The Best Zoos & Aquariums in Australia

Queensland

Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland, is run by the Irwin family and has large enclosures and a working wildlife hospital. The Crocoseum crocodile show and the kangaroo feeding are its main draws. Cairns Aquarium in Cairns moves through the ecosystems of Tropical North Queensland, from rainforest rivers to the Great Barrier Reef.

Sydney and Canberra

Taronga Zoo in Mosman, Sydney, sits on a hill and is reached by ferry from Circular Quay, with views over Sydney Harbour. Giraffes stand in front of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra sits on a site beside Lake Burley Griffin, where the walk-through lemur enclosure and the shark and reef tanks are the main draws.

Dubbo

Taronga Western Plains Zoo near Dubbo, New South Wales, keeps African and Asian animals on a large open site. A one-way loop of about 5 km links the enclosures and can be walked, cycled, driven or covered by golf cart.