Dubbo the Fun: Wake Up in the Wild at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Everyone has some idea of what they’ll see at the zoo – roaming giraffes, a keeper talk or two, perhaps feeding your favourite animal. But Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo has experiences that go above and beyond expectations. From safari tours designed to transport you to the wild savannah, to overnight lodges where you can wake up to views of African wildlife, to seeing veterinarians at work at the brand-new wildlife hospital, there’s something for everyone – regardless of age. Here are some of the zoo’s highlights.

The zoo covers a five-kilometre circuit that’s accessible by foot, bike, cart or car. But the best way to get the kids excited is to head over to the hire centre, pick up a map and grab some bikes to explore the park. With smaller paths off the main circuit that are accessible only by bike or on foot, cycling around the zoo is the perfect way to maximise your time exploring, immerse yourselves in nature and get some vitamin D. If you really want to have an experience the family won’t soon forget, this is the right way to kick it off – it’s pretty hard to beat a morning of bike riding alongside giraffes, rhinos, elephants and more on a two-wheel safari.

There are hippopotamuses at Taronga, but they’re not on the roofs eating cake. Instead, they roam around enjoying nutritious meals of iceberg lettuce, hay and special pellets designed by Taronga’s in-house nutritionist. So, once you’re suitably fuelled up for the day, it’s an ideal time to see how the hippos begin theirs. Go behind the scenes on a special hippo encounter that gives the family exclusive access to these magnificent mammals. You’ll learn from knowledgeable zookeepers, and take turns tossing lettuce into the animals’ waiting mouths. They may not be eating cake, but we think feeding them breakfast is probably the next best thing.

For a truly immersive family experience, hop onboard a safari truck for a tour into the zoo’s savannah, through herds of giraffes, rhinos, zebras and more. With experts guiding your experience the whole time, you’ll finish up with some interesting facts about the animals. Did you know that giraffes’ tongues are blue? It’s to protect them from getting sunburnt while plucking leaves from tall trees. The kids will also find it easier to engage with all the educational content, with the animals literally roaming around them.

For a thrilling experience the whole family will love, hop onboard the Pride Lands Patrol truck that monitors the three-hectare lion habitat for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Come face-to-face with the eight members of the lion pride – including a trio of cubs born in late 2023 – while learning about their lifestyle and what the keepers have discovered from their behaviour.

Conveniently located at the zoo’s halfway point, The Waterhole pulls triple duty as a spot to eat, a water play area and meerkat territory. Whether it’s lunchtime or the kids are just in need of an afternoon snack, pull up for a little while to watch the meerkats climb atop the logs and stand guard. You can also let the kids climb through a tiny burrow into a dome that looks into the meerkats’ habitat, or run wild in the African-themed water play area – complete with elephant and hippo sculptures – while you soak in the sunshine. It’s a must do stopping point on your safari.

Your safari experience isn’t complete without a visit to the wildlife hospital, where you get to see another side of the work that happens at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. This is where the resident vets and vet nurses treat sick and injured animals, while scientists conduct research in the clinical lab next door – and you’re free to take a look around and observe as they go about their day. It’s a great way to see how the animals are cared for at Taronga and see conservation in action. Afterwards, hit up the discovery trail nearby; it breadcrumbs clues for you and the kids to guess which animal you’re reading about for a cute learning experience. There’s even a poo-themed trail for the little ones (or big ones).

Fall asleep to the sounds of the animals at Zoofari Lodge. The canvas-style accommodation overlooks giraffes, rhinos and antelopes, so you can easily spot them from your bed. Pour yourself a cuppa (or a wine – it’s been a big day) on your deck before heading out on a guided tour. Feed giraffes and visit other rare endangered species on safari before sitting down to an African-inspired dinner. You’ll then rest your head comfortably in your lodge, where your dreams are sure to be filled with animals galore – the surrounding sounds might add some inspiration as well.

If you’re looking for a wild adventure for the whole family to remember, then jump on a one-hour flight or take a road trip out to Dubbo in central west NSW for a unique zoo experience.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Taronga.