Monarto Safari Park

The park absolutely exceeded our expectations. The guide on the bus was knowledgeable and personable. It was great to be able to walk around the walking trails, also. Gorgeous animals and a beautiful space. We highly recommend the park.

Monarto Safari Park was definitely a different experience compared to the usual zoos we’ve visited. The park is huge, so it takes a bit of time and effort to cover, but that’s part of what makes it feel like a real open‑range safari. There are a few ways to explore the park. The easiest option is taking the main bus from the visitor centre and switching between the connecting buses that stop at different animal areas. The buses have guides on board who explain things as you move through the park, which makes the experience more engaging and helps you understand what you’re seeing. You also get surprisingly close to many of the animals from the bus. You can also get off at the bus stops and walk to the viewing platforms for a more traditional zoo-style visit. For those who want to explore on foot, there’s a full walking route between platforms that adds up to around 12 km. On the day we visited it was very hot and some tracks were closed due to snakes, so we did a mix of the bus and short walks. You can easily spend a full day here if you want to see everything. Bring plenty of water and snacks, though there are refreshment spots near several bus stops. Buses run frequently, the staff are very friendly, and some viewing areas offer guided talks. Tickets are priced at $54, but if you’re planning to visit Adelaide Zoo as well, it’s worth getting the 2‑visit pass for $77. It saves you around $25 when visiting both, so it’s good value if you’re doing the pair. If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, the Monarto Safari Park Resort is right next door. Otherwise, there are cheaper options in Murray Bridge, which is about a 20‑minute drive from the park. All in all this is unique, well-run safari experience, definitely worth the visit!

Wow! What an epic place this is! Amazing animals in a vast savannah. This zoo is huge! Patience is required, you may not see all the animals you expect, as they are free to choose what they do... But isn't that better? More natural? And when you do catch a glimpse of a speedy cheetah or royal lion, it's worth it. I loved every minute. Walk or take the bus, bring food or eat from the cafe, definitely bring hat and sunscreen and water and your camera.

Had a fantastic day out with my two nieces, husband and Grandma. Everyone loved this experience. Buses were regular and we didn't have to wait long at each of the stops. Volunteer guides were excellent! Love that there's toilets and an undercover waiting area at each stop. Leave plenty of time to see everything at this park, we easily filled 5 hours here.