Canberra Reptile Zoo
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Canberra Reptile Zoo

4.6
·1k reviews·Nicholls, Australia

Discover Australia's fascinating reptiles! Touch lizards, see crocodiles, and explore diverse habitats at this engaging Canberra zoo.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Monday mornings

Tranquil, almost private visit

CrowdLow
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Canberra Reptile Zoo

Canberra Reptile Zoo

Best Time

Monday mornings

Tranquil, almost private visit

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Australia's fascinating reptiles! Touch lizards, see crocodiles, and explore diverse habitats at this engaging Canberra zoo.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A must-visit for reptile lovers, offering unique interactive experiences and educational fun for all ages!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Go Early for Peace

Arrive early on a Monday for a practically private experience with the animals.

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Staff are super friendly, welcoming, and very knowledgeable about the reptiles.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Reptile Encounters

Reptile Encounters

Various exhibits

Get up close and personal with native Australian frogs and reptiles, including snakes, turtles, and crocodiles.

Crocodile Feeding

Crocodile Feeding

Crocodile exhibit

Witness the thrilling spectacle of crocodile feeding, a highlight for many visitors.

Interactive Exhibits

Interactive Exhibits

Petting areas

Enjoy the unique opportunity to touch lizards and even a young crocodile, making for memorable interactions.

Bugs and Crawlies

Bugs and Crawlies

Insect exhibit

Explore fascinating displays of spiders, beetles, and yabbies, offering a different perspective on Australian wildlife.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit early on a Monday for a tranquil experience with fewer crowds, allowing for more immersive animal encounters. Avoid peak times if you prefer a quieter visit.

Plan Your Visit

While public transport options might seem unclear, research routes in advance. Consider booking tickets online to streamline your entry and make the most of your reptile adventure.

Best Times

When
Monday mornings
Why
Tranquil, almost private visit
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Less busy, catch feedings
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

That sure was a close one for @jayprehistoricpets 😂 mama knew exactly where to aim! #thereptilezoo #reptile #snake
@thereptilezoo
343.2K likes • 6.8M views

🎯 Go Early for Peace

Arrive early on a Monday for a practically private experience with the animals. Reddit

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Staff are super friendly, welcoming, and very knowledgeable about the reptiles. Reddit

We got a two headed bearded dragon for the reptile zoo! 🦎 #animals #animalsoftiktok #reptile #nature #lizard #beardeddragon
@thereptilezoo
95K likes • 770.5K views
🐊🐢 Part 2 – Introducing our croc to the newly refurbished billabong! What started as a turtle-on-turtle traffic jam quickly turned into the ultimate turtle-on-croc pile-up! 😂 Boulder and his turtle mates didn’t waste any time making themselves at home, and our croc was more than happy to join the party. Nature sure has a sense of humour sometimes. #CanberraReptileZoo #CrocAndTurtles #Billabong...
canberrareptilezoo
29.3K likes • 380K views

🐍 Touch a Lizard!

You'll get an opportunity to touch many lizards and snakes if you're brave enough! Reddit

🐊 Don't Miss Feeding Time

Catch the exciting crocodile feeding and petting sessions for a thrilling experience. Reddit

🐍🦎 Dive into the wild at Canberra Reptile Zoo! 🐢🐊 Discover Australia's fascinating reptiles up close and personal. From slithering snakes to lounging lizards, there's an adventure waiting for everyone. @canberrareptilezoo 📍 Located in Gold Creek Village, Nicholls. Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. . . . #CanberraReptileZoo #ReptileEncounter #FamilyFun #ExploreCanberra #visitcanberra #canberra ...
bushcapitalguide
20 likes • 816 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Go Early for Peace

Arrive early on a Monday for a practically private experience with the animals. Reddit

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Staff are super friendly, welcoming, and very knowledgeable about the reptiles. Reddit

🐍 Touch a Lizard!

You'll get an opportunity to touch many lizards and snakes if you're brave enough! Reddit

🐊 Don't Miss Feeding Time

Catch the exciting crocodile feeding and petting sessions for a thrilling experience. Reddit

🐞 Explore the Bugs

The bugs and crawlies exhibit is great for seeing spiders, beetles, and yabbies. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Canberra Reptile Zoo for its well-organized and informative exhibits, offering unique interactive experiences like touching lizards and witnessing crocodile feeding. The friendly and knowledgeable staff contribute to a positive atmosphere, making it a great outing for families and animal lovers alike. Some minor concerns were noted regarding the shedding care for a few lizards, but overall, the zoo is highly recommended for its engaging and educational approach to Australian reptiles.

"Very organised and well thought out reptile collection! I was pleasantly surprised as it might not be a big place but the exhibits are varied and informative
I appreciate the effort and creative design of this place to cater to both kids and young at heart! I only gave 4 stars because the cafe was closed! I love the animals here and how they are cared for. I have been to some of the famous ( San Diego Zoo, Western Plains Zoo, etc) and not so famous zoos and animal sanctuaries ( Devils at Cradle, Reptile Sanctuary near Cradle Mtn) and zi think this place is in my top three! It helped thst we got there early on a Monday and we lracticslly had the place to ourselves, so we had plenty of tranquil time inmersing with the adorable creatures without conpeting with screaming kids, lol"

M Ar

"Canberra reptile zoo is really good and cute. It’s a lot of fun to walk around, it’s nicely arranged and decorated, so it’s easy to see everything. The shop also has a lot to look at, including supplies for your pet reptiles!

The creatures all have plenty of room with nice habitats and look pretty happy! I’ve only dropped off a star because I noticed some of the lizards could be given some care to help shed. Most of them had scars and stuck shed, even missing toes. So it looks like they struggle to shed, and hurt themselves. They were in the middle of shedding when I visited so I just thought they could have some help to get comfortable. Some humidity or a warm bath maybe?

Other than that everything is great! I recommend a visit, reptiles are the best!"

Sharnie Dwyer

"Best experience for both kids and adults!
Highly recommend visiting, totally worth it. Heaps to see, & awesome how you get to touch the lizards too. All staff were lovely. Will definitely visit again. Awesome gift shop with lots of fun stuff for the kids.

AND… you might just be there at the right time to see a snake having lunch! 🐍🐁"

Angie Pavlo

What People Like

Interactive animal encounters
Well-organized exhibits
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Inconsistent cafe hours
Minor animal shedding concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Public transport options to the Canberra Reptile Zoo can be a bit tricky to pinpoint. While specific routes aren't always clearly advertised, it's recommended to use a journey planner app or the ACT public transport website to find the most suitable bus routes from your location in Canberra. Some visitors have noted that direct routes might not be obvious, so allow extra travel time. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the Canberra Reptile Zoo, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. This is a good option if public transport routes are not convenient for your travel plans.

The zoo is generally well-arranged and decorated, making it easy to see everything. While specific accessibility details for wheelchairs aren't widely published, the layout suggests it's likely navigable for most visitors. It's always a good idea to contact the zoo directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.

The Canberra Reptile Zoo typically has consistent opening hours, but it's always best to check their official website or social media pages for the most current information, especially around public holidays. Some reviews mention the cafe being closed, so plan accordingly for food.

While specific policies can vary, many attractions encourage visitors to enjoy their on-site dining options. It's advisable to check the Canberra Reptile Zoo's official guidelines regarding outside food and beverages to avoid any issues upon arrival.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets for the Canberra Reptile Zoo directly at the entrance. For potential discounts or to streamline your entry, it's worth checking if online booking options are available through their official website. Keep an eye out for 'Canberra Reptile Zoo discount' if you're looking to save. Reddit

Information on specific discounts for the Canberra Reptile Zoo isn't always readily available online. It's recommended to check their official website or inquire directly about potential family passes, group rates, or any seasonal promotions that might be running. Reddit

Admission prices for the Canberra Reptile Zoo can vary. It's best to visit their official website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information for adults, children, and any concession rates. Reddit

Absolutely! The Canberra Reptile Zoo is highly recommended for both kids and adults. The interactive exhibits, like touching lizards, and the well-arranged displays make it engaging for younger visitors. There are also outdoor play areas suitable for various age groups. Reddit

Yes, the Canberra Reptile Zoo is considered one of the best places to host kids' birthday parties. They offer a fun and memorable experience with helpful staff who can assist in making the celebration special. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of native Australian frogs and reptiles, including snakes, turtles, and crocodiles. The zoo also features fascinating displays of insects like spiders and beetles, as well as crustaceans like yabbies. Reddit

Yes, the Canberra Reptile Zoo offers fantastic interactive experiences. You can get the chance to touch lizards and even a young crocodile, making for a truly memorable visit. Reddit

For a more tranquil experience, visiting early on a Monday is highly recommended. This allows you to practically have the place to yourself, immersing yourself with the creatures without competing with crowds. Reddit

Yes, the zoo hosts feeding demonstrations, notably the exciting crocodile feeding sessions. You might even be there at the right time to see a snake having lunch! Reddit

The Canberra Reptile Zoo is very family-friendly, featuring two outdoor play areas that are suitable for both big and little kids. This ensures that younger visitors have opportunities for fun and play during their visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a cafe at the Canberra Reptile Zoo, however, some visitors have noted it was closed during their visit. It's advisable to check their current operating status before your visit or be prepared to bring your own snacks. Reddit

Specific menu details for the cafe are not widely available. It's likely to offer standard cafe fare. If you have specific dietary needs, it's best to contact the zoo directly for information on their offerings.

While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, the presence of outdoor play areas suggests potential for picnic spots. It's a good idea to inquire with the zoo directly about designated picnic facilities if you plan to bring your own food.

Yes, the Canberra Reptile Zoo has a shop with a lot to look at, including supplies for pet reptiles. It's a great place to find fun souvenirs for kids and adults alike. Reddit

If the on-site cafe is closed or you prefer other options, there are likely dining establishments in the surrounding areas of Canberra. Researching local cafes and restaurants near the zoo's location would be beneficial.

📸 📸 Photography

The well-designed exhibits offer great photo opportunities. Capturing close-ups of the reptiles in their habitats, the crocodile feeding, and interactive moments like touching a lizard can make for fantastic shots. Reddit

It's generally recommended to avoid using flash photography when photographing animals, as it can startle or distress them. Always observe any signage at the exhibits or ask staff if you're unsure about photography guidelines. Reddit

Yes, feeding times, especially the crocodile feeding, are popular for photos. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing views. Ensure your camera settings are appropriate for potentially lower light conditions within some enclosures. Reddit

For personal use, photography is usually permitted. However, if you intend to use photos for commercial purposes, it's essential to contact the Canberra Reptile Zoo directly to inquire about their specific policies and potential requirements for permits.

A camera with good zoom capabilities is ideal for capturing detailed shots of reptiles without disturbing them. A camera that performs well in low light conditions will also be beneficial for indoor exhibits. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Canberra Reptile Zoo is a top-tier choice for families. Kids will be thrilled by the chance to touch lizards and even a young crocodile, making for unforgettable memories. The zoo is also praised as an excellent venue for hosting birthday parties, with helpful staff to ensure a fun celebration. Reddit

Beyond the animal interactions, the zoo offers two outdoor play areas suitable for various age groups, providing ample space for children to play and explore. The well-arranged exhibits are engaging and easy for kids to see, making the entire experience enjoyable and educational for the whole family. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While specific discount information isn't always prominent, the Canberra Reptile Zoo offers significant value for its admission price, especially considering the interactive experiences. Visiting on a Monday morning can provide a more tranquil and potentially extended experience without the rush of crowds, maximizing your visit. Reddit

Look out for potential family passes or group rates if traveling with multiple people. Bringing your own snacks or light lunch might be a good strategy, as the on-site cafe's availability has been noted as inconsistent. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Animal Lovers

For couples who appreciate unique wildlife encounters, the Canberra Reptile Zoo offers a charming and intimate experience. Visiting on a quiet Monday morning allows for a peaceful exploration of the diverse reptile and amphibian collection, perfect for a relaxed outing. Reddit

The opportunity to learn about native Australian species and witness feeding demonstrations, like the crocodile feeding, adds an exciting element. The well-designed habitats and informative displays cater to those with a genuine interest in reptiles, making it a rewarding visit for any animal enthusiast. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Reptile Habitats

The Canberra Reptile Zoo puts effort into creating varied and informative exhibits. Visitors appreciate the creative design that caters to both children and adults, making the displays engaging and educational. The creatures are housed in enclosures that provide them with ample space and comfortable habitats, reflecting a commitment to animal welfare. Reddit

However, some visitors have noted areas for improvement regarding the care of certain lizards. Concerns were raised about visible scars and stuck shed on some lizards, suggesting potential difficulties with shedding. Recommendations included providing additional humidity or warm baths to aid in their comfort. Reddit

Despite these observations, the overall impression is positive, with many praising the zoo's dedication to showcasing Australian reptiles. The informative nature of the exhibits helps visitors learn about these often-misunderstood creatures.

Interactive Experiences and Animal Welfare

A major draw for the Canberra Reptile Zoo is the opportunity for direct interaction with the animals. Visitors rave about being able to touch lizards and even a young crocodile, creating memorable and exciting experiences. This hands-on approach makes the visit particularly engaging for families and animal enthusiasts alike. Reddit

While the interactive elements are a highlight, it's important to note that animal welfare is a key consideration. The zoo aims to provide happy and healthy environments for its residents. Visitors who observed potential issues with shedding in some lizards also acknowledged the overall good care provided, suggesting that these might be specific instances rather than widespread problems. Reddit

The staff's knowledge and friendly demeanor further enhance the interactive experience, guiding visitors and ensuring respectful engagement with the animals. This balance between exciting interaction and responsible animal care is a hallmark of the Canberra Reptile Zoo.

Family Fun and Facilities

The Canberra Reptile Zoo is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of educational exhibits and entertainment. The zoo is described as a great place to visit with kids, with many reviewers highlighting it as an ideal spot for children's birthday parties. The staff are noted for being very helpful and knowledgeable, contributing to a positive family experience. Reddit

Beyond the animal encounters, the zoo provides additional amenities for families. There are two outdoor play areas designed to be fun for both younger and older children, ensuring that kids have plenty of opportunities to burn off energy. This thoughtful inclusion makes the zoo a well-rounded destination for a family outing. Reddit

While the cafe's availability has been inconsistent for some visitors, the overall family-friendly atmosphere, coupled with the engaging reptile displays and play areas, makes the Canberra Reptile Zoo a highly recommended spot for a day out with the kids.

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