There are a number of disabled car parking spaces available for use. These are located at the main entrance and near the secondary keyhole entrance.

Parking is free for all zoo and Jamala visitors. Cars parked there for other purposes are towed away and substantial fees incurred by the driver.

Most of the National Zoo is accessible by wheelchair. The site does include some steep inclines however if you follow the designated adventure trail these areas will be avoided.

A full viewing of the zoo is a decent walk….easy for some, not so easy for others…

If your mobility isn’t great or you have toddlers who would struggle with the distance, you can split up your visit. You can do one section one day and return any time in the next 2 weeks to see the other section. Parking is generally available near the start of both sections.

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The National Zoo and Aquarium have several mobility scooters available for hire. Advanced bookings are encouraged as we do have limited units available on any given day. To make a booking please call 02 6287 8400 or email [email protected]. Identification is required as well as a hire form to be completed at the time of hire.

Due to the constant repair costs of our mobility scooters, quite often due to their mistreatment, we have had to put up the hire charges to cover these repairs. The new hire costs are a minimum of $25 for up to 4 hours and $5/hour thereafter. Members receive a discount, and their cost is $15 plus $4. Please note that these new costs are still well below what is generally charged elsewhere. Also note that only one person is allowed on the scooters at a time and children cannot drive them.

The National Zoo and Aquarium (NZA) welcomes visitors with assistance dogs that have completed their training. There are some limitations and bookings must be made – please contact NZA in advance to make a booking (NZA will endeavour to expedite any visits when required).

It is preferable to send an email with your phone number to [email protected] so that a staff member knowledgeable of our policies can call you. If an email is not possible, call 02 6287 8400 and if a relevant staff member is not available, leave a phone number for a return call.

Carers for special needs visitors are admitted free of charge, with their paying guest. Carers ID is required upon entry. Maximum F.O.C ratio—1:1.

COMPANION CARD holders receive free entry, as well as their Carer.

Wheelchair accessible toilets are located throughout the zoo, including in the Aquarium, next to lions, in the middle of the zoo near penguins, at near our Bistro & Adventureland Playground.

Visit our AdventureLand playground, located next to the rhino bistro and viewing park area. It is a truly unique playground, featuring a total of 55 activities including various sized fibreglass animal sculptures for children aged 2-12 to explore and play on. It also includes a wheelchair accessible playhouse and 2 fully-harnessed swings.

We understand that a quiet or predictable environment can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit for the most enjoyable experience:

Early Entry for Members & Accessibility

• Members can enter at 8:45 AM (before general entry at 9:30 AM) to enjoy a quieter experience.
• If you need early entry for accessibility reasons, we’re happy to help! Email us at [email protected] to arrange this or for more tailored information

Best Times to Avoid Crowds

• Overcast weekends tend to have fewer visitors and can be a great time to see active animals.
• School holidays tend to be our peak times for capacity and noise.
• Arrival after 3:00 PM is usually quieter for both queues and general crowds. If you need extra time consider our two-day ticket add-on to spread out your visit.

Noise & Sensory Considerations

• Morning Maintenance: Leaf blowers, mowing, buggy movements and maintenance work happen earlier in the day. Keep this in mind if sound is a trigger.
• Aquarium Sensory Factors:

• • The waterfall and pumps can be loud—ear protection may help.
  • However, the gentle lighting and fish movements are calming for many visitors.