The National Zoo and Aquarium

Have Hands-On Animal Encounters at The National Zoo and Aquarium

Only 15 minutes’ drive from Canberra city centre, the National Zoo and Aquarium offers epic urban wildlife adventures. Aligning both native Australian and exotic creatures in the Capital, the zoo is an incredible place to get up close and personal with animals in a well-cared for environment.

From dingos and Tasmanian devils to Australia’s largest collection of big cats, put your safari hat on and come and see what the National Zoo and Aquarium has waiting to be explored.

Meet the furry residents

Are you brave enough to hand-feed a tiger? Ever wanted to meet a meercat? Perhaps patting a rhino is your thing? The National Zoo and Aquarium allows you to connect with nature on a one-to-one level.

Through its series of Close Encounters experiences, you can have fully-immersive animal interactions. Stroke the smooth skin of a python, hide breakfast for sun bears or hang out with giraffes Shaba and Mzungu in the Savannah area.

The National Zoo and Aquarium even gives you and the family the chance to be a zoo keeper for a day and get really behind the scenes of how it operates.

See aquatic wonders

Cuddly creatures aren’t the only draw at the zoo. Home to Australia’s largest inland saltwater tank, the National Zoo and Aquarium houses a mesmerising array of marine life.

Step foot inside Jervis, a giant timbered galleon, and you’ll witness amazing native species. Round tanks burst through the ship’s hull in spectacular style containing Big Bellied Seahorses, Southern Lobsters, and Box Fish. Over at Shark Pier you’ll see Black Tipped reef sharks and Leopard Sharks darting by.

Within the colossal, 200,000 litre tank, the Aquarium has replicated the Barrier Reef’s ecosystem, housing an array of colourful species and live coral. See if you can spot Oscar the endangered humphead Maori wrasse bobbing by.

What else can I see and do at Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium?

Visiting families must call in to Adventureland. Set in beautiful tropical gardens, it’s bursting with larger-than-life animal sculptures, tree houses, and rock tunnels. Kids will adore the rock-climbing stations and zooming along the flying foxes.

When you’re feeling as hungry as a lion, head to the Rhino Bistro or Rainforest Café for a sandwich, wrap or pie. Alternatively, bring your own lunch and settle down at a bench under a gazebo for a picnic in nature.

The National Zoo and Aquarium at a glance

• The National Zoo and Aquarium is 8km and 11 minutes’ drive from Canberra city centre.
• The National Zoo and Aquarium offers lots of hands-on animal experiences with meercats, tigers, rhinos, giraffes, hyenas and many more.
• The National Zoo and Aquarium is home to Australia’s largest inland saltwater tank which contains many exotic marine life from all over the world.
• You can bring your own picnic to the zoo, or dine at one of its two cafes.
• There is also a play area suitable for kids of two and up.

Who is The National Zoo and Aquarium good for?

Families, children over two years, teens, wildlife lovers.

About the ActewAGL evHub

There are now over 20 models of electric vehicles that can go 400kms in a single battery charge ensuring an EV fits seamlessly into your leisure lifestyle. If you need help to find an EV, finance an EV or charge an EV, then visit the ActewAGL evHub today.

For those with an EV, listed below are the three charging stations along the way to help with planning your trip.

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