A Guide to Having an Awesome Day at the National Zoo & Aquarium
Recently, the entire family was looking for somewhere we could spend a day together when one of the younger ones suggested the zoo. It ended up being a great suggestion because everyone enjoyed the jam-packed afternoon we had.
Not only did we each get to see our favorite animals face-to-face, but we also got to dine with some of the great beasts of the wild! Our time at the National Zoo & Aquarium was truly an unforgettable and educational experience.
We plan on returning soon. But in the meantime, I’ve written down the memorable things we did, as well as the other activities we plan on doing the next time we’re there.
You and your family can also use this as a handy guide to create your own adventure at the National Zoo & Aquarium.
Where is the National Zoo & Aquarium?
The National Zoo & Aquarium is located at 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla ACT 2611. The whole place spans around 25 hectares of land and is situated at the western point of Lake Burley Griffin.
Getting here from the center of Canberra will only take around 5 minutes.
How to Get to the National Zoo & Aquarium
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Hire a taxi or connect with one using your favorite ride-sharing app (such as Uber). Tell the driver that you wish to go to the National Zoo & Aquarium and they’ll bring you there.
Via Private Car: Type ‘National Zoo & Aquarium’ into your car’s GPS to get directions on how to go there. Upon arriving, you’ll find free parking (only for visitors) near the entrances.
What to Do and See in the National Zoo & Aquarium
Wonders of Wildlife Tour
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The Wonders of Wildlife Tour is one of the most educational and interactive tours offered by the National Zoo & Aquarium. You’ll get to meet and have fun with a variety of land-dwelling species.
Some of the activities include entering a cheetah enclosure, experiencing the texture of rhino skin, feeding giraffes, interacting with meerkats and lemurs, and so much more. By the end of the day, you’ll have learned so much about all the animals.
The tour happens every day but is only available for those aged 14 and above. You have to allot an entire day for it because the whole tour takes seven amazing hours.
Wild Night ZooVenture
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The Wild Night ZooVenture is a chance to see the zoo like you’ve never seen it before. Enjoy a private tour across the grounds in a stylish vehicle that you and your group get to choose.
You’ll get to see the animals naturally as they wind down and prepare for bed. However, not all animals will be out and about since some of them are already asleep. Still, you’re likely to come across yawning cheetahs, dingoos, zebras, ostriches, and more.
The tour also includes a picnic which you’ll enjoy near rhinos that’ll be having their dinner as well. Adults will be given a choice of beer or wine from the nearby Jamala Lodge, while kids can ride a fun, scenic tractor ride.
Enrichment Tour
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Go behind the scenes and see what it’s like to be a zookeeper for a day at the National Zoo & Aquarium. This special tour shows how staff keep up with the needs of the animals.
Starting with a discussion, a guide will explain why enrichment is important for animals. Then, you’ll be provided with materials to create toys for them. The goal is to create something that’ll hold the attention or interest of a curious monkey or an inquisitive otter.
Once you’re done, you’ll go on a tour to deliver your own creations and see how the animals react to them.
Overall, it’s a wonderful 2-hour tour that provides front-row access to what it’s like to care for these animals every day.
Focus on Wildlife Tour
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For those who have ever dreamt of being a wildlife photographer, this is your chance! The National Zoo & Aquarium offers a unique experience to get super close to the animals with your trusty camera.
Alongside renowned zoo photographer Kelly McGannon, small groups will be taken near the animals and given good vantage points to capture them at their most handsome angle. You’ll also learn how to optimize your camera for the best results.
This all-day experience happens during the animals’ feeding or enrichment times, so you’ll be able to catch them relaxed and content. You never know, this just might be the start of your journey to being featured on National Geographic.
The Aquarium
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Although the tours are mostly done with land animals, you shouldn’t miss strolling around the Aquarium.
They have saltwater tanks where you can see box fish and big-bellied seahorses float around. Meanwhile, the Barrier Reef section is the most vibrant, with its live corals and fishes like tangs and clownfish.
There’s also a tropical rainforest area that houses rainbow trout, silver perch, and barramundi. You can even view sharks from below when you walk underneath their shark pier, which is the biggest inland saltwater tank in the country.
Children will also enjoy the little wooden boats where they can play and let their imaginations run wild.
At the lower level, you’ll find all the reptiles and frogs. They have pythons, iguanas, and other sorts of lizards that are always exciting to see for the whole family.
Close Encounters
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If you’ve got one specific animal in mind when you visit the zoo, the close encounters package will allow you to get a special interaction with them. In this 10-15 minute session, you’ll get to see the animals’ personalities shine.
There’s a wide range of encounters to choose from. You can be face to face with a lion or a cheetah, touch rhino skin, feed meerkats, sun bears, and tree kangaroos, or let a barking owl land on your arm.
Only two people are allowed per session so it’ll feel extra intimate. Just make sure to book a session ahead online so that you can be guaranteed a slot.
Where to Eat near the National Zoo & Aquarium
Capitol Bar & Grill
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Address: 1 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2602
Phone: +61 2 6267 1261
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Capitol Bar & Grill is connected to Canberra’s QT Hotel, but we’d recommend dining here even if you don’t have a room reserved.
This restaurant is where you can find some of the best wood-grilled steaks in Canberra. Each one is cooked to perfection and oozing with bold flavors.
But if seafood is more your speed, their menu has a couple of standouts. Their Claire de Lune Rock Oysters, Spanner Crab Linguine, and Ulladulla Swordfish all taste fresh and are presented beautifully.
All of these dishes are complimented by their sommelier’s carefully curated wine list. Expect nothing but the highest quality of standards and service whenever you dine here.
Turkish Halal Pide House
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Address: Shop 1/47 Novar Street, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6282 5471
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Get ready to add Turkish Halal Pide House as one of your go-tos because one bite here is enough to convert anyone into a shawarma lover.
But it’s not just shawarma they’re good at. They’ve got a delicious range of meats that you’ll find yourself craving time and time again, such as their kebabs and pides.
At such an affordable price point, it’s surprising to see just how big their portions are. Most customers end up sharing or taking their leftovers home because it’s just that good.
Just be ready for a line if you arrive during peak hours. But don’t worry, their speedy and friendly service will ensure that you get your hands on their delicious food in no time.
Where to Stay near the National Zoo & Aquarium
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
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Address: National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Canberra ACT 2611
Phone: +61 2 6287 8444
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
One of the most unique experiences offered by the National Zoo & Aquarium is a luxury overnight stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge. Located right inside the premises, it gives you access to a range of exotic animals right from your room.
They have three stellar accommodations: the uShaka Lodge, Giraffe Treehouses, and Jungle Bungalows. You can choose between having a shark tank in your room, seeing Giraffes outside your window, or waking up to friendly deer outside of your door.
The room rates include guided zoo tours, close encounters, a morning safari, and a delicious African-inspired dinner. You can also stroll around the zoo before and after opening hours.
With all of these experiences and stunning views of the Molonglo River, you’ll never want to leave.
Ovolo Nishi
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Address: NewActon Precinct, 25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: +61 2 6287 6287
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Ovolo Nishi is a top choice among non-locals because of how close it is to many of Canberra’s top attractions. It’s only 5 minutes away from the National Museum and the must-see Parliament House (parliament house).
But leaving its rooms isn’t exactly easy because of how cozy and well-decorated they are. As a designer hotel, each room has charming vintage furniture, unique artwork, as well as a fantastic view of Lake Burley Griffin.
The hotel also provides self-service laundry facilities and a well-equipped gym. Guests can also enjoy Apero hour with refreshing cocktails and local wines from the in-house Monster Kitchen & Bar.