Places to Stay: Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo - Zoofari Lodge

A Magical Night at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo: Bushland Lodge Sleepover Experience

When the check-in details for our stay at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo  arrived, I knew the boys were in for a treat. After hearing about Taronga Sydney Roar 'n' Snore, the idea of an overnight zoo stay had been on my radar for a while, but with Dubbo being so much closer, it felt like the perfect opportunity to celebrate Bug’s birthday. It was something super cool but doable in a weekend without venturing too far from home.

We booked just a few days before our stay, and there was only one room left at Zoofari Lodge- I take that as the universe's blessing to book- meant to be!

This wild escape is inclusive of:

• Two (2) day Zoo Admission

• One (1) night accommodation in a safari-style canvas lodge (Animal View or Bushland)

• Exclusive guided tours (as per itinerary)

• Dinner & Breakfast

• One (1) day Bicycle Hire (on second day)

• 10% Discount at the Zoo Shop and Cafes

Our stay also included a platter box on arrival and thoughtful touches like in-room treats.

Initially I was slightly sceptical about an all inclusive. It's certainly not the most budget friendly option but for a special occasion - it honestly elevated a day at the zoo and made it into an unforgettable experience.

And when I broke it down, it actually seemed like reasonable value (girl math?! was it basically free?)Of course, you could do it more cheaply- there are some good accommodation options in town but it was the extra behind the scenes inclusions that made it a really special experience.

The staff at the lodge and the guides were fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the animals and conservation efforts.

Unfortunately, the Animal View lodges were already fully booked, so we didn’t get to wake up to giraffes or rhinos outside our window. The Bushland Suite, however, had its perks—more space for the boys, and each had their own bed, so no pulling out a sofa bed.

What’s the difference between the Animal View and Bushland Suites? The Animal View suites offer a direct view of a selection of the zoo’s animals—perfect for waking up and seeing giraffes, zebras, or rhinos just outside your window. On the other hand, the Bushland Suites are in a peaceful bush setting, tucked away just back from the Animal View rooms.

You’re still close to the action, and there’s a "viewing platform" nearby for catching glimpses of the animals. Both options are a great way to experience the zoo, though the Animal View suites are ideal if you want that extra wildlife immersion. We did head back to the viewing area a number of times - at sunset and sunrise so we got to see the animals doing their thing at different times.

We’d definitely opt for the Animal View suite next time, just for the chance to enjoy the wildlife right outside our deck. The boys thought it was pretty cool to visit the animals whilst wearing pjs. Summer Itinerary:

Day 1:

2:00-3:00 PM – Check-in at Zoofari Lodge Guest House We were welcomed with a cheese platter and given dinner options. After checking in and the boys checking out our glamping tent style accommodation, the kids quickly claimed their spots by the pool, which was a great way to cool off in the 37°C heat. The pool could use a little update, but it was a nice place to relax.

3:30-4:30 PM – Cocktail Hour We enjoyed a cocktail hour with drinks like a margarita and a special lychee martini. The kids snacked on chips and chocolates, which along with the drinks, were available for purchase at the bar.

4:45 PM – Animal Encounter I’ll keep the details under wraps, but the animal encounters were an absolute highlight. Getting up close to some of the zoo’s animals was just surreal. I actually had a friend text me to ask if we'd been on Safari in Africa after seeing the photos.

6:00-6:30 PM – Dinner Dinner was a relaxed affair with a few menu options. You eat in the main lodge in specific dining windows. Chip had barramundi, and I went for the chicken- (which we selected when we checked in).

We didn't come for the food and honestly, I'm glad my expectations were not too high. The menu is African safari themed and could do with some finessing and updating. It just doesn't flow and feels very 'alternate drop function menu'. Look- it's fine to fill the void but nothing really exciting. The kids menu was reasonable and they enjoyed their ice cream dessert.

8:00 PM – Night Safari

Although the Night Safari was on offer, we opted out because the little ones were already spent. It’s definitely something to consider next time—seeing the zoo’s nocturnal animals sounds like a unique experience and the other encounters were just SO GOOD.

Day 2:

6:30-7:00 AM – Morning Coffee at Zoofari Lodge Starting the day with a quiet coffee for Sam and tea for me, surrounded by the sounds of the bush was a nice touch. He was also able to grab some fruit for the kids which helped stave off their hanger for the morning tour.

7:10 AM – Morning Tour Again, I'll keep the details scant so it's a surprise - but get ready to hop on the tour bus! A guided morning tour of the zoo allowed us to see the animals as they woke up. Our guide Kate (it was her last shift!) was really fantastic and I cannot explain how cool it was to experience the three different animals we saw up close and personal.

8:30 AM – Breakfast We wrapped up our stay with breakfast before checking out. Breakfast options included shakshuka, avocado smash, bacon and eggs, yoghurt and muesli, banoffee waffle or a kid's cheesy bacon sourdough toastie.

10:00 AM – Checkout and Departure We headed to the zoo to continue exploring for the day, buoyed by a super cool stay at Bushland Lodge Zoofari Lodge. The boys could not get over some of the experiences they had- complete with facetime calls excitedly telling the whole extended fam what they'd been up to. It was a unique and immersive way to see amazing animals and something you'll only get to do once (or hopefully twice) in a lifetime.

Top Ten Travel Tips for Dubbo Zoo:

1. Visit on a quieter day: On the Sunday of our stay, the zoo was quieter than usual due to a big sporting event in town. It allowed us to explore the exhibits without the usual crowds. We even had 15 minutes alone at the otter enclosure, and the Zoofari bus ride had only one other family, which made the animal encounters more personal.
   

2. Pack snacks: If you’re staying overnight, pack plenty of snacks. Once you settle in at Zoofari Lodge, you’ll want to relax and not have to run into town for supplies. The itinerary is well planned, so you won’t need to leave.
   

3. Book early for your preferred room: Book as early as possible, especially if you're going with a larger group. If you need more space, consider booking both an Animal View suite and a Bushland Lodge, so you can enjoy the wildlife experience in the Animal View suite but have the extra room in the Bushland Lodge.
   

4. Enjoy the surreal experience: It’s strange how quickly you get used to being so close to the animal enclosures. We found ourselves visiting the animal viewing platform at different times of day—sunset, sunrise—to really enjoy the atmosphere.
   

5. Golf Buggies are a great option for getting around: If you don’t mind a fun way to explore the zoo, hire a buggy. But be sure to pack sunscreen and hats! You can also drive your car around and park near the exhibits, which makes it easy to explore at your own pace.
   

6. Take advantage of the bicycle hire: A day’s bike hire is included in your stay. It’s a great way to see more of the zoo and move around at your own speed.
   

7. Use your zoo shop and café discount: Don’t forget about the 10% discount at the zoo’s shop and cafés. It’s a nice bonus for grabbing a snack or souvenir during your visit.

8. Be prepared for the weather: Dubbo can get pretty hot, especially in summer. Pack appropriately, and don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay cool while exploring. Also- we're from the country so we're used to insects and creepy crawlies- remember you are in the bush!
   

9. Consider the Night Safari: If you’ve got the energy, the Night Safari is a unique way to experience the zoo. It’s a great opportunity to see the nocturnal animals in action.

   
   

10. Take your time: The zoo is vast and has a lot to offer. Don’t rush through it. Take your time to explore the exhibits, interact with the animals, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Overall, our experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo was so memorable- and we'd love to go back for another special occasion. The accommodations and animal encounters made it an amazing birthday weekend getaway.