I'm thinking of planning a photography trip to Australia's Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo.
I live in Sydney and it's about a 6 hour drive away and will require overnight accomodation so it would be nice to know beforehand if the photgraphic oportunities with be worth the trip and money.
Just wondering if anyone has been there and have any shots they could post.
Haven't been there but would love to go. I am sure the photo opportunties would be great. Dont they have like a safari area where you drive around and the animals aren't in cages.
Dubbo Zoo is waaayyy better then taronga! much more to see and do! It costs about $100 for a family to get it you can also book and stay over night at the zoo that is so much fun! stayed there for a school excursion once
When I lived in Dubbo, I was a volunteer guide there. I recommend going on one of the early morning walks (weekends and public holidays), if you don't mind getting up really early.
I also came up with the idea (after seeing LA Zoo's website) of a photography competition run by the zoo volunteers; I don't know if they're still running it though, but certainly ask.
I'm thinking of planning a photography trip to Australia's Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo.
I live in Sydney and it's about a 6 hour drive away and will require overnight accomodation so it would be nice to know beforehand if the photgraphic oportunities with be worth the trip and money.
Just wondering if anyone has been there and have any shots they could post.
Would be appreciated.
Jaxson
It's great. Good idea to have wide to long zoom range. You can go early in the morning for the feeding session and feed the giraffes up at their head height. They have ditches with fences in the ditch so there is no fence visible between you and the animals. You can go by car or walk. Walking is better. You can see it on google earth.
As you live in Sydney, as do I, you might consider becoming a 'Zoo Friend'. Enrol at Taronga Park Zoo. The pass gets you into Taronga and many others around Oz, including Dubbo for free. After a couple of visits, if only to Taronga Park, it has paid for itself.
I went a couple of years ago and it was well worth it. I had an overwhelming urge to hand feed a rhino, that was my main motivation for going, I just HAD too. So we stayed at the zoo in their permanent tents (expensive but you get dinner) and went on evening and early morning tours, which is well worth it.
Yes, there are great photo ops.
Drove up from Sydney stayed the night then drove back the next day, a bit rushed I think, but I'd do it again and add an extra night either in Dubbo or on the route.
Thanks Hawkeye. That might be a worthwhile investment. I was actually planning on going to Taronga Zoo this weekend before my trip to Dubbo, so I might enrol.
I cannot comment about the Western Plains zoo, as I haven't been there - yet!
What I can comment about is the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra. We did this "Zooventure" tour a couple of years ago, & keep meaning to do it again. It is run with small groups, & you really can't get much closer to the animals!
Here is one shot from there, with many more in the same gallery.
Next time we go we have to go play with the cheetahs!
