The 4 best places to stay at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

A road trip to Dubbo to see the animals roaming free is a popular trip for many Aussie families. With a five-hour drive to get there however, you’ll need to find a great place to stay – and we have several ideas to suit all budgets.

1. Zoofari Lodge

This is the luxe option if you have a big budget and want to have a really special experience. Stay overnight at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in a special five-star cabin right next to an open paddock resembling an African savannah with free roaming giraffe, buffalo, ostriches and more. As part of the package you get lots of bonuses such as meals included, two days admission to the zoo and two special behind the scenes tours.

2. Best Western Bluegum Motel 

The best in the budget category, the Best Western Bluegum Motel is located right in the heart of Dubbo town, a short 10-minute drive from the zoo. Rooms are big and clean, with family-sized accommodation including a queen plus two single beds, an empty bar fridge (no worries about kids grabbing snacks and having to foot the bill!) and complimentary Wi-Fi, milk, bottled water and apples. Rates start at $177 per night.

3. Savannah Cabin

For an affordable option to stay at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in a unique location, families with up to six people can stay in a Savannah Cabin, located three-kilometres from the zoo entry. The cabins overlook a natural grassland, with the zoo’s African Savannah exhibit only 280-metres in the distance. Each cabin is air conditioned with full kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms plus a sofa bed in the living area and include free Wi-Fi, Foxtel and use of an outdoor space with barbecues. Rates range from $279 to $329 per night for a room only.

4. Billabong Camp

Get a taste of the true outdoors by staying on-site at the zoo in the Billabong Camp. Packages include one-night accommodation in a tent, nibbles on arrival, dinner and an evening supper, continental buffet breakfast, two-day admission to Taronga Western Plains Zoo and a range of guided animal encounters and tours featuring Australian and Asian animals. Each tent is three metres by three metres, made from heavy-duty canvas with a solid floor and can sleep up to three people (two stretchers and one sleeping mat). Each campsite has two tents next to each other. You can bring your own bed linen or hire it from the camp. Children must be aged five or older to stay.

Christine Knight writes about navigating the world and parenthood on her site, Adventure, Baby!. You can find her sampling gelato and cake around the world with her preschooler, or building sandcastles at the beach in her home town of Sydney.

All images: © Christine Knight