Okay, so I have found a way to entertain the whole family, that’s not in the big smoke, that is entertaining, informative and pretty bloody exciting.

The Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo is the perfect destination for your next family day out.

We recently went to the Zoo for the four-year old’s birthday – to say that she had a brilliant day is a massive understatement.

We gave her the gift of experience which is SO much better than any other birthday present she has ever received.

I am so hesitant about going to places where animals are held, simply because sometimes it just seems so inhumane. Western Plains Zoo is the furthest thing away from that. The animals have so much space and land to roam and genuinely seem happy.

We saw elephants, giraffes, gibbons and one very adorable baby hippopotamus! Plus there are so many more animals. The toddler-bird asked questions, we answered (READ: googled).

The zoo offers specialised keeper talks where you can get a deeper understanding and knowledge of the animals in front of you. We especially enjoyed zoo keeper Nick’s talk on the Galapagos tortoises.

There is also so much to keep the little-birdies entertained, our little ones particularly enjoyed the extensive playground that allowed them to burn off some more energy.

Plus, they especially loved the chance to get up close and do the walk-about with emus, koalas and wallabies. You can even pat some of them!

EATS:

There is a few food options around the zoo for your bellies. You can buy lunch from one of the zoo’s delicious eateries or you can do what we did and pack your own barbecue.

We took our own barbecue supplies and had some lunch half way around. The barbecues are free and it is a perfect reason to stop and enjoy your surrounds.

There is also plenty of inviting grassy areas for picnics.

GETTING AROUND:

The zoo is about 6kms all the way around. Most of the exhibits you can see from the road, but a couple you need to actually walk a short distance to.

The smartest thing we did was to hire one of the zoo’s cart for the day for $99. You can take your bike or use your car, but we found the experience of the wind blowing through your hair so much for exciting. Plus, you can attach the baby-bird’s car seat to ensure your littlest cargo is the safest. You should book before you go because they sell out FAST! 

COST:

Entry to the zoo is $47 for grown ups and $24 for little-birdies aged 4-12.

This is for two days entry.

We really cannot recommend a trip to Western Plains Zoo enough.

Pack up the fam-bam and get there!

If you need any more information please contact 02 6881 1400 or twpz@zoo.nsw.gov.au