Monarto Zoological Park is an 1000 hectare open range zoological park and natural wilderness sanctuary, combined in a centre for conservation and enjoyment of wildlife and nature.

All tours depart regularly from the Visitor Centre, which is accessed from the main entrance on the Princes Highway, Monarto and is well sign posted. The first Zu-Loop Shuttle bus departs at approximately 10:15 am and departs at regular intervals throughout the day with the last full Zu-Loop shuttle departing at 3.00pm daily. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the departure of tours.

We highly recommend a visit to one of our many Keeper Talks which are scheduled throughout the day between 11.05am – 3.00pm. No additional cost.

The multi-award winning Visitor Centre has excellent facilities for use by visitors, including a nature discovery gallery, touch tables, gift shop and a café-style bistro which provides light meals and refreshments.

There are two ways of viewing the Park, both providing different but complementary experiences.

Zu-Loop Shuttle

Our Zu-Loop Shuttle Buses depart at regular intervals from the Visitor Centre throughout the day. The buses are run on a continual loop throughout the 1000 hectare zoo and provide visitors the flexibility to enjoy the zoo at their own pace by linking the numerous viewing platforms and walking trails. Information on the conservation of these species, and of wildlife and nature generally, is provided during the Zu-Loop shuttle is by trained volunteer guides.

Traveling through African and Asian wildlife habitat areas, where herds of exotic, grassland dwelling animals like giraffe, cheetah, zebra, antelope and ostrich can be seen at close proximity. Endangered species, including the Przewalski’s or Mongolian wild horse and the Scimitar oryx, are important features of the Park. Our carnivore exhibit housing Hyena, Painted Dogs and Lions are also a highlight.

Walking Trails

Visitors can also enjoy our extensive 14 kilometres of walking trails which link up to all Zu-Loop shuttle stops and viewing platforms. Visitors can walk along nature trails that offer opportunities to experience the beauty of the mallee woodland habitat, and to see the abundant native bird life and other wildlife in the area. The Park is a protected nature sanctuary with diverse and fascinating fauna and flora. Please stay on the walking trails and carry water. Toilet facilities are located at all Zu-Loop shuttle stops/viewing platforms.

MONARTO VISITOR CENTRE

Environmental Initiatives At The Visitor Centre
The new Visitor Centre at the Monarto Zoological Park has been developed with a strong environmental ethic and incorporates strategies to minimize energy consumption and damage to the natural environment, including

• Utilisation of Subsidence Towers for cooling
• Use of recycled timber
• Construction
• Water Management
• Waste Water Treatment

The Architects and Builders of the Monarto Visitor Centre have already received awards for the Centre’s unique design and construction. The Centre was recently awarded a South Australian Master Builders Award and also received 3 Awards by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. The Architects for the Monarto Visitor Centre are Phillips & Pilkington Architects, and the builders, Mario Minuzzo Builders Pty. Ltd.

Entry fees to Monarto Zoo – Valid to 31 March 2015.
Monarto Zoo is open from 09.30am – 5.00pm daily, (no entry after 3.00pm)

• $39.00 / adult
• $21.00 / child (4 – 14 years) Children under 4 years are free of charge
• $28.00 / concession (pensioners, senior, unemployed and student with card)
• Family concession $98.50 (Includes 2 adults and up to 3 children (4-14 years)

• Two Zoos Pass – Entry into both Adelaide and Monarto Zoos (3 month validity)
• Adult $48.50 per person
• Child $27.00 per person
• Concession $33.00 per person

• GROUP RATES – Must be pre-arranged. (Using the Zu-Loop shuttle, walking tracks only)
• Group Adults (20-99 people in own bus) $27.50pp
• Group Children (20-99 people in own bus) $15.00pp
• Group Concession (20-99 people in own bus) $21.00pp
• PRIVATE GROUP TOURS,IN YOUR OWN BUS ARE AVAILABLE – Costings on application (minimum of 22 people)

Visitors can join the Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc., which includes free admission to Monarto Zoological Park, Adelaide Zoo and most other major zoos in Australia. Please inquire for further information.

Entry fees include:- Unlimited use of our Zu-Loop Shuttle Buses which depart from the Visitor Centre at regular times throughout the day. This is a hop on hop off service which includes a commentary by a volunteer tour guide who will provide an insight into the many animals you see and thier habitats. The Zu-Loop shuttle stops at our numerous viewing platforms where visitors are encouraged to disembark, enjoy an up close encounter with the wildlife or partake in our numerous Keeper talks which are scheduled throughout the day between 11.20am – 3.00pm daily. Monarto Zoo also has 10km of extensive walking tracks which link our viewing platforms.

GROUP TOURS AND FACILITIES

(Bookings two weeks in advance essential)

For excursion groups wanting to see Monarto Zoological Park, arrangements for pre-booked group tours can be made by contacting the Tours Coordinator on(08) 8534 4100.

Two options are available for Groups

Option 1 – Zu-Loop Shuttle (general public system)
Group rates using our Zu-Loop Shuttle buses are available. This option provides a relaxed visit to the zoo and allows visitors to see the zoo at their own pace whilst having time to enjoy a number of keeper talks or stops at our magnificent wildlife viewing platforms. As our Zu-Loop shuttle buses are used by the general public we can not guarantee the whole group would get on the same Zu-Loop shuttle bus. All group entries must be pre-arranged prior to arrival.
Catering for breakfast, lunch or dinner is available on request.

Social clubs and school group tours are welcome. Good facilities , including shelters, picnic, areas and toilets (including facilities for the disabled) are available at the Visitor Centre. Catering for groups, conferences or special functions can be provided on request. Excursion tour operators are, in most cases, able to use their own buses and drivers to travel around the Park with a Guide stepping on board to conduct the tour.

Option 2 – PRIVATE GROUP TOURS
Include a professional tour host, are conducted on either your bus or on a Monarto Zoo Bus and are available for groups of 22 or more than people. Rates on application. Tours can be conducted between 10.00am and 2.30pm on any day and are subject to availability.
Tour options – 1 hour African Tour or 1.5 hour Safari Tour
Must be pre-arranged more than 2 weeks prior to arrival.

Excursion groups, clubs and school groups are welcome.

All groups are by bus, the hire of which should be arranged by the group concerned. Information on bus tour companies can be obtained from the Park. Groups without a bus can join a Zu-Loop Shuttle bus with the general public at normal group entry fees. The tours are conducted by trained volunteer Monarto Guides, Shuttles depart the Visitor Centre and provide informative and enjoyable interpretation whilst travelling throughout the park.

Groups wishing to have morning tea / picnic lunch at the Park may use our group shelters which include picnic tables and seating.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please be aware of the following:
The Park is a disabled friendly facility guide dogs and dogs for the hearing impaired are permitted dogs and other pets are not permitted as the Park is a quarantine area
fires & BBQ’s are not permitted and the park has a strict no smoking policy. The Park will close on days over 40 degrees or of extreme fire danger .