There are a number of designated accessible parking spaces available for use by visitors with a disability. These spaces are located close to each entry of the zoo, including both the main entrance, the secondary members entrance and Rhino Bistro entry, ensuring convenient access for all members and guests.

Parking is free for all National Zoo & Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife Lodge visitors. Please note that vehicles parked in these spaces for purposes other than visiting the zoo or lodge will be towed, with substantial fees incurred by the driver.

Most areas of the National Zoo & Aquarium are accessible by wheelchair, allowing visitors to enjoy the wide range of exhibits and experiences. The paths throughout the zoo are generally well-maintained and suitable for mobility aids.

Please note that the zoo grounds do include some steep inclines. To make your visit easier, we recommend following the designated Adventure Trail, which avoids these areas and provides the most accessible route around the site. Signage is in place to guide visitors along this pathway, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable experience.

If you require additional assistance, our staff are always happy to provide guidance or support during your visit. The National Zoo and Aquarium are Quality Tourism Accredited in Wheelchair and Scooters.

A full tour of the National Zoo & Aquarium involves a fair amount of walking. While many visitors find this easy to manage, we understand that it can be more challenging for some, especially for those with limited mobility or families with young children.

To make your visit more enjoyable, you are welcome to split your experience over two days. You can explore one section of the zoo on your first visit, and then return any time within the next two weeks to see the remaining section. This allows you to take your time without feeling rushed or fatigued.

Parking is generally available near the entry points for both sections, making it convenient to start your visit from either area.

For more information about this option, please see our Two Day Pass details here.

To support visitors with limited mobility, the National Zoo & Aquarium offers a number of mobility scooters for hire. As availability is limited, we strongly encourage advanced bookings to avoid disappointment. To reserve a scooter, please call 02 6287 8400 or email [email protected]. On arrival, a valid form of identification is required, and a hire form must be completed before use.

Please note that hire charges apply to help cover ongoing maintenance and repair costs. The current hire rates are:

• $25 for up to 4 hours, plus $5 per additional hour thereafter

• Members receive a discounted rate of $15 plus $4 per additional hour

These charges remain lower than the rates generally charged at comparable venues.

For safety reasons, only one person may ride a mobility scooter at a time, and children are not permitted to operate them. We kindly ask that all users treat the scooters with care to ensure they remain available for everyone who may need them.

The National Zoo & Aquarium (NZA) welcomes visitors accompanied by assistance dogs that have completed their official training. As the zoo is also a quarantine facility, dogs are ordinarily not permitted on site. However, we are proud supporters of IntegraDogs and have worked closely with them to develop specific procedures that allow trained service dogs to visit safely, while ensuring the wellbeing of our animals and compliance with biosecurity requirements.

Please note that untrained or non-service animals cannot be admitted under any circumstances.

To ensure the safety and comfort of all our animals, staff, and guests, advance bookings are required for visits with assistance dogs. NZA will always endeavour to accommodate and expedite visits wherever possible.

For the most efficient service, we recommend sending an email to [email protected] with your phone number included. A staff member familiar with our assistance dog policies will then call you to discuss the necessary arrangements.

If email is not possible, please call 02 6287 8400. If the appropriate staff member is unavailable at the time, kindly leave your contact number and we will return your call as soon as possible.

The National Zoo & Aquarium is committed to making visits accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Carers accompanying individuals with disabilities receive free admission, provided they are attending with their paying guest. A valid Carer’s ID must be presented at the entry gate. Please note that the free-of-charge (F.O.C.) admission ratio is limited to one carer per guest (1:1).

We are also proud to support the Companion Card program. Companion Card holders receive free entry, along with their accompanying carer. Simply present your Companion Card on arrival to access this benefit.

Wheelchair accessible toilets are available at convenient points throughout the zoo to ensure comfort during your visit. These facilities are located in:

• The Aquarium

• Beside the Lion habitat

• In the central zoo area near the Penguin exhibit

• Adjacent to the Rhino Bistro and Adventureland Playground

Clear signage is provided to help you find the nearest accessible toilet from anywhere in the zoo.

The National Zoo & Aquarium has created a Social Story to help visitors prepare for their day at the zoo. This resource is especially helpful for neurodiverse visitors, children, or anyone who may feel more comfortable knowing what to expect in advance.

Social Stories use simple language, step-by-step explanations, and supportive visuals to explain what visitors may see, hear, and do during their visit. This can reduce anxiety, provide reassurance, and make the day easier to navigate.

Our Social Story includes:

• A series of photographs and descriptions, showing what guests may encounter throughout the zoo

• Practical guidance to help visitors understand what will happen, and how they can respond

By offering predictability and clarity, the Social Story ensures that everyone can feel more confident and comfortable during their time at the zoo.

View our social story here!

Our AdventureLand Playground, located next to the Rhino Bistro and viewing park area, is a truly unique play space designed to entertain, educate and engage children of all ages. The playground features 55 activities in total, including a variety of fibreglass animal sculptures for children aged 2–12 years to climb, explore, and play on.

AdventureLand also includes:

• A wheelchair-accessible playhouse

• Two fully-harnessed swings for added safety

• A wide range of activities suitable for different ages and abilities

We are excited to share that a new section of AdventureLand has recently opened, with even more activities specifically designed for toddlers, in PugglePlay! This newly opened area also provides plenty of shaded seating and easy bathroom access, making it a comfortable and convenient space for families to relax while children play.

We understand that a quiet or more predictable environment can make a world of difference for many visitors. The National Zoo & Aquarium offers a range of options, tips, and tailored experiences to help ensure your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Sensory Friendly Mornings
In partnership with The Autism Centre and MaryMead, we host regular Sensory Friendly Mornings. These events are designed to create a calmer, more accessible environment, with reduced noise and fewer visitors, so everyone can enjoy the zoo at their own pace.

Early Entry for Members & Accessibility Needs

• Zoo Members can enter from 8:45 AM, ahead of the general entry time of 9:30 AM, for a quieter experience.

• If you require early entry for accessibility reasons, we are happy to assist. Please email [email protected] to arrange this or to receive more personalised information.

Best Times to Visit for Fewer Crowds

• Overcast weekends often attract fewer visitors and are also a great time to see animals more active.

• School holidays are our busiest periods, with larger crowds and higher noise levels.

• After 3:00 PM is generally quieter, with shorter queues and fewer people in the zoo. If you’d prefer a slower pace, consider our two-day ticket option, which allows you to spread your visit across multiple days.

Noise & Sensory Factors to Keep in Mind

• Morning maintenance may include leaf blowers, mowing, buggy movements, and other work that can be noisy. If sound is a trigger, later morning or afternoon visits may be preferable.

• In the Aquarium, some equipment such as waterfalls and pumps can be loud. Ear protection may be helpful. At the same time, the gentle lighting and calming fish movements are soothing for many visitors.