Location: Frome Road, Adelaide SA
Perhaps South Australia's most popular wildlife attraction, Adelaide Zoo is relatively small compared to similar wildlife exhibitions in some of Australia's larger cities, however it more than makes up for this by offering a diverse array of animals - the main drawcard of which is, undoubtedly, their Giant Pandas.
In fact, it's the only destination in the country where you're able to get up close with these cute and playful "large teddy bears", so if you've been wanting to see pandas without having to travel overseas, then Adelaide Zoo is an ideal choice.
The zoo also gets extra credit for offering a famously personal touch; the staff there are typically willing to go the extra mile in answering questions and providing additional insight if you ask, and its lush, tropical gardens are meticulously attended to.
Adelaide is the only destination in the country where you’re able to get up close with these cute and playful “teddy bears”, so if you’ve been wanting to see pandas without having to travel overseas, then Adelaide Zoo is an ideal choice.
The zoo boasts a range of animals that are fairly rare in Aussie zoos, with lions, tigers, macaws and various other exotic species on top of the standard Aussie favourites.
As an added plus, the zoo is also continually being upgraded, which makes for a refreshing change from some of the other wildlife facilities around the country that seem to be content to let them gradually degrade, or at least simply "tread water" while maintaining what they have.
Given its relatively compact size and the ability to get a great view of the vast majority of the animals, Adelaide Zoo makes for a great place to take the kids, and the fact that it's fairly quiet can be a bonus when bringing toddlers or other young ones along for the ride. Add to this the option to visit the animal hospital and talk to one of the vets, and it's a comprehensive zoo experience all situated in a very convenient location.
For the budget-conscious traveller, keep an eye our for the fairly frequent "Adults at Kids Prices" specials which pop up from time to time.