Adelaide Zoo

Visitor Information

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.

Adelaide Zoo is on the lands of the Kaurna people.

We acknowledge that 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.

We are proud to share this very special welcome to country by Kaurna and Narungga man Jack Buckskin. Learn more about Zoos SA’s Reconcilation Action Plan.

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 Habitat 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 Rainforest & Wetlands Aviary 9:30am – 4:30pm (4:45pm weekends and public holidays)
  • Walk-through South East Asian Aviary is currently CLOSED for redevelopment
  • Envirodome 10am – 4:30pm (4:45pm weekends and public holidays)

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

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

 

Assistance Animals

Assistance Dogs can visit Adelaide Zoo between the hours of 10.30am – 3pm. Assistance Dogs must be accredited See Differently Assistance Dogs to visit the zoo. Please visit the Assistance Animal application on the Adelaide Zoo website for more information.

 

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: 13B)

Rotunda (Map Ref: 9K)

Envirodome (Map Ref: 11S)

 

Relaxed sessions

Adelaide Zoo has introduced Relaxed Zoo Hours every Monday and Wednesday from 3-4.30pm, and Saturday morning Relaxed Morning Zoo sessions run every 3 months.

Relaxed sessions have reduced human noises to allow visitors who may benefit from a more sensory friendly environment to explore the zoo at their own pace.

Relaxed sessions are included on standard day tickets and entry is free for members.

 

Adelaide Zoo Social Story

Planning a visit to the zoo and need some extra info to prepare?

Download our social story here.

 

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 offers a range of daily 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.

Click here to see the full keeper presentations schedule.

Want to get even closer? Consider booking an Animal Experience to come face-to-face with some of the world’s most remarkable animals.

Find out more!

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’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!

Wisteria Restaurant

Located near the entrance of the zoo, 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.

  • 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
  • First Aid facilities – first aid facilities are available at the zoo
  • Disabled Access – the zoo provides ramps and railings for disability access
  • Assistance Animals – Assistance Dogs can visit Adelaide Zoo between the hours of 10.30am – 3pm. Assistance Dogs must be accredited See Differently Assistance Dogs to visit the zoo. Please visit the Assistance Animal application on the Adelaide Zoo website for more information.

Available for Hire

  • Zoobaru – pusher hire $15. Suitable for toddlers and young children. Not a pram for babies.

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 Plane Tree 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)

To gain access to Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, please provide ID (showing a photo + address) and your valid interstate membership card.

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.

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

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