National Zoo & Aquarium — Attraction in District of Molonglo Valley

Welcome to Adventure Land the most amazing playground filled with over 50+ activities for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

⭐️ Recommended user age is 2 to 12 years old

Become an explorer as you follow the discovery trail however you like. We’ll be showing you the trail from left to right in the loop.

Entering Adventure Land you’re greeted by a giant carpet python , don’t worry it doesn’t bite 🐍

Little ones can enter the ground floor explorers cubby for some educational games, read the clues and take a guess what animal matches. Lift the flaps to reveal the answer.

The littlest swing-set provides 2 inclusive swing options with better back support swing chairs for children with disabilities. Left for infants and right for older children.

Stop for a zoo picnic with your new friends calf elephant, cub lion and pup sea lion. With views of the playground ready for you to spring on the shark seesaw or travel by train.

🦒 Cross over the mini footbridge to an eager giraffe watching and waiting for children to swing on the giant weaved rope swing

Explorers cubby house is lifted with zoo friends hiding above and below, Watch out for Panthers! You can gain access via rope climbs, rock walls and ladders. Explorer the upper deck with telescopes and (identical) explorer educational area, slide back down

Stop to play with the giant silverback gorilla and grizzly bear. Designed from fibreglass children will want to stop for a play and even sit in their laps for a unforgettable photo.

The loop continues behind these two into yet another large section of Adventure Land!

Children can climb the staircase and hop on top of the African Buffalo. large tree house featuring easy and inclusive routes to climb to the top!

Take on the challenge to climb and swing on the rock climbing poles starting from the platform to the final red grip!

Once up the top you’re able to look over into nearby zoo areas and have a thrilling tunnel slide down.

A friendly Humped Bactrian Camel sits on the tree house floor waiting for explorers to come for a ride as well as the spring Kangaroo bouncing around.

Take a moment to rest and lie back on this special upright hammock swing and take in the view of Adventure Land.

By now you’ve probably spotted kangaroo, wombat, baby animals, bat hanging high in a tree, flying pelicans, Giant Animals and more. Don’t forget to look high and low as you journey around.

Racing along the discovery trail you can hope of the trail and greet and ride the calf Rhino with its eager parent watching from behind.

Then explore into the hut passage way to spot the elephant and using your imagination slide down its tail (green slide).

Don’t be afraid of what awaits you below it’s only the largest crocodile ever recorded but he’s eating fish today!

This little corner of Adventure land features a larger seesaw for up to 4 friends.

Brave the crocodile rope bridge back around the corner to the beginning area of Adventure land to finish the discovery trail.

Our explorers are probably starting to get tired at this point but save your energy for one last swing!

Little explorers have a smaller cubby house with easier climbs and smaller slide. Special rope climbing cone that swivels a bit but doesn’t spin, perfect for smaller explorers.

Some friendly Hippopotamus are waiting for explorers and get to watch them swing across on the set of flying foxes.

Handy hack - when preparing to use the flying Fox they can be placed on the nearest wooden pole of the starting platforms until both riders are ready to fly!

Littler explorers have traditional infant swing seat and a nest swing nearby to finish off the discovery trail.

🚻 Adventure land features two toilet blocks, one to the left before entering and one inside just to the right after entering.

The toilet block inside Adventure land features a friendly baby change room.

Lots of picnic tables at the viewing park. You can pack your own food, bring something to sizzle on a free to use bbq or head into Rhino Bistro for warm food, drinks, ice creams...

Nestled in the heart of Canberra, Australia, the National Zoo & Aquarium stands as a premier destination for animal lovers and families alike. With its diverse collection of wildlife and commitment to conservation, it offers a unique blend of educational experiences and recreational fun. A visit here provides an enriching experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Upon arrival, the zoo greets visitors with a well-organized layout that guides you through various exhibits and habitats. The park is thoughtfully divided into themed zones, each dedicated to different ecosystems and species. This structured approach not only enhances the visitor experience but also helps in understanding the diverse environments animals inhabit.

One of the standout features of the National Zoo & Aquarium is its impressive collection of both native Australian and exotic species. The Australian Bush exhibits are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a range of local wildlife including kangaroos, wombats, and koalas. The opportunity to see these iconic animals up close is a highlight for many visitors. For those interested in marine life, the aquarium section offers an engaging glimpse into aquatic ecosystems, featuring everything from colorful coral reefs to intriguing shark species.

The zoo is also home to a variety of international animals, such as lions, tigers, and zebras, which adds a global dimension to the visit. The carefully designed enclosures mimic the animals' natural habitats, promoting both their well-being and an educational experience for visitors. The emphasis on creating environments that cater to the needs of the animals reflects the zoo's dedication to ethical standards and conservation efforts.

Educational programs are a cornerstone of the National Zoo & Aquarium’s mission. Through interactive exhibits, informative signage, and engaging talks, visitors gain insights into the behaviors, diets, and conservation statuses of the animals. For families with young children, the zoo offers a range of kid-friendly activities and programs that make learning about wildlife both fun and accessible. These educational elements foster a greater appreciation for wildlife and the importance of conservation.

The zoo's commitment to conservation extends beyond its exhibits. It actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species and supports global conservation efforts. This dedication is evident in the detailed information provided at each exhibit, which highlights the zoo’s role in preserving endangered animals and their habitats.

Amenities at the National Zoo & Aquarium are well-maintained and enhance the overall visitor experience. Several dining options are available, ranging from casual snack bars to more substantial meal choices. The park also features ample seating areas and shaded spots, making it comfortable to relax and enjoy a meal or take a break from exploring. Additionally, the gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs, with a portion of proceeds supporting the zoo’s conservation initiatives.

One area where the zoo could improve is the signage for navigating the park. While the layout is generally user-friendly, clearer directional signs would help visitors find their way more easily. Additionally, during peak times, some of the more popular exhibits can become crowded, which might detract from the experience.

Overall, the National Zoo & Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation. Its diverse collection of animals, commitment to education, and dedication to ethical practices make it a standout attraction in Canberra. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, a visit to the National Zoo & Aquarium promises an engaging and memorable experience that supports vital conservation efforts and fosters a deeper connection with the...

Today we all going to the National Zoo and Aquarium, with the Family when we get there on 9.30am, the car park was already full, as they opened the doors as we entrance to the Zoo. The Zoo is so large as we walked for hours, still haven't seen all the Animals that we like to see. Last time we were there the place was small that time, seen all the Animals in hour or two at the Zoo.

Come to the National Zoo and Aquarium see all the Animals, this Zoo is privately owned by Canberra businessman Richard Tindale, this Zoo receives no Government or Commonwealth support. Family run business, they rely on the entry fees from the Public to continue their operation. There is restaurants in the Zoo, get your cold drinks or cups of coffee and tea, and the food, help them out, that Canberra has the Zoo for everyone 😀. Two Zoos already closed their doors 🚪 many years ago.

National Zoo and Aquarium is a 19 hectares (47 acre), located in Yarralumla at Western end of the Lake Burley Griffin, next to Scrivener Dam. A major expansion of 12 ha (39 acres) of open range was open in May 2017.

In May 31, 1990, was opened as National Aquarium. Developed and owned by Geoff Da Deppo at the time was the largest private tourism development in ACT (Australia Capital Territory), main feature being a large 1.5 million litres Aquarium with an underwater walk-through viewing tunnel which housed a huge range of Marine life . First of its type in the World and was manufactured by a local Canberra company. 11 large high-technology Fish tanks built for World Expo 88 at Brisbane were also incorporated into the structure utilising a biological filter bank of a type never used in Australia, at the time the largest closed synthetic salt water oceanarium in Southern Hemisphere.

August 1990, was forced to put the Aquarium on the market, only 8000 visitors per day come, No Sale, Aquarium was placed in receivership in March 1991, Aquarium continued trading under the Price Waterhouse receiver-manager who struggled to keep the business viable. In March 1992, after reported losses of investors of more than $12 million.

Prominent district grazer and businessman, Rod Hanstein purchased the property. The overall theme of the facility changed to meet the demands of a large Asian inbound tourist market into ACT (Australia Capital Territory) and offered an "Australian " wildlife experience. 1993, name changed to National Aquarium-Australian Wildlife Sanctuary. Upon completion of the Wildlife Park changed its name to National Zoo and Aquarium. Between 2001 and 2003 the Zoo battles Canberra's bush 🔥 fires on two separate occasions, ones established Pine Forests surrounding the Zoo was turned to cinders.

Luxury overnight accommodation Jamala Wildlife Lodge, with just 18 rooms. Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers three accommodation precincts uShake Lodge, Giraffe 🦒 Treehouse and Jungle Bungalows, each with their own unique Wildlife experience. Ask at Zoo Reception...