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POINT OF INTEREST

Monarto Zoo

63 Monarto Road, Monarto, South Australia, 5254

Covering more than 3,700 acres (1,500 hectares) and featuring more than 500 free-roaming animals, Monarto Zoo is Australia’s largest open-range zoo. Along with Aussie favorites such as wallabies and Tasmanian Devils, the zoo is home to Australia’s largest herd of giraffes, as well as lions, rhinos, cheetah, and meerkats.

The Basics

Visit Monarto Zoo to see its many animals and attractions, including zoo keeper talks and animal feeding demonstrations. Take a ride on the Zu-loop shuttle bus, which takes in the highlights on a safari-style tour, and walk the more than six miles (10 kilometers) of trails. For the best value, opt to combine Monarto Zoo admission with an Adelaide city tour, a cruise along the River Torrens, or a visit to Adelaide Zoo.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Plan at least a half-day trip to experience the entire zoo.

  • On-site facilities include a cafe, restrooms, and plenty of picnic areas.

  • The zoo is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Monarto Zoo is located around 35 miles (60 kilometers) east of Adelaide, a drive of about 40 minutes. Access by car is via the South Eastern Freeway, and buses run directly to the zoo from downtown Adelaide on weekdays.

When to Get There

Monarto Zoo is open daily, year-round, although opening times vary slightly throughout the year. Time your visit to one of the zoo keeper talks or guided tours, and look out for seasonal events over Christmas and Easter.

Animal Sightings at Monarto Zoo

The exhibit areas at Monarto Zoo are split into different zones, designed to mimic the natural habitats of the African and Asian steppes, plains, and grasslands. Among the many animal residents are South African cheetah, American bison, black and white rhinoceros, African wild dog, Przewalski's horse, chimpanzees, spotted hyena, giraffes, and zebras. The zoo also runs an important breeding program for endangered species including the greater bilby, yellow-footed rock-wallaby, and Tasmanian devils.

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