If you don’t already know. I often gift experiences for Birthday and Christmas presents. This year my middle daughter turned 21 so we were off to The Western Plains Zoo to celebrate in style with a sleep over at the Billabong Camp!

We began our journey at 6am on a warm Saturday morning. We were all geared up with our bikes, our clothes and an esky full of food ready to experience two days at the amazing open range zoo at Dubbo. We had booked into stay on the Saturday night, but one of the advantages of staying in the zoo is that it includes a two day visit pass, so we wanted to make the most of it so arrived by 11am ready to explore.

Checking in was easy, deciding how we wanted to travel around the zoo wasn’t so much. There are many choices to get around. Bikes, golf carts, walking and believe it or not driving your own car are the options. Hiring the golf carts was pretty pricey for my minimal budget and although we had brought our own bikes it was quiet warm so we opted for driving around. Its so easy to do! There is plenty of parking spots, so you can get out to really admire the animals, and on hot days I think it is the perfect way to explore especially if you have kids in tow.

Anyhow with that decision made we drove to the gates to start our journey around the park. The road is shared by all, and is a one way journey which is about 5.3 km in distance. Along the way you can stop and watch the animals, and at certain times of the day, they have some very informative keeper talks that help you understand the animals lifestyle, behavior, conservation and the animals struggles. I think that open range zoo’s are a perfect way to experience animals. Their environments allow them to roam in a large space and in some instances it looks like they are not enclosed at all!

After making our way slowly around the zoo, stopping to admire all the animals and listen to some of the talks it was time to check into the Billabong Camp. It is a beautiful spot, with the clamping tents set up around a water hole that is occupied by black swans and other water birds… and it is positioned right next to the Lion enclosure! I was hoping to hear them during the night!

After a briefing in which were meet our wonderful guides we sat around admiring the view, all the while enjoying a beverage each and a delicious Aussie style dinner. As the sunset, we headed off for our night time tour. Watching the dingos, wallaby’s, koalas and echidna explore during the night time was quiet interesting and not something everyone gets to see. Yet again the keepers shared with us some facts that helped us understand each species more, some I hadn’t heard before…Did you know that a Kangaroo can stop their pregnancy in times of drought and then start it back up we everything is fine again? I definitely didn’t!

By the time we had explored the Aussie animals it was time for a cuppa and head to bed. Both my daughter and I were exhausted from our early start and time exploring and welcomed the comfy stretcher beds, both of us falling to sleep almost immediately.

Early start to see the sunrise and a hearty breakfast of pancakes, cereal, fruit and toast and soon we were all ready to go an explore the zoo before it opened. Seeing the Siamang perform their intimidation song and dance was intriguing and such an amazing insight into their lives and was a highlight of the morning tour along with watching the otters being feed. To be there as the zoo wake up and to watch the keepers perform their morning rounds was a privilege and an absolute bonus to staying overnight.

Unfortunately that concluded our stay at Billabong Camp … but not our time at the zoo. I had booked into feed some Giraffes and so after grabbing a delicious Chai from the coffee shop we went around to the Giraffe enclosure. They are so smart.. as soon the keeper came over they began to meander down to the platform, ready to be fed there carrot treats. The keeper was so patient with everyone including the children who were a little afraid, in fact no one was rushed through the experience everyone had the chance to feed multiple carrot sticks. We were so grateful for the opportunity to feed them, so lucky to be able to view those beautiful creatures up close. A great way to finish a wonderful weekend.

What: Billabong Camp, Western Plains Zoo

Where: Obley Rd, Dubbo, NSW, Australia

How Much: From $205 Package price for ONE ADULT (additional Adult $179, additional child $109 off-peak or additional Adult $189 additional child $119 peak)

Need to know: Children have to be over 5 years of age to stay at Billabong Camp, Overnight stay includes two day pass to the zoo, it also includes Dinner, Breakfast, Coffee, Juice, Water and Supper… Alcoholic drinks are extra with all proceeds going back to the Zoo. All bedding and bathroom items are supplied. As a result f staying at the zoo you also get 10% of experiences… including feeding the Giraffe which generally cost $10 each.

Oh and just in case you were wondering…. we did get woken up by the Lions roaring!

Safe Travels

Kerrie.

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