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Best zoo destinations in Oceania

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Melbourne
The heart of culture and coffee
8.7
The zoo opened on October 6, 1862 in Royal Park about 2.5 miles north of the city centre. Australia's first gorilla birth took place in its Gorilla Rainforest in 1984. Lion Gorge is a popular attraction. Sister park Werribee Open Range Zoo runs safari bus tours among African herbivores.
Highlights:
  • 🏏 Watch a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
  • 🌆 Admire city views from the Eureka Skydeck
  • 🎨 Explore the laneways full of vibrant street art and cafés
Brisbane
River City with a Laid-Back Vibe
7.7
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary opened in 1927 at Fig Tree Pocket. It is described as the oldest and largest koala sanctuary of its kind in the world. Its 44 acres include a Koala Forest enclosure and free roaming kangaroos. An express boat runs along the Brisbane River from the Queensland Cultural Centre.
Highlights:
  • 🦘 Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and meet native wildlife
  • 🏖️ Stroll through South Bank Parklands and relax by Streets Beach
  • 🌉 Climb Story Bridge for breathtaking city and river views
Auckland
Where Urban Life Meets Nature
7.5
Western Springs holds this 40 acre zoo, which opened on 16 December 1922. Te Wao Nui, finished in 2011, spans six New Zealand habitats from The Coast to The High Country. The BNZ Kiwi and Tuatara House dates to 1971. A veterinary hospital treats sick and injured wildlife.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Climb Mount Eden for panoramic views over volcanic landscapes
  • 🍷 Cruise across Waitematā Harbour and visit Waiheke Island’s vineyards
  • 🌆 Take in sweeping city views from the Sky Tower
Wellington
Creative capital by wild seas
7.1
New Zealand's oldest public zoo opened in 1906 and began with a lion named King Dick. About 500 animals from roughly 80 species live on 32 acres in Newtown. The Nest hospital has treated over 5,000 native animals. The zoo cares for about one sixth of the surviving Whitaker's skinks.
Highlights:
  • 🦜 Explore Zealandia urban ecosanctuary’s rare wildlife
  • 🚠 Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for city views
  • 🏛️ Visit the interactive Museum of New Zealand Te Papa
Taronga Zoo
Sydney’s Iconic Wildlife Sanctuary
Taronga opened on 7 October 1916 on 69 acres above Sydney Harbour. Its name is an Aboriginal word meaning beautiful view. More than 5,000 animals from about 350 species live here. Many visitors arrive by a 12 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. Its Wildlife Retreat overlooks the red kangaroo exhibit.
Highlights:
  • 🐅 Explore the Tiger Trek with interactive pathways
  • 🦒 Feed giraffes while enjoying panoramic city views
  • 🕊️ Watch the free-flight bird show with Sydney Harbour backdrop
Australia Zoo
Vibrant wildlife encounters beneath Southern skies
Bob and Lyn Irwin opened the park in Beerwah in 1970 and it became Australia Zoo in 1998. About 110 acres are open to the public. The Crocoseum seats 5,000 for animal shows. A wildlife hospital opened in 2008 and can care for up to 10,000 animals a year.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Stroll through rainforest canopy walk, admire native birds
  • 🦘 Witness kangaroo feeding session during midday show
  • 🐨 Explore Koala enclosure, cuddle the iconic marsupial
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