Western Plains Zoo : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 19 Jun, 2023
- |
Welcome to the Western Plains Zoo – a sprawling wildlife oasis in Dubbo, New South Wales. This amazing Zoo offers visitors a unique and thrilling experience to observe some of the world’s most fascinating animals in their natural habitat. Spanning over 300 hectares, this Zoo is home to over 350 species of animals, including some rare and specially-bred animals from all around the world. From lions, tigers, meerkats, giraffes and kangaroos, to zebras, elephants, hippos, and much more, there is something for everyone at the Western Plains Zoo. Here, you can observe and learn about the different species, as well as explore the Zoo’s interactive exhibits and educational activities. So if you’re looking for a fun and exciting day out with the family, the Western Plains Zoo is the perfect choice. In this blog post, we’ll uncover some interesting facts about the Zoo, provide you with helpful information on what to expect, and give you our top tips for making the most out of your visit. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Western Plains Zoo
1. Western Plains Zoo is the largest open range zoo in the Southern Hemisphere. The zoo covers over 600 hectares and there are over 500 different species of animals living there.
2. The zoo is owned and operated by National Parks and Wildlife Service New South Wales and is a great destination for a day trip from Sydney.
3. The zoo provides a unique drive-through experience within the grounds, giving visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals.
4. Western Plains Zoo is striving to be a leader in conservation, helping to protect endangered species around the world and promoting education about wildlife and conservation.
5. The zoo has one of the highest wallaby and kangaroo populations in Australia with over 500 species represented.
6. Western Plains Zoo is the first zoo in the world to house living Australian saltwater crocodiles.
7. The zoo hosts events throughout the year such as Zoo Camps, Outdoor Adventure activities, and children’s birthday parties.
8. Western Plains Zoo also houses the largest veterinary teaching hospital in the state.
9. The veterinary hospital is run by a team of wildlife veterinarians who provide the highest standards of care for the zoo’s animals.
10. Western Plains Zoo supports a range of animal welfare and conservation programs, such as breeding endangered species and providing animal enrichment experiences.
History & Information About Western Plains Zoo
Western Plains Zoo is located in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia and is operated and managed by the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board (Zoos NSW). The zoo first opened to the public in 1977 and since then has become one of the major attractions in the region. It is a 500-hectare open-range zoo which is home to over 800 animals, including Australian natives as well as species from other countries. The main aim of the zoo is to educate and raise awareness about Australian wildlife.
The zoo includes a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors, such as guided tours, animal feeding experiences, educational programs, as well as entertainment and dining. The zoo also works hard to conserve threatened species and has a successful breeding program. Notable animals that can be seen at the zoo include giraffes, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, hippos, and emus.
Visitors to the zoo are encouraged to use the shuttle buses that are available from the nearby Dubbo city centre to get around. Additionally, the zoo has a group of keepers and volunteers who are available to answer questions and offer assistance to visitors during their visit.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Western Plains Zoo
Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, New South Wales is one of Australia’s most famous wildlife parks, with more than 600 animals spread across 4,000 hectares.
Getting There:
The Western Plains Zoo is located about five kilometres from the heart of Dubbo, and the drive is easy with minimal traffic. There is a regular shuttle service which services two stops – the Church Street/Macquarie Street stop in the CBD, and other at the Zoo.
Admission:
Admission to the Western Plains Zoo is very affordable and starts from A$19.90 for an adult, A$9.90 for a child (ages 4 to 15), and A$56 for a family (2 adults and 2 children). There are also discounted rates for pensioners, seniors, students, and group bookings.
Opening Hours:
The Western Plains Zoo is open from 9am to 5pm every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas Day.
What to See:
The Western Plains Zoo has a variety of animals to see, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, and elephants. In addition, there are two wetlands areas, a large walk-through aviary, and many smaller animal enclosures. There are also bush walking tracks, guided safaris, and train rides.
Visit the Zoo:
When visiting the Western Plains Zoo, remember to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. There are plenty of places to get refreshments within the park, as well as a restaurant. For the best experience, plan your day in advance and be sure to arrive early in the morning or stay until late afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Plains Zoo
Q: What are the opening hours of the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo?
A: The Western Plains Zoo is open 365 days per year from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last admission at 4:00 pm.
Q: Is entry free for children?
A: Entry to the Western Plains Zoo is free for children up to 4 years old. Children aged 5 to 15 are charged a discounted rate for entry.
Q: Does the Western Plains Zoo offer guided tours?
A: Yes, the Zoo offers a variety of guided tours and experiences such as wildlife encounters, twilight safaris, and Reptile and Nocturnal Animal Spotlighting tours.
Q: Is there wheelchair access at the Western Plains Zoo?
A: Yes, the Zoo is wheelchair-friendly and provides complimentary wheelchairs to visitors who require them.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks into the Western Plains Zoo?
A: Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks into the Zoo. However, food and beverages purchased from the Zoo’s food outlets are not permitted to be taken home.