🦒 Taronga Western Plains Zoo's Serengeti Resort Construction Commences

Construction is now well underway on what is set to be the most ambitious development in Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s history: the Serengeti Resort in Dubbo. This groundbreaking project promises to transform the iconic Dubbo attraction into a multi-day destination, significantly boosting the region's tourism and economy.

Spanning an impressive 55 hectares of sprawling grasslands, the Serengeti Resort will unlock a previously undeveloped section of the Zoo, an area five times larger than the existing African Savannah habitat. This expansive new home will accommodate a range of magnificent species, including giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra, and various antelope.

A New Level of Visitor Experience

The resort itself is designed to offer an immersive experience, featuring a central hub complete with a function and events centre, a vibrant café restaurant, and an infinity-edge pool. These amenities will be surrounded by diverse accommodation options, each offering breathtaking views of the roaming African wildlife, providing guests with an unparalleled connection to nature.

This significant development is projected to inject an estimated $391 million into the local visitor economy over the next two decades, solidifying Dubbo’s position as a premier holiday destination. The project has received a substantial $20 million investment from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, made possible through a strategic partnership between Dubbo Regional Council and Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with a co-contribution from Taronga.

Jobs and Future Economic Growth

In the coming months, visitors to Dubbo may observe visible progress on the site, with pier drilling, concrete slab pours, pool excavation, and the construction of a prototype suite already commencing. This construction phase is expected to generate approximately 70 new jobs, with a further 28 ongoing positions to be created once the facility becomes operational.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo currently welcomes around 300,000 guests annually, with 40,000 choosing to stay overnight in its existing award-winning accommodation. The Serengeti Resort is set to build upon this legacy, aiming to more than double the number of overnight stays and introduce a new depth of engagement with wildlife and conservation efforts in the Dubbo region.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “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.”

Taronga Chief Executive, Cam Kerr, echoed this sentiment, stating: “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.”

The Serengeti Resort is scheduled to open its doors to the public in the second half of 2026, promising an exciting new chapter for tourism in Dubbo.