Perth Zoo guide: What to see, how to get there and tips for families

Visit Perth Zoo

Perth Zoo, in South Perth, offers visitors a great opportunity to explore the wonders of the natural world. The easiest way in is the Transperth ferry from Elizabeth Quay to Mends Street Jetty, a five-minute crossing from Perth city.

A family day out at Perth Zoo is not just about fun and excitement; it’s an engaging, educational journey for kids and a reminder to all of the importance of wildlife conservation.

Spread over 41 acres, Perth Zoo houses an impressive collection of over 1,300 animals from more than 170 different species, both indigenous and exotic. One of the zoo’s main draws is its commitment to bringing visitors as close to the animals as possible, creating unforgettable encounters.

“The kids absolutely loved the koala while we appreciated the shady picnic spots and friendly staff.”

jheyuti, Tripadvisor review

The Perth Zoo map

A walk around the zoo is like a whirlwind tour of the world’s ecosystems.

Image credit: Perth Zoo.

In the ‘African Savannah’, children will marvel at the sight of giraffes, zebras, and lions.

A journey through the ‘Asian Rainforest’ reveals the elusive Sun Bear and the majestic Sumatran Tiger, while the ‘Australian Bushwalk’ offers an encounter with Australia’s native animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and the ever-charismatic quokka.

A must-see for all visitors is the ‘Australian Wetlands’ and ‘Penguin Plunge’. Here, kids will be thrilled watching the playful Little Penguins and other aquatic birds dive and swim with remarkable agility. If they want to see them in the wild, Penguin Island is an hour south.

The ‘Amazonia’ exhibit, on the other hand, will make kids feel as though they’ve stepped into the heart of South America, with its colourful array of birds and agile monkeys.

“It’s a pretty big zoo too so it takes a whole day to get around.”

Dodge1991, Tripadvisor review

Why is Perth Zoo a perfect destination for kids?

The immersive experience at Perth Zoo goes beyond simply observing the animals. Here, learning comes alive. The zoo has an extensive array of educational programs designed to engage kids of all ages.

Children have the opportunity to learn about animal habitats, behaviour, and conservation in an engaging, hands-on way.

In addition, Perth Zoo’s ‘Close Encounters’ allows kids to get up close and personal with some of their favourite animals. This might involve helping zookeepers feed giraffes or meeting a wombat.

For many children, these close encounters will ignite a passion for animals and a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting them.

Furthermore, Perth Zoo is a haven for children to explore and play.

The dedicated zoo-themed playground offers kids the chance to burn off some energy, and interactive elements scattered around the zoo, like the Zoorassic Park’s dinosaur dig, provide additional fun and learning.

“We always have a great day out seeing the animals, and my son especially loves the playpark.”

Laura B, Tripadvisor review

The beauty of a visit to Perth Zoo is that it’s an activity that suits all ages. The exhibits and experiences cater to both young children and older ones, with plenty of walking paths and rest areas to ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone.

Accessibility is also a priority, making it convenient for families with prams or those needing wheelchair access.

The wild is waiting

A day at Perth Zoo isn’t just about the sheer enjoyment that comes from viewing its wide array of animals. It’s about sparking curiosity and nurturing a love for wildlife in the hearts of children. It’s about fostering an understanding of biodiversity and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

It’s a day filled with fun, adventure, learning, and most importantly, memories that will last a lifetime.

So, get ready to discover, learn and play.

The wild is waiting. For more days out like this one, see my summer school holidays guide and everything in the for kids section. Another one kids love is the Aviation Heritage Museum in Bull Creek, where you can get up close to real fighter jets and bombers.