Ellen Trout Zoo

We visited this zoo for the first time recently on a Monday. It was almost completely empty, so it was nice for us to be able to take our time reading all the info plaques, observing the flora, and interacting with the animals instead of fighting crowds.

We started with a train ride, which is about 5min long, goes on a track around wooded areas and a lake outside the zoo, and costs $2/pp. We enjoyed this, and saw other families getting on to ride a second time.

The zoo looks very small from the outside, but we were able to spend a couple hours walking around once inside. There are rules posted at the entry and they have free maps to take along with you. There's also a small concession stand as you enter; which is the only one available so grab your drinks and snacks before getting started.

Some of the animals we saw were kookaburras, sloths, komodo dragons, alligators/crocs, snakes, bats, parrots, emus, a lion, a tiger, and a leopard. There are also a great many peacocks/hens roaming freely all over the grounds. It was fun seeing them up close, strutting their feathers, and calling to one another. Every animal seemed to be healthy and in a clean environment. Don't miss the reptile house!

The paths are wide and flat; great for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. There are various places to sit and watch the animals, some areas are shaded. There were a couple of areas that also had tables to use (outside food is permitted).