Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo

Meet native and exotic animals close up in the vast, open-range Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, in country NSW. You’ll see more than 500 animals from five continents. Seeking a safari, too? Then stay inside the zoo at a campsite or in a self-contained cabin or catered lodge.

Explore the zoo on small carts or rented bicycles, stopping on the way to marvel at the fascinating wildlife. You’ll also enjoy daily talks and animal encounters, with animals such as black rhinos, meerkats, giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions and ring-tailed lemurs.

Discover more about the animals in behind-the-scene walking tours. Stay the night in the zoo’s accommodation and listen to the animals. After an outback dinner, you’ll join one of the zoo’s educators for a night-time tour of the nocturnal animals.

From Sydney, Qantas and Rex Regional Express service Dubbo City Regional Airport. The flight is about an hour. You can travel by train to Dubbo. By car from Sydney, the drive is 5 h 30 min.