Get up close with animals from Australia, Africa, South America and South East Asia at the Darling Downs Zoo. Situated in Pilton, between Toowoomba and Warwick, the zoo is home to more than 600 animals and 100 species.
Working for the wild
The Darling Downs Zoo is Queensland’s major regional zoo. It’s family owned by Steve and Stephanie Robinson, who devote their lives to the care of creatures big and small.
You’ll see some of the world’s most vulnerable animal species when you visit the Darling Downs Zoo. In fact, the zoo specialises in captive animal husbandry and breeding of many critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable species from around the world.
Visitors are encouraged to attend the daily talks to learn more about the animals, their habitats and how the zoo is keeping them protected.
As a privately owned zoo, Darling Downs relies on visitors and donations to keep its work going.
Walk with the animals in their geographical areas
The 20-hectare Darling Downs Zoo is divided into four separate geographical areas. It features animals from Australia, Africa, South America and South East Asia. The habitats are naturally themed and the animals are housed in appropriate social groupings.
The zoo is also a sanctuary for many free-ranging marsupials, reptiles and ground-dwelling birds. You’ll see many of these on your visit as they breed and thrive on the grounds of the zoo.
The zoo features the only pride of African lions in Queensland. Not only will you see the tawny lions, but the very rare White Lions from the Greater Timbavati and Southern Kruger Park region of South Africa call the Darling Downs Zoo home.
They are just some of the big cats on-site. You’ll need to look closely, but there is also a Sumatran tiger and Sri Lankan leopards.
Smaller cats include the cheetah, the serval and the caracal.
In 2022, the zoo welcomed caracal, leopard and serval kittens to the fold.
All things scaly
The Darling Downs Zoo is a herpers dream! You’ll find crocodiles, alligators, snakes, tortoises and lizards.
Because of the cold winter temperatures, the zoo only houses young freshwater and estuarine crocodiles that staff can move indoors. Alligators are much more accustomed to the cold weather, so you’ll see just how big adults can get.
If you like things that slither and hiss, you’ll love the Burmese pythons, yellow anaconda and boa constrictor at Darling Downs Zoo.
You’ll also find the largest colony of Aldabra tortoises in Australia at Darling Downs Zoo. These animals can live for more than 200 years, so the ones at the zoo are only ‘children’.
There are coastal bearded dragons, blue tongue lizards, shingleback lizards, rhinoceros iguana and a Komodo dragon, too!
Get up close at Darling Downs Zoo
If you’re a fan of zebra, then the Darling Downs Zoo is the place to be. The zoo has the largest herd of zebra in Queensland.
Visitors can get an up-close experience with these beautiful animals by booking a Zebra Encounter. You’ll head into the paddock with a keeper, join the animals for a stroll and feed them some treats.
You can also feed kangaroos, emus, red deer, blackbuck, llama, guanaco and tapir. You just need to purchase the appropriate pellets from the zoo shop first!
There are a number of different animal encounters available at Darling Downs Zoo. These encounters are available every day at specific times and weather permitting. They are capped at four people per session, which means you’ll get ample opportunity to have an up-close animal experience.
Many experiences are suitable for children aged 10 years and older. They include:
- Big Cat Encounters
- Giraffe Encounters
- Lemur Encounters
- Zebra Encounters
While the Marmoset Encounter, Meerkat Encounter and Zoofari Night Tours are open to all ages, so long as an adult guardian is in attendance.
Facilities at the zoo
There are picnic and barbecue facilities on-site. You can bring your own food into the zoo and use these facilities freely.
The Zoo Shop sells pies, sausage rolls, sandwiches, snack foods and ice cream. There are some vegetarian and gluten-free options available, but it’s best to check before visiting. Also available for purchase are cold drinks and delicious coffee.
Darling Downs Zoo is wheelchair accessible. However, it’s also located in a rural setting so some paths with fine gravel might be challenging for those with mobility issues and prams. This can be especially so after rain.
The public amenities were upgraded in 2021 and are suitable for all access. A baby change area is also available.
There is free parking for all vehicles, including coaches and caravans.
The Finer Details
The Darling Downs Zoo is open daily, except Christmas Day from 9am to 4pm.
You’ll find it at 21 Baines Road, Pilton. Call 07 4696 4107 or visit the website for more information.
