Click here for a comparison table showing age requirements, times, costs etc.

Our traditional ZooVenture tour has now been split into two very exciting tours, which feature different types of animals. Our predators such as lions and tigers now feature on the Awesome Roarsome Tour, whereas many of our other animals such as giraffes, zebras are on the African Savannah Safari. Full details in the Tour section – get a great discount by doing both tours.

For an online Voucher for a tour or encounter follow the instructions on the Voucher to redeem and make a booking. Alternatively, click on “Make a Booking” on the individual tour or encounter page, select your tickets and in the payment section, under the ‘Apply a Discount’, enter your voucher code to redeem. You can also give our friendly staff a call on 02 6287 8400. 

For Vouchers starting with “S” or “D” or “E” you will need to phone the Zoo.

Once a booking is confirmed it can only be re-scheduled by phoning the Zoo and speaking with a staff member. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions

Generally, rain does not interrupt or prevent a tour from going ahead. In some cases, tours may be re-scheduled due to extreme weather conditions and tours must be postponed during an electrical storm. To enquire about re-scheduling any tour or encounter, you will need to phone the Zoo to speak with our staff. There may be fees involved if you choose to reschedule your booking, but if we have to cancel a tour, you will be entitled to a new booking or a refund without any fees.

Unfortunately not. Many of the pathways and access areas used throughout tours are not accessible to wheelchairs. We do have motorised scooters for hire at discounted rates or we can organise private tours for wheelchairs - call the zoo for details.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Restrictions would only be imposed if there was a danger to the participant, other guests, staff or the animals. The zoo will always endeavour to assist those with disabilities - please view the Terms & Conditions and also feel free to phone us with any queries. Perhaps a Private Tour especially suited to your requirements would be an alternative.

The National Zoo & Aquarium is an Authorised Quarantine Site, meaning no pets are allowed on any part of the grounds, including the car park.

However, we welcome visitors with guide or assistance dogs that have completed their training. There are limitations and bookings must be made – please contact NZA in advance to make a booking (NZA will endeavour to expedite any visits when required). A private tour can be arranged but please note that for safety reasons, there are many areas that cannot be visited with a dog. We can have staff look after your Assistance Dog while you visit the zoo or undertake a tour.

For further information on guide or assistance dogs please visit our Assistance page here.

Allow thirty minutes before start time to check in and pay zoo entry (when required). Tour participants (Awesome Roarsome Tour, African Savannah Safari and Cheetah Experiences) are not required to pay any extra for Zoo admission. The zoo normally takes around 2 to 3 hours to see so we encourage you enjoy the facilities and the zoo before or after your encounter.

Yes. Our Education Section can be contacted via Reception to provide a Private Tour especially suited to your requirements.

All encounters & tours have a minimum age for children. This is for 2 reasons:

• Some animals will react differently to smaller children, so we have a minimum age and sometimes a minimum height. This is for the safety of the children and/or of the animal.

• Many of the animals will be distracted or scared by a young child’s behaviour.

Please understand that if the keeper or guide feels that children (or adults) are not meeting general age, size or behavioural requirements, they may require their participation in the tour or encounter to be adjusted, or may ask them (and a parent) to drop out of it or to miss certain segments. No refunds will be given in these circumstances.

Our aim is to ensure that all participants enjoy their time with our special animals and that our animals also enjoy the encounter.

Yes, all children under 16 are required to be accompanied by a paying adult.

Children 15 years or under are required to be accompanied by a paying adult on all encounters, tours and cheetah encounters

Full payment is required at the time of the booking, unless you are booking with a Gift Voucher. Once a booking is confirmed it can only by re-scheduled by phoning the Zoo and speaking with a staff member. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

No part of any tour is compulsory, if you feel uncomfortable with any animal just advise the Keeper or Guide.

In the event you need to change your booking date, you can do so up to 7 days prior. If you cannot pick a new date, we can issue you with a voucher to re book at your convenience. You are unable to make a change to the date within 7 days of your booking without incurring a fee. See Terms & Conditions for more information.

Please call the zoo to make these arrangements on 02 6287 8400

Generally speaking, perfume will not have any effect one way or another. However, please avoid strong perfumes for cheetah experiences.

Not without paying, but there are always other people taking part who are more than happy to take photos when it is your turn to participate.

Flat soled walking shoes are ideal. Avoid high heels and thongs.

Doctors advise pregnant women to avoid contact with cats, so get advice from your doctor regarding this and your fitness to undertake a 90 minute tour. All other encounters require minimal exertion.

Children under the age limits are not able to accompany guests on tours or encounters.

Click here to view the Terms and Conditions for Tours and Encounters.