Shoalhaven Zoo
A charming zoo on the Shoalhaven River, offering native and exotic wildlife, interactive experiences, and thrilling adventure parks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Shoalhaven Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming zoo on the Shoalhaven River, offering native and exotic wildlife, interactive experiences, and thrilling adventure parks.
"For a small regional zoo, the enclosures were in first class condition, as were the animals."
🎯 Book VIP Experiences
Highly recommended for an unforgettable, personalized animal encounter.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the zoo grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinkum the Wombat
Wombat Enclosure
Meet Dinkum, the adorable wombat who's a social media star! See his playful antics and learn about these fascinating marsupials.
Marmoset Monkey Encounters
Monkey Enclosure
Get up close with cheeky marmoset monkeys. Watch them feed and play, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a baby!
+1
Informative Keeper Talks
Various Enclosures
Engage with passionate keepers during talks. Learn fascinating facts about native and exotic animals from knowledgeable staff.
Maned Wolves
Maned Wolf Enclosure
Spot the unique and active maned wolves, known for their distinctive appearance and energetic behavior.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Better Experience
VIP Experiences: Worth the Splurge?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book VIP Experiences
Highly recommended for an unforgettable, personalized animal encounter. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the zoo grounds.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera for adorable animal photos, especially of Dinkum!
🗣️ Attend Keeper Talks
Gain insights and ask questions from passionate zoo staff.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book VIP Experiences
Highly recommended for an unforgettable, personalized animal encounter. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the zoo grounds.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera for adorable animal photos, especially of Dinkum!
🗣️ Attend Keeper Talks
Gain insights and ask questions from passionate zoo staff.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Fun
Great for young families, easy to navigate and interactive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shoalhaven Zoo is praised as a well-kept, enjoyable destination, particularly for families with younger children. Visitors highlight the informative and friendly staff, interactive experiences, and the unique VIP tours as major draws. While some note it's an older style zoo, the quality of animal enclosures and the overall positive atmosphere make it a highly recommended visit, especially for those seeking a less crowded experience than larger city zoos. +2
"Older style zoo but very enjoyable. More for younger children. Very informative keepers. All staff great. Kids love petting area & keeper talks. Koalas, rabbit patting & watching lion feeding were favourite's"
Leone
"Absolutely loved our VIP experience visit!! We chose this zoo over the ones in Sydney hoping for a less crowded visit and it was the best decision. Annabelle was our guide and was amazing. 100% recommend."
Kirsty Parvin
"I recently we took my father-in-law for a VIP experience at Shoalhaven Zoo. As we are both animal lovers I accompanied him. I have to say, the experience far, far exceeded my expectations. Steph who was our private guide was exceptional, a real professional and extremely knowledgable and friendly, a great host. Right from the start we were associating with a lot of their reptiles, koalas, tortoise, marmoset monkeys, birds, meerkats, and ending with feeding one of the male lions. For a small regional zoo, the enclosures were in first class condition, as were the animals. At no stage were we rushed and to actually experience being with any, let alone all of these amazing animals, for up to 20 mins each was definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had, just incredible. Yes the big zoo's get the media but I doubt they could have delivered anything more special than our VIP experience at Shoalhaven Zoo. Had a nice simple lunch after with a lovely iced coffee overlooking the river.
Highly recommended."
Michael D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shoalhaven Zoo is located in North Nowra, NSW. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. If you're coming from Sydney, it's approximately a 2-hour drive.
Absolutely! Shoalhaven Zoo is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a variety of animals and activities to keep everyone entertained.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Shoalhaven Zoo website before your visit. Generally, they are open daily.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. There are also dining options available at the zoo, including a cafe overlooking the river.
The zoo is generally well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can be found on the Shoalhaven Zoo website. They offer various ticket options, including family passes.
Check the Shoalhaven Zoo website for any current promotions or discounts. Group bookings might also be available.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the gate upon arrival. However, booking online in advance might save time, especially during peak periods.
VIP experiences offer personalized tours with a guide, allowing for more in-depth interactions with animals, including feeding opportunities. +1
Many visitors find the VIP experience to be exceptional and highly recommend it for a more special and memorable visit. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Dinkum the wombat, the marmoset monkeys, koalas, and the maned wolves. Keeper talks are also a highlight. +2
Yes, the zoo offers interactive experiences like a petting zoo and keeper talks. VIP experiences provide even more direct interaction. +1
Shoalhaven Zoo houses over 100 species of native Australian wildlife and exotic animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, monkeys, and more.
Yes, Shoalhaven Zoo is also home to a TreeTop Adventure Park, offering an exciting aerial experience alongside the zoo visit.
Mornings are ideal as animals are typically more active, and you can enjoy the zoo before it gets too warm or crowded.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Shoalhaven Zoo that serves lunch and refreshments, with lovely views of the river.
The cafe offers simple lunch options and drinks. Visitors have enjoyed their iced coffee overlooking the river.
While not explicitly mentioned, the presence of a cafe and the general layout suggest there are likely areas suitable for picnics.
Yes, the cafe provides snacks and drinks for visitors.
The zoo is located in North Nowra, which has various cafes and restaurants if you prefer to dine outside the zoo.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture adorable moments with Dinkum the wombat, playful marmoset monkeys, and the unique maned wolves. Keeper talks also offer great photo ops. +2
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage around certain enclosures.
Visit in the morning when animals are active, use a zoom lens if possible, and be patient to capture natural behaviors.
Yes, video recording is usually permitted for personal use. Social media creators often share clips of their favorite animals.
Always respect the animals and avoid using flash photography directly at them, as it can disturb them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2Consider arriving early to make the most of the cooler parts of the day and to see the animals when they are most active.
🌟 Animal Enthusiasts & VIP Seekers
Even without a VIP tour, the zoo's informative keeper talks are a major draw.
🌳 Adventure & Nature Lovers
This allows you to combine a day of wildlife exploration with an active, outdoor adventure. The zoo's setting along the Shoalhaven River also adds to its natural appeal.
The picturesque location provides a beautiful environment for a leisurely stroll, and the cafe offers scenic views. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Dinkum the Wombat
+4 These clips showcase his playful personality and the special bond he shares with his keepers, particularly Gabbi. +2 Visitors often express their delight at seeing Dinkum, noting his intelligence and sometimes stubborn, yet endearing, nature. The zoo emphasizes that interactions like those shown are performed by trained professionals who have raised the animals from a young age, ensuring the animals' well-being. Beyond his cuteness, Dinkum serves as an educational ambassador for wombats. Keeper talks often feature him, providing insights into their intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and social behaviors.
While wombats are generally solitary, Dinkum shares his space with another female wombat at the zoo. Seeing Dinkum up close is a highlight for many, offering a unique opportunity to connect with Australian wildlife. For those planning a visit, keep an eye out for Dinkum! He's a testament to the zoo's dedication to animal welfare and creating engaging experiences for visitors. His popularity underscores the appeal of seeing native Australian animals in a well-managed and caring environment.
+1Interactive Experiences and VIP Treatment
The VIP experiences are a standout feature, consistently receiving glowing reviews.
For families, the zoo is described as easy to navigate and highly interactive, making it an ideal destination for young children.
Beyond the Animals: Adventure and Location
This dual attraction allows visitors to combine a day of wildlife encounters with a thrilling aerial challenge, making for a well-rounded outing. The zoo's location on the Shoalhaven River in North Nowra adds to its appeal.
The scenic riverbank setting provides a pleasant backdrop for a day of exploration. Visitors often comment on the beautiful surroundings and the peaceful atmosphere. This combination of native and exotic wildlife, interactive experiences, adventure activities, and a picturesque location makes Shoalhaven Zoo a versatile destination. Whether you're a family with young children, an animal enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, there's something to capture your interest.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit