Halls Gap Zoo – Grampians National Park

Halls Gap Zoo is a great place to get your animal fix while visiting the Grampians National Park. Whether you want to see the native southern cassowary or bison from the North American plains, Halls Gap Zoo has something for everyone.

Halls Gap Zoo – Grampians National Park

Halls Gap Zoo is set on 53 Acres and filled with over 160 species of animals and birds and is one of the most popular things to do in Halls Gap with kids.

Set 7 kilometres outside of Halls Gap, the zoo is very easy to access with ample parking out front.

When you enter the park go to the right for the small animals such as cheeky little tamarin, fennec fox and the aviary. There is also a large playground and huge undercover BBQ area across the path.

If you head left from the entry, you will see meerkats and red pandas before you enter the main walking track of the zoo.

The path around the zoo is very well done, great for prams and all accessibility levels but it’s not a short walk. There is a portable toilet about halfway around if needed. Make sure to have your bags of food ready for the deer who will greet you and are ready for a snack.

Animal Encounters at Halls Gap Zoo

The big draw for our visit was the animal encounters that the zoo offers. My son lives for Red Pandas. The experience was worth every penny.

When we first tried the red panda was a bit hesitant and didn’t want to come down. The keeper didn’t push or coerce him in anyway but asked us to go have a look around and come back later.

There was a very genuine love of the animals and a sincere pride in the work they were doing in the breeding program.

When we came back an hour later the red panda was ready and waiting for his fruit treats. I have never seen my son smile so much.

The keeper was full of knowledge and took lots of time so the experience was really a once in a lifetime event that no one in my family will ever forget.

Halls Gap Zoo offers animal experiences with cheetahs, dingoes, giraffes, meerkats, red pandas and rhinos. Experiences range from $25-$100 per person.

Tips for Visiting Halls Gap Zoo

Tickets can be pre purchased online to make waiting in line shorter.
Make sure to grab a couple of bags of animal food when you check in.
Pram friendly track
Picnic tables available.
Before you go through the gate make sure to take a drink bottle with you, especially on a hot day. There aren’t any shortcuts out once you go in, it’s either keep going ahead or go back.
Book an animal encounter for the ultimate day out.

Details

Halls Gap Zoo
Halls Gap Zoo Address:
4061 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Halls Gap 3381 Victoria
Opening Hours:
10am-5pm Open 7 Days (Closed Christmas Day)
Website

*Guest Contributor – Clara Batton Smith