Visitor Information

Adelaide Zoo is now open! Here’s what you need to know for your next visit.

Adelaide Zoo, one of Adelaide’s most iconic attractions, is home to more than 2,500 animals and 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish exhibited over eight hectares of magnificent botanic surroundings.

It is the second oldest zoo in the nation and represents a significant part of South Australia’s heritage and social history. Since Adelaide Zoo first opened to the public in 1883, generations of South Australians have shared in the wonder of a visit to the zoo.

It’s a relaxing green city oasis and vibrant sanctuary that gives you the feeling of stepping into another world. It’s full of diversity, colour and unique things to see and do. It offers an intimate zoo experience speckled with elements of curiosity, fantasy, fun and surprise.

Adelaide Zoo is the only major metropolitan zoo in Australia to be owned and operated by a conservation charity, Zoos SA.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and to ensure the safety of our staff, visitors and animals, a date-specific ticket or reservation will be required for all visitors whether you’re a current Zoos SA member, have purchased an entry ticket previously, have a voucher (purchased directly from us or via third-party provider) or are a new ticket purchaser.

Date specific tickets and reservations will help us to manage our capacity requirements. These tickets can be booked up to 3 months in advance.

To cancel or change your booking please email reservations@zoossa.com.au with your Order Number, name and contact details.

Please be mindful that children under 4 still require a free ticket as they count towards the overall capacity. We must adhere to restrictions and do not want to turn anyone away, so please do the right thing and ensure you book everyone in.

Please visit our tickets page by clicking the button below to make a reservation or book your tickets.

Book now

Adelaide Zoo is open from 9:30am – 5pm every day of the year, including Christmas and all public holidays.

Please note the opening times for the following areas:

  • Panda Exhibit 9:45am – 4:45pm
  • Zoo Shop 9:30am – 5pm
  • Panda Shop 11am-3pm (11am-4pm during school holidays and on weekends)
  • Reptile House 10am – 4:30pm (4:45pm weekends and public holidays)
  • Nocturnal House 10am – 4:30pm (4:45pm weekends and public holidays)
  • Walk-through Aviaries 9:30am – 4:30pm (4:45pm weekends and public holidays)
  • Westpac Envirodome 10am – 4:30pm (4:45pm weekends and public holidays)

Animals in the Children’s Zoo may be fed from the exterior with zoo animal food that is available for purchase for $2 (cash only and subject to availability). There is a total feeding ban in all other areas.

Parking

Visitors have access to a number of 4 and 10 hour parking spaces; Zoos SA recommends reviewing parking access through the Botanic Gardens link provided below:

Parking on Plane Tree Drive

Take a walk on the wild side and have fun with nature inspired play equipment suitable for all abilities.

The new play space is a wonderful environment where visitors of all ages can let their imaginations run wild, have fun, challenge themselves and explore the natural world.

The playground includes play equipment built on nature play principles that stimulate all the senses through climbing structures, water play features, a natural creek bed and aerial walkways. The precinct also has disability friendly toilets, a new parent’s room and an undercover function area suitable for birthday parties and other unique functions.

Find out more

Adelaide Zoo offers a wide range of daily zoo keeper talks and animal feeds that give guests the opportunity to interact with our friendly staff and learn about the zoo’s unique residents. Follow the presentation schedule to get the most out of your visit to Adelaide Zoo.

Click here to see the full keeper presentations schedule.

Looking for a more unique animal experience? Consider booking an Animal Encounter or a Behind the Scenes Animal Experience, proudly supported by AGL, to come face-to-face with some of our remarkable animal residents.

Find out more here!

Adelaide Zoo’s free walking tours depart on the hour from 10am until 3pm at our Tour Meeting Point, adjacent the main entrance.

Allow our friendly volunteer guides to take you on a fun and informative journey to see your favorite animals or make new discoveries through this personalised tour.

Tours are subject to guide availability.

Please meet our volunteer guides at the Tour Meeting Point to start your Adelaide Zoo adventure!

Nature’s Playground

Nature'sPlayground

Take a walk on the wild side these school holidays and experience our new Nature’s Playground. Have fun with nature inspired play equipment suitable for all abilities.

The new play space is a wonderful environment where visitors of all ages can let their imaginations run wild, have fun, challenge themselves and explore the natural world.

Using nature play principles, the playground has been designed to encourage unstructured play and includes nature-inspired play equipment, a function space and new parent room.

Find out more

Wisteria Restaurant

Wisteria Restaurant is open from 9am-4:30pm daily and offers a range of tasty treats, small bites and hot meals.

Fig Tree Cafe

Located in the centre of the zoo, the Fig Tree Café offers a great range of quick and delicious snack and lunch options.

Adelaide Zoo services and facilities ensure an enjoyable and fulfilling experience whether you are a day visitor, attending an educational excursion or an afterhours function.

  • During the current Covid-19 pandemic we are unable to store any goods inclusive of scooters and bikes for you. As scooters and bikes are not permitted within Adelaide Zoo, you must secure these outside the zoo yourself. Any loss or damage to these items is at the responsibility of the visitor.
  • Picnic and Rest Areas – a historic undercover rotunda, benches and wide sweeping lawns for picnics and more intimate shady glades are positioned throughout the gardens
  • Public Amenities – including disabled toilets and baby change rooms
  • Vending Machines – provided throughout the zoo for drinks, ice-creams and other light refreshments
  • First Aid facilities – first aid facilities are available at the zoo
  • Disabled Access – the zoo provides ramps and railings for disability access
  • Assistance Animals – Zoos SA is unfortunately unable to allow assistance animals on site at Adelaide Zoo. Temporary accommodation for assistance dogs can be provided; however, it is recommended leaving service animals at home. If required, Zoos SA recommends visiting with a companion who can assist during your visit.

Available for Hire

  • Zoobaru – pusher hire $15 (EFT only) Suitable for toddlers and young children. Not a pram for babies.
  • Wheelchair hire – not available due to Covid-19 restrictions

Parking

The Botanic Gardens of South Australia owns and operates all parking on Plane Tree Drive and offers a number of disabled parks close to the zoo main entrance.

Visitors have access to a number of 4 and 10 hour parking spaces; Zoos SA recommends reviewing parking access through the Botanic Gardens link provided below:

Parking on Plane Tree Drive

 

Concession Pricing

Zoos SA offers a range of admission options and offers a discounted concession rate with any valid Government issued concession card.

Click here to purchase your tickets.

 

Government Issued Carer & Companion Cards

Zoos SA recognises the national Government issued Companion Card and Carer Australia Card. Free entry is offered for one carer accompanying the cardholder when using one of the approved cards below:

  • Government issued Carers Australia card for each Australian State
  • Government issued Companion Card for each Australian State
  • QLD Government Issued Carer Card
  • Government issued Foster Carer Card
  • SA Department for Education and Child Development
  • We Care Victoria Government Carer Card

Please note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a date-specific ticket or reservation will be required for all visitors. The cardholder presenting one of the above-mentioned cards must purchase a ticket for themselves, then can reserve a ticket for their companion at no extra charge. Please visit our tickets page to make a reservation or book your tickets. The date-specific ticket and companion/carers card must both be presented upon entry.

 

Wheelchair Hire

Wheelchairs are available for hire for a cost of $5. If you wish to hire a wheelchair, please book prior to your zoo visit by contacting our team on 08 8267 3255.

 

Assistance Animals

Zoos SA is unfortunately unable to allow assistance animals on site at Adelaide Zoo. Temporary accommodation for assistance dogs can be provided; however, it is recommended leaving service animals at home. If required, Zoos SA recommends visiting with a companion who can assist during your visit.

 

Bathrooms

Adelaide Zoo is equipped with accessible toilet facilities to ensure the safety and privacy of all our visitors.

Accessible toilets are located at:

Natures Playground (Map Ref: 14C)

Rotunda (Map Ref: 9H)

Envirodome (Map Ref: 10Q)

 

Hoist Facility

The Natures Playground accessible toilet is fitted with a full body ceiling hoist that is readily available and designed to meet the needs of the individual and carer while visiting the zoo. The following information is important to note:

  • Individuals will need to bring their own loop sling upon visiting the zoo.
  • This hoist is compatible with loop style slings, as opposed to clip style slings.
  • (Please note that the ceiling hoist SWL is 200kg, this is the maximum weight it can take regardless of the SWL of the sling).
  • Zoo employees and volunteers are neither permitted nor trained to lift an individual or help them inside a restroom.

This disability hoist is proudly supported by PQSA and supplied by Equip 4 Living.

 

Seating and Drinking Fountains

Accessible drinking fountains are readily available and situated throughout the Zoo.

Seating options and picnic tables are also available and can be located using the map key.

 

Café/Restaurant

The Wisteria Restaurant and Fig Tree Café offer a range of tasty treats and hot food. Both sites are wheelchair accessible and offer highchair and seating facilities.

 

Zoo Shop

The Zoo shop is wheelchair accessible and located next to the zoo main entrance. Don’t miss the chance to purchase unique zoo memorabilia; it’s the best way to remember your experience at one of Adelaide’s most iconic attractions.

 

Getting Around

Adelaide Zoo retains many of its original buildings and features, in which some are state heritage listed places. Our walkways and trails are accessible for individuals with wheelchairs, please refer to the map key to familiarise yourself with the location of the only stair case within the zoo.

Adelaide Zoo is situated on Frome Road, near the River Torrens. Entry is via Frome Road (follow the signs) or Plane Tree Drive next to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

Car

Limited metered ticket parking is available on Plane Tree Drive, War Memorial Drive and Frome Road. All metered parking is operated by either Adelaide Botanic Gardens or Adelaide City Council. There is no parking available on the grounds of Adelaide Zoo.

Further information on parking on Plane Tree Drive can be found through the Botanic Gardens here

Wilsons Parking –  Adelaide Zoo Visitors

Wilsons Parking on Frome Road (next to the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site) offers a special $7 flat rate all-day parking on weekends.

Bus

Buses stop on Frome Road directly outside the zoo (Bus number 271 or 273 from Currie Street). Visit Adelaide Metro for more details.

The half-hourly Connector Bus passes the Adelaide Oval and many of the UPark carparks in the city.

Further information on buses (trams and trains), can be found through Adelaide Metro.

Bike

Free bike racks are provided within the entry precinct, just outside the Santos Conservation Centre. Best routes to Adelaide Zoo include the Torrens Linear Park and cycle paths along all major arterial roads.

Boat

The Popeye boats are privately owned recreational ferries that operate on the River Torrens between Elder Park and Adelaide Zoo. You can purchase a one-way ticket from Elder Park and disembark from the river cruise at the zoo. For further information contact the operator by calling 08 8232 7994.

 

The magnificent landscaping of Adelaide Zoo is the result of more than 130 years of care and attention.

Our horticultural teams’ role is to design, develop, maintain and continually evolve the gardens and grounds within Adelaide Zoo to create a naturalistic botanical setting that extends from public areas to animal habitats.

Learn More

Zoos SA recognises reciprocal membership rights of the following Australian zoos:

  • Taronga Conservation Society of Australia (Taronga Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo)
  • Perth Zoo
  • Zoos Victoria (Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary)

Please note, South Australian residents holding Zoos Victoria or Taronga membership will no longer receive free child member entry to Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park and will be required to pay normal admission to enter. This reflects a national change to reciprocal entry rights among participating zoos.

This only applies to Zoos Victoria and Taronga child members. It does not affect Zoos Victoria or Taronga adult members who will still enjoy free admission to all participating zoos.

To gain access to Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, please provide ID (showing a photo + address), your valid interstate membership card and a letter of validity if your membership card does not have an expiry date listed (so we can determine that your membership has not expired) from your parent zoo and present them to gate staff on entry. Zoos Victoria Members only need to supply all current membership cards and photo ID.

A letter of validity can be obtained from your member organisation by phoning;

  • Taronga Zoo Friends Office – (02) 9969 2777
  • Perth Zoo Friends Office – (08) 9474 0350
  • Zoos Vic Member – 1300 966 784

 

Environmental sustainability is living within the limits of what the environment can provide. It’s about understanding the many interconnection between the economy, society and the environment. More so it’s about the equal distribution of resources and opportunities. Learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint and help wildlife.

Climate change is already impacting species and their habitat. By adopting more sustainable practices we can help reduce the impact of climate change.

Zoos SA has a sustainability program to reduce our footprint. We undertake voluntary carbon planting to counter our carbon emissions, while also creating new habitat for species.

Reduce your footprint on the earth by taking sustainable action in your everyday life.

  • take simple steps to save energy and water
  • choose renewable resources
  • Refuse/Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
  • choose sustainable transport and walk, ride or bus

Have a question? Search our most Frequently Asked Questions to find the answer you might be looking for.

get involved

The day is here!Monarto Safari Park’s new Visitor Centre is open to the public from 9.30am. #thewildiscalling… https://t.co/RmvY4qIIts

About Zoos SA

Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity that exists to connect people with nature and save species from extinction.

Zoos SA acknowledges the Country on which we stand always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land and we pay our deepest respect and gratitude to Kaurna (Adelaide Zoo) and Ngarrindjeri (Monarto Safari Park) Elders, past, present and emerging.

We undertake critical conservation work throughout Australia and acknowledge the traditional custodians of these lands.

 

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Contact Us

Adelaide Zoo, Frome Road,
Adelaide SA 5000
AUSTRALIA
Email: information@zoossa.com.au
Click here to get in touch via our contact form