3 Jul 2025

Landmark development begins at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Construction is now underway on the most ambitious development in Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s history, the Serengeti Resort in Dubbo.

Set across 55 hectares of expansive grasslands, the Serengeti Resort will offer an immersive experience, unlocking a previously unused area of the Zoo, five times the size of the current African Savannah habitat. It will be home to species including giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra and antelope.

The resort will feature a central hub with a function and events centre, café restaurant, and infinity-edge pool, surrounded by diverse accommodation options with views of roaming African wildlife.

The Serengeti Resort will transform Taronga Western Plains Zoo into a multi-day proposition, delivering significant economic and tourism benefits to the Dubbo region. The resort is projected inject an estimated $391 million into the local visitor economy, over the next 20 years.

The development has received a $20 million investment from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, made possible through a partnership between Dubbo Regional Council and Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with a co-contribution from Taronga.

This strategic partnership on this project is one that will provide a major boost to the regional visitor economy.

In the coming months the resort will start to take shape with pier drilling, concrete slab pours, pool excavation and the construction of a prototype suite. Building works are predicted to create around 70 construction jobs and a further 28 ongoing roles will be created once the facility is operational.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo currently welcomes around 300,000 guests a year, with 40,000 staying overnight in one of its three award-winning accommodation offerings. The Serengeti Resort will build on this legacy, more than doubling the overnight stay numbers and offering a new level of connection with wildlife and conservation.

The new visitor experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo will contribute to a sustainable future for tourism in the Dubbo region.

The Serengeti Resort is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.

Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“Taronga does incredibly important work in the wildlife conservation space. Both nationally and internationally, they are renowned for their breeding programs, research facilities and animal hospitals.

“This new facility will help visitors connect with nature in a whole new way, whilst boosting revenue for the zoo and the local economy.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

“It’s fantastic to see construction well underway, with building works started and milestones already achieved at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. This exciting and deliverable project is a great example of NSW Government investment that will deliver a major boost to the Dubbo region.”

“Dubbo Zoo is already a wonderful place and once completed, the Serengeti Resort will mean even more visitors can stay and enjoy this iconic attraction for longer.”

Quote attributable to Taronga Chief Executive, Cam Kerr:

“The Serengeti Resort will be a game changer for Taronga Western Plains Zoo and for tourism in regional NSW. Designed with families in mind, it brings the beauty and excitement of an African safari to our own backyard, right here in Dubbo. This is more than just a place to stay; it’s an unforgettable experience that blends Taronga’s world-class wildlife expertise with the warmth of regional hospitality. It will firmly cement Dubbo as a must-do holiday destination for every Australian family.”

Interviews and Broll available - https://bit.ly/3InSJZA