“More than a zoo.”

One of Canberra’s biggest playgrounds, the National Zoo and Aquarium’s AdventureLand Playground, has just gotten bigger, with a new section now open.

The spectacular play space allows children to climb onto or sit on fibreglass animals, learn about animals and just have a fun time.

This is the first phase of the playground expansion, increasing its overall size by one-third. By the time the second phase is finished, the playground will have doubled in size.

National Zoo and Aquarium director and general manager Renee Nasserpour said the unique difference between AdventureLand and other play spaces in the region was the engaging use of life-size fibreglass animal sculptures, interpretive educational and conservation signage and the activities available.

“Capturing an intergenerational audience with a fun, exciting platform to learn about and gain greater awareness and appreciation for wildlife,” she said.

“It’s not just an exciting recreational play space. It’s a fun and inspiring educational facility for all generations.”

Ms Nasserpour said with play being essential to the health and wellbeing of all children, AdventureLand provides numerous opportunities for children of all ages to express themselves.

“(As well as) interact with others and explore their environment as they run, scramble, climb, swing, slide, slip and dip,” she said.

“AdventureLand is designed to cater for children’s developmental needs and provides challenges for young and old.

“It allows opportunities for creative and imaginative play while developing physical strength, coordination and balance. AdventureLand promotes a high level of adventure, stimulates a variety of play and creates originality in play themes.”

She said the playground also encourages parents, grandparents and carers to participate with their children in play.

“They are as excited and engaged with the play space as the children,” Ms Nasserpour said.

What’s new in the zoo

The new phase is open just in time for the summer school holidays, offering even more opportunities for children to play, learn and connect with wildlife in a fun and interactive environment.

“Some key features of the first phase include a multi-level timber climbing structure accessible to all ages and abilities, incorporating ramps to each level,” Ms Nasserpour said.

“The playground also features eight trampolines arranged in a snake pattern, an inclusive spinner and gravity bowl, (upwards of 50 more) life-sized fibreglass animals for interactive play, and a designated gated area for children under five, known as PugglePlay.”

National Zoo and Aquarium tourism manager Chara Reynolds said the goal was to be “more than a zoo”.

“The tagline I’ve been using for a while is ‘There’s so much to do’,” Ms Reynolds said.

This is on top of the 55 activities already available.

“It ties in with our new Adventure Trails, our children’s trail with activities,” Ms Reynolds said.

“We do have some of the largest enclosures by metro standards in Australia, so walking from one enclosure to the next can be a five- or 10-minute walk, so to keep children entertained we put those little tracks in so that they’ve got something to do along the way.”

Ms Nasserpour said AdventureLand was created with accessibility in mind.

“There are wide pathways throughout, lots of shade, seating, accessible toilet facilities and a bistro and picnic area adjacent,” she said.

Huge drawcard

Ms Reynolds said the playground was a huge drawcard bringing in lots of members of the public.

“When the playground opened a few years ago, in 2019, our membership skyrocketed,” she said.

“You can come into the café to have a coffee and head out into the playground.

“You can just do that for the day, or you can add it on to a trip to the zoo.

“There’s also the educational aspect as well, so while they’re playing, there are fun facts throughout the park, they get to talk to the guides and the zookeepers that are out there too and, of course, it’s so close to the different (real life) animals too.”

She said the zoo’s mission through the playground was to educate, inspire and promote conservation.

Ms Nasserpour said AdventureLand has become a destination play space in the heart of Canberra and within the National Zoo and Aquarium itself.

“The success of AdventureLand has been gauged through constant positive feedback on the NZA website and social media pages,” she said.

“This success has been pivotal in the decision to expand the playground.”

Tourism impact

Ms Reynolds said the zoo was busy during the Christmas and school holiday periods, with a dip at other times.

“Not a lot of people know there’s a zoo here, let alone a zoo with a huge playground,” she said.

“We want to capture that market while they’re here and visiting and beat the idea that Canberra’s boring.

“We’ve also got some competitions and activities coming up to attract locals from Canberra who are staying, as well as those coming up from the coast, which is a key demographic that visits during the school holidays and Christmas, in particular.

“We want to make sure they can come and not only explore the zoo but the aquarium as well.

“When it’s nice and hot, it’s beautiful to step into the aquarium out of the sun and then enjoy playing at the playground too.

Future plans

Ms Reynolds said further works will be undertaken to make the play space even bigger.

“It will eventually meet up with the llamas, the deer, alpacas and the alligators that are down the back here,” she said.

Ms Nasserpour said the zoo team was finalising plans for the second phase, with the aim to open by mid-2025.

The National Zoo and Aquarium is located at 999 Lady Denman Dr, Yarralumla, 2611. For a sneak peek at what else is on offer at the zoo, visit nationalzoo.com.au