You can drive from the front entrance gate to the car park near the Visitor Centre, passing several exhibits and look-out points along the way. For tours of the Zoo we provide our own buses unless prior arrangements have been made for group bookings to use their own bus.

No, but you can bring your own picnic to enjoy and take in the sights at several sheltered and outdoor picnic areas that are located a short walk from the Visitor's Centre.

There are a number of ways to experience the zoo including Safari Tours, Zu-Loop Shuttle and self exploration via the walking trails and Keeper Talks.

The Africa Tour runs for 50 minutes
The Grasslands Tour runs for 25 minutes
The Zu-loop shuttle departs the Visitor Centre every half hour from 11.30 am

Tours run on regular schedules, but waiting periods will be experienced on busy days.  During these times we recommend visitors explore the walking tracks, enjoy lunch or coffee in the Café, take the Zu-loop shuttle to some of the animal viewing platforms, wander through the visitor centre and gift shop or make the short walk to the Meerkats and Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby enclosures.

Monarto Zoo is located 70km east of Adelaide near Murray Bridge.

Travelling time for groups coming to the Zoo takes approximately 45 minutes from the Toll-gate in Adelaide.

From Adelaide take the Monarto exit off the South Eastern Freeway to the Princes Highway and follow the signs.

From the East take the Murray Bridge exit off the South Eastern Freeway to the Princes Highway and follow the signs.

For those visitors who prefer not to drive to the Zoo, please contact the Murray Bridge Passenger Service for details of bus travel from Adelaide departing from the Central Bus Station (Mon-Sat) Ph 08 8415 5533

There is lots to do at the zoo, we have the Safari bus tours, walking tracks, keeper talks throughout the day at the viewing platforms and Zu-loop shuttle to get you there.  You can easily spend a whole day here with the variety of activities available.

Bookings are not required unless you are in a large group of 15 or more people, or you are coming in your own bus to tour the park.  Individuals need to book onto a tour on arrival at the Visitor Centre.

Bookings for large groups (15 or more) must be made at least 2 weeks in advance.

You are welcome to bring your own picnic to the park and shaded picnic areas are available. Food is not allowed on the buses. Barbecue facilities are not currently available.

We have a large range of animals from Asia, African, Sri Lanka, India, North America, Sahara Desert and Australia, including free range emus and Kangaroos.

Find out more about our animals

There are a variety of activities in the park. Behind the Scenes Tours (for an extra cost) can be booked prior to your arrival and include Meet our Cheetah, Lions, Rhino and Working With Wildlife (being a zoo keeper for the day).

• Camel rides are available on weekends and school holidays (fee applies). 
• Keeper talks are scheduled daily and can be accessed via the walking trails or Zu-loop shuttle service.
• Walking trails will lead you to a number of the exhibits and range in length from 20 to 90 minutes.
• View the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby at their walk through exhibit
• View the Meerkat exhibit at the Visitor Centre.

Please note that due to weather or animal management considerations, some talks may be cancelled without notice.  We apologise for any inconvenience.

Yes we have a lovely function centre out at the waterhole called the Pavilion and is available for weddings, events, birthdays and special occasions.

Find out more about planning a function at Monarto

The guided bus tours where visitors are able to view the animals close up and learn about the animals as they complete the tour.

• Keeper talks
  • Giraffe ( Feed the giraffe)
  • Rhino (Pat the rhino).
• Self guided walks.
• Meet the cheetah
• Working with wildlife
• Meet the lions.

The animals will be sleepier during hot weather but still active during the colder months as they still need to graze and keep on the move.

Yes they are located at the visitor centre and at each of the platforms at the Waterhole and the Rhino Boma.

The zoo is open everyday of the year.  The zoo may close for public safety when the temperature exceeds 40 degrees.  If the Park does close, public announcements are made via the local radio stations.  It would be advisable to phone the Park prior to visiting on these days to confirm opening/closing status.

Your entrance fee to the gate includes access to the safari tours and Zu-loop shuttle, walking tracks and keeper talks.  Unfortunately we cannot guarantee availability on both Africa and Grasslands tour.

All our animals have special dietary requirements that require close monitoring, so feeding of animals is not permitted.

Unfortunately not, but touch tables are available within the Visitor Centre where you can experience the sensation of a variety of skins, bones and antlers.

Monarto can experience vastly different weather to Adelaide, so never assume that because it is raining and cold in Adelaide that Monarto will be the same.  On many occasions it can be clear and sunny at Monarto.