Description
The National Zoo and Aquarium (NZA) first opened in 1990 as the National Aquarium. The Aquarium consisted of approximately 30 different species, a large restaurant and function area, with its main feature being a large 1.5 million litre aquarium with an underwater viewing tunnel. This was reportedly the first of its type in the world and was manufactured by a local Canberra company. The Aquarium was situated on around 7 hectares of land which also incorporated a series of outdoor ponds and streams for trout farming.
Accessibility information
General accessibility features:- Disabled parking access
- Accessible payment and other interactive facilities
- Accessible toilets
- Accessibility aware and friendly staff
General accessibility further information:Disabled parking access: available at the zoo entrance. There is also a drop off area with a ramp at the entrance (see photos).
Accessible payment facilities: initial payment area is high and inaccessible but there is a desk inside which is more acccessible.
Accessibility aware staff: there is a glass barrier which can be a little tricky, but close to the bench visibility is fine.
Booking: not required
Assistance animals: not allowed as the area is quarantined due to business being a zoo.
Accessible public transport nearby: no public transport services nearby.
See here for a park map showing the locations of all accessible toilets: National Map Zoo
Visit our AdventureLand playground, located next the the rhino bistro and viewing park area. It is a truly unique playground, featuring a total of 55 activities including various sized fibreglass animal sculptures for children aged 2-12 to explore and play on. It also includes a wheelchair accessible playhouse and 2 fully-harnessed swings.
Mobility accessibility features:- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Paths wide and not slippery
- Level flooring throughout
- Wide aisles and walkways
- Lowered accessible counters
- Bathroom - accessible sink
- Toilet - accessible grab rails
- Toilet - accessible toilet flush
Mobility accessibility further information:Accessible bathroom facilities:
- Easy open door: doors are light but handles high
- Soap: quite high on wall
- Bathroom mirrors: none provided
- Hand dryer: no, paper towels are high on wall
- Adult change facilities: no, no change facilities in ACT
Unobstructuted approach to entry: there can be ropes on movable bollards to separate arriving/departing customers which can narrow the path. Still accessible but could be moved.
Path wide and not slippery: some areas are steeper than others, but there are alternative flatter routes if required.
Automatic/easy open doors: require strong entrance door due to quarantine area - door is within line of sight to assist if required.
Table service: not a standard at the Rhino Cafe - but if requested, staff will assist.
Mobility aids: mobility scooters are available for $5/day, and wheelchairs are available for a gold coin/day
Vision accessibility features:- Service and product descriptions available online
- Textured or coloured flooring at entrance and different level surfaces
- Sufficient lighting
- Directional Tactile Ground Surface Indicators
- No overhanging or protruding signage or other obstacles
- Large print or high contrast menus and other signage
Vision accessibility further information:Service/product descriptions available online: extensive information provided online but no accessibility map.
Textured/coloured flooring: this is mainly in the aquarium where visibility is poor due to required low lighting.
Sufficient lighting: yes, apart from areas thatt require low level lighting for the animals (eg, reptiles and aquarium)
Hearing accessibility features:- Sufficient lighting (to enable lip reading and facial cues)
Hearing accessibility further information:Sufficient lighting: yes, apart from areas that require low level lighting for the animals (eg, reptiles and aquarium
Intellectual/Social accessibility features:- Information available in various types
- Flexibility of the 'rules'
Intellectual/Social accessibility further information:Flexibility of the 'rules': yes but within reason – some things cannot be accommodated as the rooms are within a working zoo.
Autism/Sensory accessibility features:- Information available in various types
- Flexibility of the 'rules'
Autism/Sensory accessibility information:Flexibility of the 'rules': yes but within reason – some things cannot be accommodated as the rooms are within a working zoo.
Photos
Reviews
1 Review on “National Zoo And Aquarium, Canberra”
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Description
Accessibility information
Photos
Reviews
1 Review on “National Zoo And Aquarium, Canberra”
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Had an amazing experience today, the staff were all friendly and the animals were beautiful.
We had the opportunity to do the encounters with the Red Pandas and Giraffes, some of the encounters do have some stairs and steps but the Zoo does offer assistance with those with mobility needs.
Scooters are also available for hire, there were plenty of wide ramps & paths for wheel chairs, accessible bathrooms and automatic doors at the Rhino Cafe.