Taronga Western Plains Zoo is committed to ensuring that our grounds and exhibits can be viewed and enjoyed by all. It offers accessible parking, amenities and the free hire of wheelchairs.
Parking
There are a number of disabled car parking spaces located at the front entrance, as well as around the Zoo circuit, to assist with access to exhibit viewing areas and facilities.
Access by wheelchair
Most of the Zoo is accessible by wheelchair or by those with walking difficulties. Many of the exhibits are just a short walk from the Zoo circuit and the ground is generally flat. The African Savannah Tower is the only raised platform that is not accessible by wheelchair, however, the African Savannah exhibit can be viewed from ground level.
Hiring a wheelchair
The Zoo provides sturdy, all-terrain manual wheelchairs at no cost to those who require mobility assistance. Identification is required and a disclaimer form must be completed. These wheelchairs must be pushed by a carer/companion and seat belts must be worn. Advanced booking is recommended (02 6881 1400). Wheelchairs may be collected from the Hire Centre on arrival.
Accessible toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilets are located around the Zoo circuit as well as in the Savannah Visitor Plaza.
Carers and companions
The Zoo offers free entry to carers or essential companions of those with disabilities. We accept the national Companion Card or a letter from a recognised care/social service organisation.
First Aid
Taronga Western Plains Zoo has a well-equipped First Aid Centre and a large number of trained First Aid officers. Contact the Information Desk or a Zoo employee for assistance in the event of an emergency. The First Aid Centre is located next to the Information Centre.
Assistance dogs
Taronga Western Plains Zoo welcomes guests with accredited and vaccinated Assistance Dogs
Taronga has undertaken extensive community consultation and risk assessments to understand the potential risk to both your animal and the wildlife in our care As such, we accept accreditation under Guide Dogs, Hearing Assistance Dogs and Assistance Dogs Australia and currently welcome the following types of dogs on site.
- Guide (or ‘seeing eye’) dogs to assist people with vision impairment to move around safely;
- Hearing (or ‘hearing ear’) dogs to alert people with hearing impairment;
- Assistance (or ‘service’) dogs, specifically trained to assist a person with a disability, to alleviate the effects of that disability.
If you are planning a visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo with an Assistance dog, pre-arrangements need to be made by emailing us 72 hours prior to your visit date to ensure that the relevant Wildlife and Guest Experience teams are notified of your visit. Please note that school holiday periods are very busy and, where possible, avoiding this period will ensure a better experience for you and your assistance dog.
Interactive and hands-on activities
Large models of animals are found within Taronga Western Plains Zoo including a Black Rhino, Giraffe calf, African Elephants and a Hippo, to name a few. The free access Safari Playground also features a number of models of animals. These can be fully explored by children with vision impairments.
Should you need information or assistance during your visit, please ask any of our staff, who will be happy to help you.
Domestic animals and pets
For the safety of our animals and yours, guests are not permitted to bring their own domestic animals or pets into the Zoo.
There are no facilities to house your pets at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Please do not bring them with you. Any pets left in cars or caravans will be reported to Dubbo Regional Council Ranger Services.
We do understand that your pet/s are members of your family. If you are travelling to Dubbo with your pet/s, there are local boarding kennels available who will care for your pet during your Zoo visit. Please contact the Dubbo Visitor Information Centre on 02 6801 4450 to find out more.