The Most Popular Zoo in Australia, Ranked

Choose the zoo you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 07:50
Tourists and local enthusiasts often face a dilemma when choosing which zoo to visit, especially in a country renowned for its diverse wildlife and unique habitats. Identifying the most popular zoo can enhance a visitor's experience, ensuring they see the best on offer in terms of animal variety, conservation efforts, and visitor facilities. This dynamic ranking, shaped directly by your votes, reflects current preferences and experiences, providing up-to-date insights for new and returning visitors. By participating, you contribute to a consensus that can guide future travelers, positively impacting wildlife education and conservation initiatives across Australia.

What Is the Most Popular Zoo in Australia?

  1. 1
    57
    votes
    Taronga Zoo, Sydney
    Jan Derk · Public domain
    One of the most iconic and popular zoos in Australia, Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals and offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour.
    Taronga Zoo, Sydney is a renowned zoo located in Sydney, Australia. Situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour, it offers breathtaking views of the city skyline while showcasing a diverse range of wildlife from around the world. The zoo is committed to conservation and wildlife research, providing educational experiences and promoting animal welfare.
    • Number of Animals: over 4,000
    • Location: Sydney, Australia
    • Size: 69 acres
    • Opening Year: 1916
    • Number of Species: 350+
  2. 2
    36
    votes
    Melbourne Zoo
    Commander Keane · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Located in the heart of Melbourne, this zoo is home to over 320 species of animals and is renowned for its conservation efforts.
    The Melbourne Zoo is one of the most popular and iconic zoos in Australia, located in Melbourne, Victoria. It features a diverse range of native and exotic animal species, providing visitors with a unique wildlife experience.
    • Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
    • Size: 55 acres
    • Opening Year: 1862
    • Number of Animals: over 300 species
    • Major Exhibits: Wild Sea, Trail of the Elephants, Gorilla Rainforest
  3. 3
    27
    votes
    Australia Zoo, Queensland
    Kaus at English Wikipedia · Public domain
    Made famous by the late Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers, with a huge range of exotic and native animals on display.
    The Australia Zoo is a world-renowned zoo located in Beerwah, Queensland, Australia. It was established by the late Steve Irwin, a famous Australian wildlife conservationist and television personality.
    • Location: Beerwah, Queensland
    • Size: Approximately 100 acres
    • Animal Species: Over 1,200 animals from 250 different species
    • Exhibits: Wildlife exhibits, including Africa, Asia, North America, and Australia zones
    • Crocodile Shows: Famous for daily crocodile shows in the Crocoseum
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane
    Figaro at English Wikipedia · Public domain
    As one of the few places in the world where you can hold a koala, Lone Pine is incredibly popular with tourists and locals alike.
    Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane is the oldest and most popular wildlife sanctuary in Australia, located in the outskirts of Brisbane. It was founded in 1927 as a safe haven for sick and injured koalas. Today, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of native Australian animals and is dedicated to conservation, education, and research.
    • Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
    • Opening Year: 1927
    • Total Area: 18 hectares (44 acres)
    • Koala Population: Over 130 koalas
    • Animal Species: More than 100 species
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    Adelaide Zoo
    Kevin · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Adelaide Zoo

    Adelaide Zoological Society
    With over 2,500 animals and 250 species, Adelaide Zoo is the only place in Australia where you can see giant pandas.
    The Adelaide Zoo is a popular and iconic zoo located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is home to a wide variety of animals from different parts of the world, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation and have an up-close experience with unique species.
    • Location: Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia
    • Opening Year: 1883
    • Size: 8.02 hectares
    • Number of Animals: over 2,500
    • Number of Species: more than 300
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    Located in regional NSW, Western Plains Zoo is a sprawling open-range zoo that is home to over 4,000 animals.
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    Another zoo located in Dubbo, this one is known for its immersive animal experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours and overnight stays.
    Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo is a popular zoo located in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. It covers a vast area of 1,800 acres and is home to over 700 animals from around the world. The zoo offers a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with a diverse range of wildlife in natural habitats.
    • Location: Dubbo, New South Wales
    • Size: 1,800 acres
    • Number of Animals: Over 700
    • Animal Species: Diverse range from around the world
    • Habitats: Natural environments for each animal
  8. 8
    8
    votes

    Cairns Tropical Zoo

    Paul and Jenny Levens
    Located in Far North Queensland, Cairns Tropical Zoo is a popular destination for tourists looking to see Australia's unique wildlife up close.
    Cairns Tropical Zoo is a popular zoo located in Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia. It offers visitors a unique experience to encounter a wide variety of tropical wildlife in a beautiful setting.
    • Location: Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia
    • Size: Approximately 6 acres
    • Number of Animals: Over 100 species
    • Highlights: Koala cuddle sessions, crocodile feeding shows, kangaroo encounters
    • Interactive Experiences: Hand-feeding opportunities, up-close animal encounters
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    This zoo is home to a range of African animals, including lions, zebras, and giraffes, and offers an immersive safari experience.
    Werribee Open Range Zoo, located in Melbourne, Australia, offers visitors a unique safari-style experience in a stunning natural setting. The zoo is set on 225 hectares of open grassy plains, replicating the African savannah, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife species.
    • Location: Melbourne, Australia
    • Size: 225 hectares
    • Theme: African safari
    • Wildlife: Diverse range of species
    • Safaris: Safari tours by vehicle or on foot
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    Perth Zoo
    Shinjiman · Public domain
    With over 1,200 animals and 164 species, Perth Zoo is a popular attraction for families and animal lovers in Western Australia.
    Perth Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in Australia, located in South Perth, Western Australia. It showcases a diverse collection of wildlife from all over the world, with a strong focus on conservation and education. The zoo offers a unique experience for visitors to connect with animals and learn about the importance of protecting biodiversity.
    • Year founded: 1898
    • Total area: 41 acres
    • Number of animals: over 1,200 individuals
    • Number of species: around 160 species
    • Exhibits: approximately 50 exhibits

Missing your favorite zoo?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular zoo

  1. Number of visitors
    This is a commonly-used metric and can give a good indication of how popular a zoo is.
  2. Range of animals
    A good zoo should have a wide variety of animal species on display, including both native and exotic animals.
  3. Animal welfare
    It's important to consider the conditions in which the animals are kept and the level of care they receive.
  4. Activities and experiences
    Many zoos offer activities such as feeding sessions and behind-the-scenes tours, which can enhance the visitor experience.
  5. Location
    The zoo's location may also be a factor, as it can impact accessibility and the availability of other attractions in the area.
  6. Reviews
    The reviews and feedback provided by visitors can also be taken into account, to see how much people enjoyed their experience and what they thought of the facilities.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular zoo in Australia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Zoo is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1878 views
  • 195 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Zoo once every 24 hours. The rank of each Zoo is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular zoo in australia

Australia is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and its many zoos and wildlife parks offer visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species. But which zoo is the most popular? According to our polls and rankings, there is one clear winner - Taronga Zoo in Sydney. With its stunning harbourside location and wide variety of animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and even elephants, Taronga Zoo has long been a favourite among locals and tourists alike. However, other zoos such as Melbourne Zoo and Australia Zoo in Queensland also have their devoted fans. So, what is it that makes Taronga Zoo stand out? Is it the spectacular views of the harbour, the range of animal encounters on offer, or the commitment to conservation and education? Let's take a closer look at what makes Taronga Zoo the most popular zoo in Australia.

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