Five Wildlife Park sleepover experiences to tick off the bucketlist
If you love zoos, and dreamed of an African-style safari, the good news is you don’t have to leave Australia for the experience.In fact, a short drive from most cities and some dollars will get you a sleepover at some amazing wildlife parks where you can stay in close proximity to memorable critters. Here are five of the best.
Werribee Open Range Zoo Slumber Safari, Victoria
The Melbourne Zoo’s Werribee "campus" is more like an African game park and a fascinating place to visit. But for total immersion, try a Slumber Safari experience: not only will you stay in a very comfortable canvas-sided lodge and eat like a king around the campfire but it includes a two day entry to the zoo, and a number of private viewings with the critters that make the visit very special indeed. It’s not cheap, but neither is it forgettable.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, NSW
Taronga Zoo can organise a sleepover at its sprawling menagerie on Sydney Harbour, or, if you feel like a drive way out west to Dubbo the experience gets even better. The Western Plains Zoo has a number of accommodation options, the pinnacle of which is the Zoofari Lodge that overlooks savannah with wandering giraffe, zebra and rhino. Less expensive are the Savannah Cabins or Billabong Camp, both of which give a comfortable hosted outdoor experience in close proximity to the zoo’s animals.
Wings Wildlife Park, Gunns Plain, Tasmania
This privately owned wildlife park has a warming feel, largely because its operators rescue injured animals, most of which are unique to Tasmania. So there are Tassie Devils, wallabies, bandicoots and even platypus aplenty, but you can add to that a bewildering collection of fish, birds, farm animals and even American bison and yes, meerkats. Best of all, you can stay overnight in either a comfortably appointed room or bring your own tent and make use of the picturesque camping ground and facilities.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra, ACT
You know you’re in for an amazing wildlife experience when the promoters warn your sleep might be interrupted by lions roaring in the night. That’s a distinct possibility at Jamala, part of Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium. In the Jungle Bungalows you’re separated from a lion or cheetah by only a pane of glass. Or in one of Ushaka Lodge’s rooms, there might be a shark (again, behind glass). Hummer the giraffe will most likely drop in for a feed at one of the Treehouses but no matter the choice, it’s a total lux-out experience not to be missed.
Sleep Under the Sea, Sea Life, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
If you’ve seen the movie "Night at the Museum" you have an inkling of what it’s like to spend a very special night at Sea Life. During school holidays, this Sunshine Coast aquarium gives kids the chance to camp out in its oceanarium tunnel with all the big fish swimming overhead. Not only are a bed and all meals included, but there’s a special night-time experience with the seals and plenty of behind the scenes peeks that daytime visitors can only dream about – and without the crowds. There are other activities available to do under the sea life including yoga.
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