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.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 1,351 reviews
Type
Zoo
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit