Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
Address Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo NSW 2380, Australia Map, Tel +61 2 6882 5888 Call, Website
This zoo doesn't have small enclosures typically of so many zoos. It is large and open range - though you're not actually in with the animals! The grounds are very large, and bikes can be hired so that the whole family can ride around the park. Otherwise you can drive your own car around exhibits (it really is BIG!) or hire a golf-buggy-type vehicle.
Go on a day when they operate their Early Morning Walks.You can go in and have a walk around some of the exhibits with a Friends of the Zoo volunteer guide.
Even though our kids were only 3 and 6, it wasn't too much walking. You get to see some of the animals up really close, because they feed some of them breakfast on the walks. Our younger daughter nearly exploded with excitement at seeing the giraffes up close. Actually she was just buzzing with excitement the whole time!
After the walk has finished, you can have breakfast at the restaurant or kiosk and spend the rest of the day exploring all the rest of the zoo.