Experience close encounters at National Zoo & Aquarium
Canberra, Australia • 
Must Do
Must DoCanberra, Australia
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Oct
14°C – 28°C, january in canberra is characterized by warm temperatures, with average highs around 28, high crowds, peak season
14°C – 28°C, january in canberra is characterized by warm temperatures, with average highs around 28, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Most areas accessible; some steep inclines present.
Most areas accessible; some steep inclines present.
Value for money
Medium
Mixed reviews on pricing; encounters are pricey.
Mixed reviews on pricing; encounters are pricey.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the intimate animal encounters and the beautiful setting. Highly recommend!
Unique Experience
Visitors felt it was the perfect blend of zoo and aquarium, well worth visiting.
Awesome Safari
The African Savannah Safari was a highlight for many, very memorable and fun.
Busy Weekends
Travelers found weekends crowded. Booking in advance is a must for the best experience.
Pricey Encounters
Some felt the animal encounters were expensive, especially on the weekends.
Tiring Walks
The sloping site proved tiring for some, despite the adventure trail.
Hours of operation
Monday
09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join a traveler on a visit to National Zoo & Aquarium.
Step into National Zoo & Aquarium with this immersive walkthrough.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
MEDIUM
13-27°C
February continues the warm summer trend in Canberra, with average highs of 27.1°C and lows of 13.2°C. Rainfall is moderate, averaging 56mm over about 7 days.
February continues the warm summer trend in Canberra, with average highs of 27.1°C and lows of 13.2°C. Rainfall is moderate, averaging 56mm over about 7 days.
Open
Advance booking is recommended to secure preferred dates and times.
Advance booking is recommended to secure preferred dates and times.
Recommended
February offers warm temperatures suitable for visiting the zoo. While crowds are slightly reduced compared to January, it's still advisable to book in advance.
February offers warm temperatures suitable for visiting the zoo. While crowds are slightly reduced compared to January, it's still advisable to book in advance.
March
MEDIUM
11-25°C
March marks the transition to autumn in Canberra, with average highs of 24.5°C and lows of 10.7°C. Rainfall averages 51mm over approximately 7 days.
March marks the transition to autumn in Canberra, with average highs of 24.5°C and lows of 10.7°C. Rainfall averages 51mm over approximately 7 days.
Open
Generally good availability, but booking ahead is still recommended.
Generally good availability, but booking ahead is still recommended.
Recommended
March offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds, making it an excellent time to visit the zoo.
March offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds, making it an excellent time to visit the zoo.
April
LOW
7-20°C
April brings cooler temperatures to Canberra, with average highs of 20.0°C and lows of 6.7°C. Rainfall averages 46mm over about 7 days.
April brings cooler temperatures to Canberra, with average highs of 20.0°C and lows of 6.7°C. Rainfall averages 46mm over about 7 days.
Open
High availability; booking in advance is less critical but still advisable.
High availability; booking in advance is less critical but still advisable.
Recommended
April's cooler temperatures and low crowd levels provide a comfortable and relaxed zoo experience.
April's cooler temperatures and low crowd levels provide a comfortable and relaxed zoo experience.
May
LOW
4-14°C
May in Canberra features cool temperatures with average highs around 14.2°C and lows near 3.8°C. Rainfall is relatively low, averaging 20mm over approximately 7.6 days.
May in Canberra features cool temperatures with average highs around 14.2°C and lows near 3.8°C. Rainfall is relatively low, averaging 20mm over approximately 7.6 days.
Open
No specific restrictions; all encounters are typically available.
No specific restrictions; all encounters are typically available.
Recommended
May offers a pleasant climate with fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to enjoy close encounters at the National Zoo & Aquarium.
May offers a pleasant climate with fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to enjoy close encounters at the National Zoo & Aquarium.
How to get there
Car
Recommended
Driving is the most convenient option, with access via Lady Denman Drive and free on-site parking.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and ride-sharing services provide a direct route to the zoo from Canberra's city center.
Bike
The zoo is accessible via Canberra's cycling paths, including the Lake Burley Griffin Western loop.
Bus
Canberra's bus network has stops nearby, but a final leg of the journey is needed. Bus routes such as the 2, 7, 47, and 81 have stops in the vicinity. For instance, take the line 7 bus to the Opp North Weston Park & Ride and then take a taxi.
Walking
Walking is possible from Canberra's city center, approximately 7.2 kilometers.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
