National Zoo & Aquarium

AdventureLand Playground

Adventureland is unlike any other playground in the region designed for children to experience the wonders of the natural world. They are able to explore life-size fibreglass animal sculptures and structures in a tropical garden setting, all while learning more about the natural world that exists around them.

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Located next to the rhino bistro and viewing park area.

Open 9:30 am – 5:00 pm daily. 

AdventureLand Playground

Gift shop

Our Gift Shop has a great variety of souvenirs to remind you of your visit, from pocket money toys to quality clothing, wildlife themed home and giftware, and beautiful jewellery. Open daily from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm. You can also visit the Gift Shop without entering the zoo – please ask our friendly staff  to gain entry. Purchases made in the Gift Shop contribute to our special animal programs at the Zoo. Learn more

Gift shop

Jungle Vines Cafe

The Jungle Vines Cafe is located next to the lower car park entry, adjacent to Monkey Island. Grab a quick snack, a pie and a cold drink, or relax with a coffee and a sweet treat. Open 9.30am to 5pm daily.

Click here for Jungle Vines Cafe Menu

Rhino Bistro

The Rhino Bistro is located at the Viewing Park in the open range section and is open every day from 9:30am to 4:30pm with the exception of weekends, school holidays and public holidays where it opens from 9am. With plenty of indoor & outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to have a meal, cold drink or coffee. There is a large variety of sandwiches, wraps/rolls & sweets. Breakfast options such as bacon and egg rolls, ham and cheese croissants & Vegetarian Breakfast rolls are available from opening until 11am. As well as a generous selection of burgers, fish and other hot food options available daily from 11am – 2:00pm.

Click here for Bistro Menu

Rhino Bistro

Picnic areas

You are welcome to bring your own food and drink into the zoo (with the exception of alcohol).

The zoo has several areas within the grounds that can cater for anything from a simple picnic or BBQ to a large family or corporate event whilst being surrounded by some of the zoo’s most amazing animals.

Our grassed areas, picnic tables,  covered gazebos and cabanas are all shared facilities and are free to use on a first come basis. Booking a table isn’t required and there is plenty of seating to choose from.

However, if you are planning a larger gathering or catered event and wish to book an entire area/s for exclusive use, please email [email protected] for more information and the fees involved.

Picnic areas

Viewing Park Cabanas

Our Viewing Park has 4 covered Cabanas for visitor use. 1, 2 and 3 table Cabanas, and a 4 table Pavillion are available, all surrounded by grassed areas. There is a large shared BBQ for the Cabanas plus another BBQ at the Pavillion that are free to use. This new central area is surrounded by a number of animal enclosures, including Rhinos, Blackbuck, Dingos and more. A tranquil waterfall, creek, landscaped gardens and trees make this a wonderful area to hold your family picnic or larger event, while having access to a number of animal species in close proximity. This area is suitable for larger lunchtime events and early evening functions (daylight savings) and for corporate or family days, easily accommodating up to 100 guests.

Viewing Park Cabanas

Asian Aviary - BBQ area

This is a small covered pergola BBQ area adjacent to the Birds of Asia aviary. It is surrounded by the Meerkat and an Aviary exhibit with the Tree Kangaroos and Koalas close by. Two large picnic tables with bench seatsare available for use. This area would suit a small group with guests numbering around 10–20.

Asian Aviary - BBQ area

Sun Bear - BBQ/function area

This is a small, quiet spot nestled amongst beautiful gardens with a small grassed area alongside a covered pergola with 3 large picnic tables and bench seats, and two separate electric BBQ’s. Nearby is the Birds of Asia aviary and the Meerkat and Sun Bear exhibits, all of which can be easily accessed from the function area. This area would suit a small group with guests numbering around 20 – 50. Suitable for lunchtime events, or early evening functions (daylight savings).

Sun Bear - BBQ/function area

African Plains - BBQ/function area

This is a large grassed area that is situated centrally in the zoo. It also has a covered pergola area with 3 large picnic tables and bench seats, and two separate BBQ’s. Surrounding this area are exhibits for Giraffe, Black and White Colobus Monkey and the Native Walk Thru. This area is capable of holding larger groups with guests numbering approx 30 – 60, and many more if you utilise the adjoining grassed area for picnickers. Suitable for lunchtime events and early evening functions (daylight savings). It also makes a good central venue for corporate or family days, easily fitting up to 100 guests.

African Plains - BBQ/function area
Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2611

We are open every day except Christmas day 9.30am until 5.00pm

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