarious?
Zoos also provide a chance to be transported to another world – particularly one we can’t get to now with international border closures.
For now we have to stroll Taronga Zoo’s African Savannah experience and imagine we’re on the plains of the continent.
But luckily in Australia, there’s some of the best animal encounters on offer - and all within our own backyard.
DISCOVER THE BEST ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS IN AUSTRALIA
But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of add-ons to a standard zoo visit, we’ve found a few that will take your next animal encounter to the next level.
COME FACE TO FACE WITH A GIANT SALTWATER CROC
Crocosaurus Cove Entry & Cage of Death for 2 people, Travello, from $260
Croc spotting comes hand-in-hand with exploring the Top End, but if coming up close with a giant crocodile in the wild is too much for you, why not do it behind the safety of a glass tank?
You can come face-to-face – quite literally – with a deadly giant saltwater crocodile on this once in a lifetime adventure.
Located in the heart of Darwin, Crocosaurus Cove is an incredible wildlife park, home to the world’s biggest collection of Australian reptiles and aquatic creatures.
For this experience, you’ll be on an overhead monorail and suspended above the croc enclosure before being lowered into the water for a close-up 15-minute encounter.
Definitely not one for the faint-hearted!
THE PURRR-FECT EXPERIENCE FOR CAT LOVERS
African Cat Encounter at Werribee Open Range Zoo, Adrenaline, from $91
While you’re exploring the open ranges of this zoo (and imaging you’re in Africa) you can make the most of the visit by getting up close to these curious cats.
Make friends with the incredible servals when you go behind-the-scenes with their keepers, watching as they display their amazing athleticism and agility.
You will be able to get close enough to pat them and take cherished close-up photos.
You’ll also learn about the threats to many African native species, and how Zoos Victoria is helping to fight against wildlife extinction.
MEET SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE ANIMALS
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Entry Ticket, Klook, from $25
Often overlooked for the iconic Taronga zoo, WILD LIFE Sydney is the perfect escape from the Sydney CBD.
Instantly you’re transported to an animal sanctuary while busy office workers bustle by.
You can even have lunch with the koalas and get up close with kangaroos and wallabies for that quintessential Aussie animal experience.
This zoo experience is budget-friendly for families already doing a lot on their Sydney holidays and it’s a great one for a rainy day where you don’t have to traipse around with the risk of getting drenched.
PENGUIN ENCOUNTER AT SEA LIFE MELBOURNE AQUARIUM
Penguin Encounter at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Red Balloon, from $159
This experience is also on offer at SEA LIFE’s sister attraction in Sydney and boy, is it a good one.
You get kitted up in Antarctic gear a penguin keeper would wear (which also keeps you warm, of course) and taken behind-the-scenes to explore what’s involved in taking care of the gorgeous king and gentoo penguins.
If you’re a fan of Happy Feet, this experience is for you. Watch the cheeky gentoo penguins slip and slide along the ice and jostle for a tasty bit of fish (that you’ll also see the keepers prepare).
Way less confronting than a croc experience, but still a special once-in-a-lifetime encounter you’ll remember forever.
GET CLOSE AND PERSONAL AT AUSTRALIA ZOO
Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry, Travello, from $149
Sometimes the trickiest part of exploring on a holiday is figuring out how to get to where you want to go, and making the most of it when you do.
This tour takes all the hassle out of things for you, with entry to the zoo and a solid five hours to check it out, pick up and drop offs and a stop at a lookout of the marvellous Glasshouse Mountains.
Of course, this zoo is special because it’s Steve Irwin’s legacy and now run by his family.
It’s home to more than 1000 native and exotic animals, including lemurs, crocodiles, elephants, rhinos, and koalas.
More importantly, the zoo teaches you all about conservation efforts and allows you to leave with a renewed sense of hope about saving our environment and the animals we love.
One for the bucket list, for sure!
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