Visiting Adelaide Zoo

About Adelaide Zoo

Opened in 1883, Australia's second-oldest zoo is a compact, walkable site beside the Botanic Park, with heritage buildings, an Australian native section, primates and big cats. It is run by the conservation charity Zoos SA.

Tip: Walk there through the Botanic Garden and Botanic Park, or arrive by the riverboat from Elder Park in warmer months.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 2–3 hours.
• Cost: Mid-priced.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: North Adelaide, bluestone villas, old pubs and two café strips across the river.

Best time to visit Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:

• March: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, very busy crowds.
• February: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, very busy crowds.
• April: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, moderate crowds.

When to visit Adelaide has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Our 3-day Adelaide itinerary visits Adelaide Zoo on day 3, together with Adelaide Botanic Garden and Mount Lofty Summit.

• No. 8 of the 16 sights in our Adelaide things-to-do list.
• Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
• Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
• One of the picks in outdoors in Adelaide.
• A family favourite in Adelaide with kids.

Near Adelaide Zoo

Also in North Adelaide, so you can walk between them:

• Adelaide Oval — 2 hours, mid-priced

If you like Adelaide Zoo

• Glenelg Beach and Jetty — Glenelg, Half a day
• Adelaide Botanic Garden — East End, 1.5–2 hours
• Cleland Wildlife Park — Adelaide Hills, 2 hours
• Morialta Conservation Park — Adelaide Hills, 2–3 hours

Staying near Adelaide Zoo

Stay in North Adelaide ($$$) to walk here: bluestone villas, old pubs and two café strips across the river. All areas to stay in Adelaide.

Questions travellers ask