One of the best things about being a grandparent is having the excuse to revisit the places you visited when your own child was young. One of my daughters favourite places when she was a child and now one of my grandchildren’s favourites is Perth Zoo.
The Zoo is just as popular today as it was 25 years ago if not more so, judging by the long queues the day we went along during the school holidays. We pre-purchased tickets before leaving home, thank goodness, as when we arrived: after seeing the overflowing car parks and searching the side streets before finally finding parking, there were 2 long queues stretching a good 50mtrs each and a further queue for Zoo Friends and pre-purchased tickets. Luckily, even though it was busy, the queues moved quickly and the Zoo had staff with dinosaur puppets mingling with the children to keep them entertained. The reason for the puppets? There is an interactive dinosaur exhibition on for the Summer!
Once inside the crowds dispersed. We got our map and set off: first stop the penguins, itโs amazing how children can sit mesmerised by penguins diving and swimming around in the water.
We slowly made our way around the zoo, visiting each section in turn, until it was time for lunch. The picnic shelters already occupied, we joined the throngs of families vying for shade on the main lawn, which, fortunately, is large enough to cope with the crowds. When on an outing with my grandchildren I usually find it easier to pack a picnic as they just seem to graze all day, and it’s better to have snacks at hand rather than go looking for shops: although there is a cafe at the zoo if you prefer.
There are several water fountains dotted around the zoo which are designed to fill up reusable water bottles.
Lunch and toilet break attended to – there are eight toilet facilities available, seven of which include accessible toilets- we were off to the African Savannah. The African Savannah has always been my favourite, and so I was happy to spend time there whilst my grandchildren made their way around the animals. Not only are the animals on display in habitats close in resemblance to their natural environments, but there is also a lot of information about the conservation of the species to read. My eldest grandchild found the whole thing very interesting and we had quite a long conversation about poaching and the trapping of animals. It’s good to see that the zoo is using these displays to promote interest in conservation amongst the younger generation.
Of course, no child’s trip to the zoo would be complete without a ride on the historic and restored Carousel, and it was there that we ended our day at the zoo, before a quick visit to the zoo shop for our souvenir coins.
Details:
Address: 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth
Parking:ย ย 2 pay to park, car parks within walking distance on Labouchere Road
Ticket parking on side streets ( be aware of time limits)
Open Hours: Daily 9am – 5pm.
Zoorassic Park Display: Now until January 2019
Cost: Adult $32
Concession and Senior 65+ $25
Child 4 -15 yrs $15.50
Child under 4 Free
Carer ( with valid card ) Free
Mini Group ( 2A + 2C ) $83.10
Accessibility: Accessibility map available with all facilities including ACROD parking, doors and inclines.
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[…] on an animal adventure in Perth. The wonderful Perth Zoo is always a great place to spend a day, hunting for exotic animals. Caversham Wildlife Park is […]