Zoofari Lodge Dubbo Review: A Safari Stay at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a safari without leaving Australia, the Zoofari Lodge Dubbo experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo is about as close as it gets. From waking up to giraffes outside your window to guided safari tours, it’s a unique and memorable stay — perfect for something a little different.

🦒 What is Zoofari Lodge Dubbo at Taronga Western Plains Zoo?

Zoofari Lodge Dubbo is a safari-style accommodation located inside Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

• Stay in African-inspired lodges overlooking animal enclosures
• Wake up to giraffes and other wildlife just outside your room
• Includes guided safari tours with zoo staff
• Designed as an immersive, all-in-one experience

It’s one of the most unique accommodation experiences in New South Wales.

🛏️ What the Safari Stay is Really Like

This isn’t your typical zoo visit — it’s a much more immersive and relaxed experience.

• Large open landscapes that feel far from a standard zoo
• Up-close animal encounters from your lodge
• Slower pace with guided tours included

Waking up and seeing animals right outside your window is easily one of the standout moments of the stay.

🐨 Planning Your Trip

If you’re planning a trip to Dubbo, this experience pairs perfectly with exploring the surrounding region.

👉 Planning a bigger NSW trip? Check out my guides below:

💡 My Tips for Visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo

• Arrive early and follow feeding times
• Book golf buggies in advance
• Pre-book animal encounters
• BYO food + water (limited cafés inside)

📍 How to Get to Dubbo

Dubbo is located in regional New South Wales and can be reached by:

• Car – around 5 hours from Sydney
• Flight – direct flights from Sydney
• Train – longer but budget-friendly option

🐾 What’s Included in Your Stay?

Zoofari Lodge Dubbo is an all-in-one experience, not just accommodation.

Your stay includes:

• 2-day zoo entry
• Afternoon safari tour
• Sunrise safari tour
• African-style dinner
• Buffet breakfast
• Wine tasting + canapés
• Free bike hire

👉 This is why it feels more like an experience package than just a hotel stay.

🦒 Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a unique Australian travel experience, this is absolutely worth considering.

Best for:

• Couples looking for something different
• Special occasions
• Animal lovers
• Anyone wanting a “mini safari” experience

Things to keep in mind:

• It’s more expensive than a standard zoo visit
• Best enjoyed as an overnight stay rather than a quick visit

🚙 What the Safari Experience is Like

Afternoon Safari

Arrive around 2–3pm so you don’t miss the animals feeding before your tour.

• 1.5-hour guided safari
• Access to areas not open to the public
• Learn about animals + zoo history
• Watch feeding sessions up close

The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and made the whole experience feel really personal.

🍷 Wine Tasting + Dinner

After the safari:

• Wine tasting with local wines + canapés
• Option to purchase wine for dinner

Dinner is an African-style shared banquet, including:

• African-style chicken
• Salmon salad
• Moroccan lamb + roast vegetables

🌅 Sunrise Safari (Highlight)

Waking up to lions roaring in the distance was unreal.

• Sunrise safari experience
• Watch animals being fed breakfast
• Hand-feed giraffes (highlight!)
• See elephants being washed and groomed

👉 This was easily one of the best parts of the entire stay.

🍳 Breakfast

• Options include eggs, pancakes, bacon, granola, yoghurt
• Large buffet breakfast
• Hot, fresh food constantly replenished

🦒 What is Zoofari Lodge Dubbo Like?

Spending the night overlooking the African-style savannah inside Taronga Western Plains Zoo is genuinely a pinch yourself moment.

• Safari-style luxury tents overlooking open plains
• Animals including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, antelope & ostriches
• Feels like an African safari — without leaving Australia

Each cabin includes:

• King bed + sofa bed
• Private ensuite with freestanding bath
• Mini bar, tea & coffee facilities
• Binoculars (definitely use these!)

Just a short walk away, the main lodge includes:

• Lounge + games area
• Pool
• Bar

Don’t just spend your weekend at Taronga Western Plains Zoo! Visit the rest of Dubbo and check out some of the cool things this small town has to offer!

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