Adelaide Zoo sits on Plane Tree Drive, just north of Adelaide’s city centre and close to the Botanic Garden. Founded in 1883, it is Australia’s second-oldest zoo, with animals from Australia and around the world in eight hectares of leafy grounds. Giant pandas are a major draw, alongside native wildlife, primates, reptiles and birds. Take a relaxed walk between habitats, look out for keeper talks and animal feeding sessions, or pause in the shade. Families can also use the playground, and picnic areas make it easy to bring your own food.
A zoo with a long history
Adelaide Zoo opened in 1883 and is Australia’s second-oldest zoo. Its grounds cover eight hectares near the city centre, north of the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The zoo is operated by Zoos SA, a conservation charity.
The original cast-iron entrance gates date to the zoo’s opening. Much of the site’s early architecture remains, set among established greenery. The grounds give the zoo a garden-like feel as you move between animal habitats and shaded places to rest.
Animals and habitats
Giant pandas are among the zoo’s best-known residents. You can also look for Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wombats and Tasmanian devils, as well as Sumatran tigers, primates, birds and reptiles. The collection includes animals from Australia and other parts of the world.
The zoo is arranged around different habitats and regions. These include a Southeast Asian rainforest area with orangutans and siamangs, an Australian rainforest and wetlands aviary, a reptile house and a nocturnal house. Giraffes and sea lions are among the animals in the African region. Some primates move through overhead tunnels, giving them more room to travel between parts of their habitat.
Talks, feeding sessions and family areas
Keeper talks and animal feeding sessions add context to the exhibits and give you a chance to hear about the animals from the people who care for them. Check the day’s program when you arrive, especially if seeing the pandas is a priority. A volunteer-led walk is another way to learn about the zoo as you explore.
Families can take a break at the playground, while lawns and shaded seating offer places to pause. The zoo also has a cafe and a gift shop. If you prefer a picnic, you can bring your own non-alcoholic food for the lawn area.
Planning a visit
Set aside a few hours for the walk around the grounds. An early start leaves more time to explore, and planning around a panda feeding session can help you catch one of the zoo’s main draws. Online tickets are recommended to reduce time spent queuing at entry.
There is paid parking on site, and street parking nearby includes both paid and free options. If you plan to stay for a long visit, check the parking arrangements before you arrive. The zoo has accessible entrances, parking, seating and restrooms.
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How long should I spend at Adelaide Zoo?
Allow about two to three hours for a walk around the zoo. You can spend longer if you want to see talks and feeding sessions or take breaks in the grounds.
Can I see giant pandas at Adelaide Zoo?
Yes. Giant pandas are among the zoo’s main attractions. Check the daily program for feeding times if you want to plan your visit around them.
Can I bring food to Adelaide Zoo?
You can bring non-alcoholic food for a picnic on the lawn.
Is Adelaide Zoo suitable for children?
Yes. The zoo has a playground, picnic areas and a range of animals, as well as talks and feeding sessions.
Should I buy Adelaide Zoo tickets in advance?
Advance online tickets are recommended to help avoid queues at the entrance.
