Accessibility

There are a number of disabled car parking spaces located at the front entrance, as well as around the Zoo circuit, to assist with access to exhibit viewing areas and facilities.

Most of the Zoo is accessible by wheelchair or by those with walking difficulties. Many of the exhibits are just a short walk from the Zoo circuit and the ground is generally flat. The African Savannah Tower is the only raised platform that is not accessible by wheelchair, however, the African Savannah exhibit can be viewed from ground level.

The Zoo provides sturdy, manual wheelchairs at no cost to those who require mobility assistance. Identification is required and a disclaimer form must be completed. These wheelchairs must be pushed by a carer/companion and seat belts must be worn. Advanced booking is recommended (02 6881 1562). Wheelchairs may be collected from the Information Desk in the Savannah Plaza on arrival.

Wheelchair accessible toilets are located around the Zoo circuit as well as in the Savannah Visitor Plaza.

The Zoo offers free entry to carers or essential companions of those with disabilities. We accept the national Companion Card or a letter from a recognised care/social service organisation.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo has a well-equipped First Aid Centre and a large number of trained First Aid officers. Contact the Information Desk or a Zoo employee for assistance in the event of an emergency. The First Aid Centre is located next to the Information Centre.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo welcomes guests with vaccinated Assistance Animals. 

As a busy zoo caring for more than 700 animals and hosting guests of all ages and abilities, we ask for your cooperation in ensuring that your Assistance Animal will feel comfortable and is trained to meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a busy public place. You will also need to complete the form below, and give at least 72 notice of arrival. 

General

Ensuring the Zoo is a safe and accessible place to visit is important to us while also ensuring we consider the welfare of the animals in our care. We welcome Assistance Animals that have been trained to assist guests in managing their disability. 

Animal Welfare

At Taronga, animal welfare is our highest priority. Zoos are unique venues, and some animals may perceive dogs as either predators or prey, which can cause them stress or alter their natural behaviours. For some animals, the presence of an Assistance Animal, even one that is highly trained, may lead to heightened alertness, agitation, or attempts to hide, which can impact their wellbeing. 

For this reason, there are some areas of the Zoo that Assistance Animals are not permitted to visit. These areas are listed below and a Volunteer will be with you throughout your visit to identify these areas for you. 

Safety Measures

There are a number of measures we have put in place to ensure the welfare of all animals (both wildlife in our care and visiting Assistance Animals) as well as the safety of our guests and workers. 

These measures include: 

• Providing 72 hours’ notice prior to your visit to ensure we can best welcome you and your Assistance Animal
• Completing an online online application form that provides current training, accreditation and vaccination records for your Assistance Animal
• Meeting a Taronga Western Plains Zoo volunteer in the Welcome Plaza to accompany you on your visit.

To ensure a positive experience, please keep your Assistance Animal under control, adhere to the Conditions of Entry including restricted areas, and ensure it wears a harness and lead at all times.

Visiting times

We hope you can enjoy Taronga Western Plains Zoo with your assistance animal at any time between 8.30am and 4pm. We know that the Zoo is busier with high volumes of guests during school holidays, so we encourage you to plan ahead should you wish to visit during this time. Our quieter times are generally weekdays outside of school holiday periods.

Booking, enquiries and feedback

To book your visit, complete this form. 

For any other enquiries please contact us via email:[email protected]

We are committed to continuous improvement relating to assistance animals on-site at Taronga. If you have any feedback on your experience accessing the Zoo with your assistance animal, please contact us. 

Register your assistance animal

Please complete this form so we can ensure an enjoyable and safe visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Register now

Large models of animals are found within Taronga Western Plains Zoo including a Black Rhino, Giraffe calf, African Elephants and a Hippo, to name a few. The free access Safari Playground also features a number of models of animals. These can be fully explored by children with vision impairments.

Should you need information or assistance during your visit, please ask any of our staff, who will be happy to help you.

For the safety of our animals and yours, guests are not permitted to bring their own domestic animals or pets into the Zoo.

There are no facilities to house your pets at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Please do not bring them with you. Any pets left in cars or caravans will be reported to Dubbo Regional Council Ranger Services.

We do understand that your pet/s are members of your family. If you are travelling to Dubbo with your pet/s, there are local boarding kennels available who will care for your pet during your Zoo visit. Please contact the Dubbo Visitor Information Centre on 02 6801 4805 to find out more.