5 places to discover
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary and rescue centre located at Brighton, about 30 minutes north of Hobart, Tasmania. Established in 1981, it focuses on wildlife rehabilitation, conservation and education, particularly for Tasmanian devils, wombats, koalas and kangaroos. The sanctuary houses native Tasmanian animals and offers guided tours, keeper talks and hands-on encounters in a bushland setting.
Darling Downs Zoo is a family-owned zoo located at Pilton, about 40 kilometres south of Toowoomba in Queensland's Darling Downs. Established in 2005, it houses a diverse collection of African and Australian animals including lions, white lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, monkeys and reptiles. Notable for its close-up encounters, breeding programs and spacious bushland setting, it offers guided tours, keeper talks and interactive feeding experiences for visitors.
Gorge Wildlife Park is a privately owned wildlife park at Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, about 30 km northeast of Adelaide. Established in 1965, it houses a large collection of Australian native animals and exotic species. The park is known for close-up encounters, including koala holding and kangaroo feeding, and for its conservation and education focus in a bushland setting along Gorge Road.
Halls Gap Zoo is Victoria's largest regional zoo located on Grampians Road in Halls Gap, on the edge of Grampians National Park in western Victoria. Set over about 26 hectares of bushland, it houses more than 160 species of native and exotic animals including giraffes, cheetahs, meerkats, primates and Australian wildlife. Established in 1984 as Wallaroo Park and privately operated, it is known for interactive encounters, conservation breeding and family-friendly exhibits.
The National Zoo and Aquarium is a privately owned combined zoo and aquarium located at Yarralumla in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, on the western shore of Lake Burley Griffin. Established in 1981 as the National Aquarium and expanded to include a zoo in 1990, it is Australia's only combined zoo and aquarium. It houses a wide range of native and exotic mammals, big cats, primates, reptiles and marine species, with a focus on conservation, education and interactive encounters.