Feed Carrots to a Giraffe at Dubbo Zoo (2025)

Are you looking for information on Taronga Zoo Western Plains in Dubbo and hoping to feed giraffes during your visit? Western Plains Taronga Zoo at Dubbo is one of the most beautiful zoos I’ve visited, offering plenty of space for the animals, making it perfect for animal lovers.

Since migrating to Australia, I’ve always wanted to have an encounter or feed a giraffe. As an avid animal lover, I couldn’t let this opportunity slip by. In 2012, I tried to book a giraffe encounter during my first visit to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. Unfortunately, these encounters are incredibly popular and sell out a week in advance, so I missed the tickets.

My second attempt was in 2014, again at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. I managed to secure tickets, but heavy rains on the morning of my activity cancelled all encounters for the day.

I wasn’t ready to give up on my third attempt. I successfully booked the giraffe encounter during my visit to Western Plains Taronga Zoo at Dubbo. The weather was perfect—a bright, sunny day with no chance of rain. At the Dubbo Zoo, visitors have the unique opportunity to feed carrots to the beautiful giraffes, making the experience unforgettable.

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About Western Plains Taronga Zoo/ Dubbo Zoo

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, also known as Dubbo Zoo, is a sprawling zoo located in Dubbo, a city in the Central New South Wales (NSW) region. Since its opening in 1977, the zoo has been renowned for its expansive enclosures, which allow animals to roam freely and mimic their natural habitats. Unlike traditional zoos, these enclosures are open and uncaged, providing a more natural and comfortable environment for the animals.

The zoo is home to diverse species and plays a crucial role in breeding and protection programs for endangered animals. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of animals, including some of Australia’s unique and native species, as well as exotic animals from around the world.

To enhance your visit, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo offers an official mobile app. This app provides comprehensive information about the zoo, including an interactive map to help you navigate the vast grounds. Whether you’re interested in learning about the zoo’s conservation efforts or simply want to enjoy a day surrounded by wildlife, the app is a useful tool to have on hand.

A visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo is not just a chance to see animals and native birds; it’s an opportunity to support conservation efforts and witness the beauty of wildlife in an environment designed with their well-being in mind.

Booking Cost and Tickets for Zoo entrance

Tickets to Taronga Western Plains Zoo can be purchased online through their website or at the entrance. General admission costs AUD 43.20 per adult. However, prices and availability may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check their website for the most current information.

Plan to spend a full day at the zoo, as there is plenty to see and explore. The zoo is expansive, and getting around requires some form of transportation, such as a bicycle or car. Bicycles are available for rent directly from the zoo, making it convenient for visitors to travel between the large enclosures.

Whether you choose to cycle or drive, having a vehicle is essential to fully experience all the attractions and animal exhibits the zoo offers.

Animal Encounters at Western Plains Taronga Zoo

While visiting the zoo, you can enjoy several unique animal encounters. Some of the popular experiences include:

• Feed Carrots to Giraffes: One of the most sought-after activities, feeding carrots to giraffes is especially popular with children. Slots for this experience fill up quickly, so booking in advance or as early as possible in the morning is best.
• Morning Behind-the-Scenes Walk: This educational tour takes you behind the scenes to learn about the care and management of the animals. The morning walks offer an in-depth look at the zoo’s operations and are highly informative.

Additionally, the zoo provides accommodation options for those wishing to stay overnight. Various types of lodging are available, though it’s important to note that the cost for one night per adult can be quite high.

How to Get to Dubbo Zoo?

• By Road—Taronga Western Plains Zoo is approximately 400 kilometres from Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD), and the journey takes around 5 hours and 10 minutes. The journey includes toll roads, so be prepared for those additional costs.

If you want to make the drive more enjoyable, consider exploring some interesting landmarks along the way. Check out 11 big things to see in NSW for fun and noteworthy attractions to visit en route.

• By Public Transport – Trains run between Sydney Central Station and Dubbo. You can book your train tickets through the Transport for NSW website.

Closing Notes

Taronga Western Plains Zoo should be a top destination when visiting NSW. It’s a remarkable zoo where animals enjoy expansive enclosures that allow them to roam freely. Have you been to Dubbo Zoo? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the experience. Please feel free to email me at Solopassport@gmail.com.