Perth Zoo - A great day out!

Perth Zoo is a great day out with over a thousand different animals to see, a fabulous natural play area (water play included!) and special attractions and events throughout the year. If you plan your day ahead you can book one of the many Close Encounters which will get you up close and personal with the animal of your choice from otters and penguins to giraffes, orang utans, elephants and more. Bookings for Close Encounters may be made on the day but are subject to availability so it's best to book in advance.

On our visit we booked an eye to eye encounter with the giraffes. We were lucky that on that day the baby, Inkosi, born in October 2019, was out and about with his Mum, Kitoto, and his Dad, Armani. The zebras were not out in the enclosure that day as they alternate days with Inkosi. We watched the giraffe family feeding and were lucky that Armani came over to us and we were able to hand feed him. Such beautiful creatures!

Please note most of the photos posted here are not of live animals. What you will see on any given day can vary so I have left the animal adventure up to you and posted photos of the

things that will be always be there to see. Yes they are statues but they are great for taking photos with the kids - much easier than getting a photo with the real animals!

Buy your tickets online and skip the queues during school holidays. For all admission prices head to https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/visiting-perth-zoo.

You can pack a picnic and grab a spot on the central lawns but beware of the ravens getting into your food - if it is not entirely sealed in an esky or similar hire a locker to avoid the problem! You can buy food, snacks and drinks at Wild Bites Cafe or the vending machines scattered around the zoo.

You can also hire wheelchairs and two seater pull along wagons for the kids to ride in.

So much to see, no idea where to begin? Perth Zoo has a couple of suggested itineraries to help make sure you pack the most into your day. You can also join a ride on zebra tour or a free walking tour. Check out the insider tips from the zookeepers for more information on these tours as well as the best times to visit the different animals. Plan your visit around the animal feeding times and zookeeper talk schedule.

You can grab a hardcopy map at the zoo or download an interactive map here (much more fun!)

Don't forget to explore the lovely cool Rainforest Retreat and cross over the swinging bridge.

Take the kids to the natural playground where they can splash around in the creek or play under the butterfly wings.

Before you head home make sure you explore the wetlands and creek area to see if you can find the 30 bronze western swamp tortoises hidden in the foliage.

If you have kids age 2-5 you and your child can attend the in term A to Zoo program. The Bush Buddies Encounter is ideal for this younger age group too.

For older kids you can send them to the Zoo for a day during school holidays on the Keeper Kids program for kids PP - Year 3, a Zoo Crew Day for kids Year 4 - Year 8 and Wild Vets for Years 9 - Year 12.

Parking is available at the zoo - the car parks closest to the entrance are a bit more expensive than the ones further out. You can also access the zoo by public transport - the best way is by ferry from Elizabeth Quay into Mends St Jetty at South Perth with a short 10 minute walk up to the zoo from there.

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