First time visiting Adelaide Zoo? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there. It was updated in October 2026 to reflect recent ticket price increases.
History and overview of Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo opened in 1883 and is Australia’s second oldest zoo. It houses more than 2 500 animals and around 250 species in eight hectares of botanic surrounds. Unlike newer Australian wildlife parks such as the Ballarat Wildlife Park in Victoria, the Cleland Wildlife Park or Gorge Wildlife Park in Adelaide and the Symbio Wildlife Park in New South Wales, this is a traditional zoo and doesn’t focus on native Aussie wildlife.
Among its highlights are the only giant pandas in Australasia, alongside native and exotic species such as Sumatran tigers, giraffes and Komodo dragons.
The zoo is operated by Zoos SA, a conservation charity. Every visitor helps support species-conservation efforts on a local and global scale.
The setting near the River Torrens and Adelaide Botanic Gardens is both leafy and handily close to the city centre.
How to get to Adelaide Zoo
The zoo is located at Frome Road, Adelaide SA 5000. Entry is via Frome Road or Plane Tree Drive.
Transport options:
- Driving: Use Frome Road or Botanic Gardens car parks. There’s no dedicated parking at the zoo gate.
- Bus: Bus routes 271 or 273 stop on Frome Road outside the zoo.
- Bike: Free bike racks are provided near the main entrance.
- Boat: The Popeye cruise along the River Torrens stops at Adelaide Zoo.
You should book tickets online here to secure your visit and pick your preferred date and time.
Opening hours and ticket prices for Adelaide Zoo
Opening hours: The zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm, including public holidays and Christmas Day.
Ticket prices: Entry tickets to Adelaide Zoo cost AUD $49.50 for adults and AUD $27 for children under 15. Entry is free for children under 4.
Booking ahead ensures you can pick the day you want and avoid queues. Reserve your admission here.
Five great things to do while you’re in Adelaide
- Kayak with dolphins – at the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
- Take wildlife-packed day tour to Kangaroo Island.
- Combine an Adelaide Hills tour with a lunch cruise on the Murray River.
- Enjoy a tasting tour of four Barossa Valley wineries – with a gourmet lunch.
- See incredible sunsets on a twilight cruise from Glenelg.
Parking and accessibility at Adelaide Zoo
Parking: There is no on-site parking within the zoo. Metered parking is available on Plane Tree Drive, Frome Road and War Memorial Drive, and a nearby Wilsons lot has a weekend flat-rate option. Parking within the Botanic Gardens generally cost AUD $4 per hour.
Accessibility: The zoo offers a range of accessible services: disabled parking in the adjacent Botanic Gardens car parks, accessible toilets at key locations, seating and drinking-fountains throughout. Assistance animals are allowed between 10:30am and 3pm.
Best times to visit Adelaide Zoo
If you prefer smaller crowds aim for weekday mornings soon after opening. Afternoon visits tend to be busier.
Allow around 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the zoo fully, especially if you plan to join keeper talks or animal-feeding sessions.
FAQ: Practical visitor information for Adelaide Zoo
Are the paths wheelchair-friendly?
Yes. Most walkways are level or ramped. One stair case does exist in the grounds; review the map key if mobility is a concern.
Is there accessible parking close to the entrance?
Yes. Disabled parking is available through the adjacent Botanic Gardens car park on Plane Tree Drive.
How do I book tickets?
Use the link above to book online in advance. On-site ticket purchase is possible, but online booking helps guarantee your entry. Book your visit here.
When are the smallest-crowd hours?
Weekday mornings offer smaller crowds. Weekends and school holidays tend to be busier.
Are there cafés or restaurants on-site?
Yes. The Wisteria Restaurant near the entrance and Fig Tree Café in the central zoo area offer hot meals and snacks.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes. Picnic tables are available; outside food is permitted in designated areas. The café areas provide full meals if you prefer.
Are strollers or baby carriers recommended?
Strollers are accepted and paths are wide, though some areas may have slopes; a baby carrier may be more flexible for younger kids.
How long do most people stay?
Typically 2 to 3 hours. If you stay for shows or plan a slower pace allow more time.
Things to do near Adelaide Zoo
- Adelaide Botanic Garden – The gardens sit directly beside Adelaide Zoo, with extensive plant collections, glasshouses and walking paths making them an easy addition to a zoo visit.
- South Australian Museum – This natural history and cultural museum on North Terrace is around a 10-minute walk from the zoo and has extensive Aboriginal, geological and natural history collections.
- Art Gallery of South Australia – The gallery is on North Terrace, close to the museum, and contains Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, European and Asian art.
- Migration Museum – This museum on Kintore Avenue explores the experiences of migrants and the diverse communities that have shaped South Australia.
- Popeye Cruise – These boats operate on the River Torrens between Elder Park and Adelaide Zoo, providing a way to combine the zoo with a short river cruise.
Alternative attractions
- Cleland Wildlife Park – This Adelaide Hills wildlife park focuses on native Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos and wallabies, in a bushland setting.
- Gorge Wildlife Park – This family-run wildlife park in the Adelaide Hills has Australian and exotic animals, including koalas, kangaroos, reptiles and a large collection of birds.
- Adelaide Gaol – This former prison in the city centre provides guided tours exploring South Australia’s penal history and the buildings’ former uses.
- Adelaide Oval – This historic sporting ground on the River Torrens hosts cricket and Australian rules football and offers tours and the RoofClimb experience.
- Penfolds Magill Estate – This historic winery about 15 minutes from central Adelaide combines wine-tasting experiences with tours exploring the history of Penfolds and Grange.
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. Book through them, and I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More Adelaide travel
Other Adelaide travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- 7 fantastic Adelaide attractions that many visitors miss.
- What you need to know before visiting Cleland Wildlife Park.
- Why visit the Bay Discovery Centre in Glenelg?
- Complete guide to visiting the South Australian Museum.
- Plan your visit to Adelaide Gaol.
