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Monarto Safari Park - A World-Class Wildlife Experience in South Australia
- Jun 7, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 30
Monarto Safari Park - A World-Class Wildlife Experience in South Australia
Monarto Safari Park is one of South Australia’s standout wildlife attractions and one of the largest open-range safari parks in the world. Spanning more than 1,500 hectares, this remarkable park offers visitors the chance to see animals roaming across vast, natural-style habitats that closely resemble their native environments.
Located just under an hour from Adelaide, Monarto Safari Park is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, with the last Zu-loop bus departing the Visitor Centre at 3:00 pm. It’s an unforgettable day out for families, animal lovers and anyone wanting to experience wildlife in an immersive, spacious setting.
Wildlife Encounters at Monarto Safari Park
Monarto Safari Park is home to over 500 animals across more than 50 species, including a mix of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles. The park plays an important role in conservation and breeding programs, making your visit both enjoyable and meaningful.
We began our visit at the Visitor Centre, where we hopped on the free Zu-loop bus, the easiest way to explore the park. This hop-on, hop-off bus circuit allows you to travel between key viewing areas while enjoying commentary from knowledgeable guides along the way.
The Waterhole
Our first stop was The Waterhole, one of the park’s most popular viewing areas. Here, you can wander along the raised giraffe viewing platform and admire these magnificent animals up close as they move gracefully across the plains. This area is also home to zebra, nyala, eland and ostrich, all sharing the expansive open habitat. Watching these animals interact in such a natural environment is a real highlight and a fantastic opportunity for photography.
The Outpost and Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Continuing the circuit, we stopped at The Outpost, where we spent time watching the playful meerkats and the impressive African porcupines. Their curious behaviour and close-up enclosures make this a favourite stop for visitors of all ages.
From here, it’s an easy 10-minute walk past the striking rhino sculpture Shandu to reach the chimpanzee exhibit. Seeing the chimps interact, play and rest together offers a fascinating insight into their social lives and intelligence.
Exploring by Zu-loop Bus
A full Zu-loop circuit without getting off at any of the stops takes approximately 1.5 hours, but most visitors choose to hop on and off throughout the day to explore the different viewing areas at a relaxed pace.
Each bus features an engaging guide who shares stories, fun facts and conservation insights about the animals you’ll see along the way. The drivers are also excellent at spotting animals across the vast enclosures and will pause when possible to give everyone a chance to take photos.
More to See and Do
In addition to the main viewing areas, Monarto Safari Park offers:
Multiple animal viewing platforms throughout the park
Keeper talks at scheduled times during the day
Optional behind-the-scenes and close-up animal experiences for those wanting something extra special
These experiences provide deeper insight into animal care, conservation and the important work being done at the park.
Visitor Facilities
Monarto Safari Park is well equipped for a full day visit, with excellent facilities including:
Café and food outlets
Playgrounds for children
A fantastic gift shop
Picnic areas with tables
Toilets and baby change rooms
First aid facilities
Why Monarto Safari Park Is Worth Visiting
Monarto Safari Park offers a unique wildlife experience that feels more like a true safari than a traditional zoo. The sheer scale of the park, combined with the freedom of the animals and the informative guided bus experience, makes it one of the most memorable attractions in South Australia.
Whether you’re visiting as part of a Murraylands, Murray River or South Australia road trip, Monarto Safari Park is a must-see destination that offers education, inspiration and unforgettable animal encounters.
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