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National Zoo & Aquarium
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · AU

National Zoo & Aquarium

Getting around: In Yarralumla, about 10 minutes' drive from central Canberra; limited public transport access makes a car or taxi the practical option.
Hours: Open daily, typically 9am–5pm (last entry earlier); check current hours before visiting.

A mid-sized zoo and aquarium combined, known for its close-encounter experiences — feeding lions or cheetahs, walking with big cats — that go beyond standard zoo viewing, at additional cost. It's smaller in scale than major state zoos but leans into hands-on wildlife interaction as its point of difference.

It's a reasonable half-day for animal lovers or families, particularly if booking one of the premium encounter experiences, though it's a lower priority than Canberra's national museums for a first, time-limited visit.

National Zoo & Aquarium FAQs

What makes it different from a typical zoo?

It offers close encounter experiences — feeding or walking with big cats like lions and cheetahs — for an additional fee, beyond standard exhibit viewing.

How long should I spend there?

Two to three hours for general visiting; encounter experiences add extra time and need to be pre-booked.

Do I need to book the animal encounters ahead?

Yes, premium encounters have limited spots and should be booked in advance.

Is it good for young children?

Yes, though some of the more intense predator encounters are aimed at older visitors and adults.

Do I need a car?

A car or taxi is the practical way to get there given limited public transport.

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