One of the reasons we decided to drive via the inland route on our NSW road trip was to visit the incredible Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. It was a highlight that I recommend to everyone!
Where is Teronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo?
Teronga Western Plains Zoo is located on the Newell Highway about 4km west of Dubbo’s town centre in central NSW. It was formerly known as Western Plains Zoo and is commonly known as Dubbo Zoo.
What makes Teronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo special?
It’s home to over 700 animals including exotic and endangered species such as Black Rhinoceros, Sumatran Tigers, Elephants and Giraffe. But you can also see Australian wildlife up close and also out in the open.
The best thing about Dubbo Zoo is that the animals roam wide open spaces across 300 hectares of dedicated bushland.
We really liked that we could drive our own car around the zoo and stop to see the animals in our own time. There are plenty of places to have a picnic, and it was very pram-friendly.
Visiting Teronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo (tickets and costs)
Open times: daily from 8:30am – 4:00pm.
Tickets: In November 2017, a day pass cost $43.20 per adult and $25.20 per 4-15 yo child. However, your pass could be used for two consecutive days. So, really, it was a TWO-DAY pass!
Activities: Some activities and over night stays cost extra and require booking in advance. Check the website for information on scheduled activities, family passes, annual passes and over night stays.
How to get around: you can walk, ride your bike, hire a motorised golf buggy or drive your own car.
Where to stay nearby
There are a few hotel, Airbnb or caravan park options in Dubbo. Cost per night ranges between $55 – $220.
We spent two nights at a budget hotel in Dubbo so we could take advantage of the two-day pass that you receive with your Teronga Western Plains Zoo ticket.
Where next on our NSW road trip?
Our camping road trip through NSW, Australia, was our most memorable family adventure yet.
Don’t forget to watch our epic NSW road trip video and find out how we planned our route and road trip budget. And, check out the other posts in this NSW road trip series:
- Watch our epic NSW road trip video and read about our budget and planning.
- Read about our NSW road trip outback adventures to Dubbo Zoo, the Dish, Bathurst, Tamworth, Cowra and some beautiful NSW national parks.
- Read about our NSW road trip in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Bowral and Canberra.
- Check out our Australia east coast drive from Jervis Bay to Brisbane, via the Hunter Valley, Forster and Tuncurry and Trial Bay.
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