Most of the animals at this zoo have been rescued from other zoos or from private collections. Darling Downs Zoo location map. 15K likes. View all posts by stuatthezoo. http://www.darlingdownszoo.com.au/   https://www.facebook.com/Darling.Downs.Zoo It’s a lovely 90 minute drive from our place, out past Gatton and along a lovely winding country road. The Darling Downs Zoo has been accepted into the European program to breed the endangered Sri Lankan Leopard. Our only disappointment was we didn't see the pygmy hippo, perhaps he was submerged in his pool. Everything you need to know about zoos and wildlife destinations from around the world. It might be a bit far for a day trip from some parts of Brisbane, but if you live in the south/western suburbs or Ipswich, it’s a lovely drive and if you’re lucky the kids will have a sleep on the way there and home! Stu’s review and tips Upon arrival this zoo resembles a run down farm.There are no manicured gardens, grand entry statements, restaurants, amenities or attractions that you would expect from a larger zoo. Very much caged than the open feeling with other zoos, I understand that there is no funding from other organisations so money would be tight, we still enjoyed seeing the animals that they did have. But as soon as we found out the zoo … There is a nice picnic area so BYO as they don’t serve meals. So if you are looking for a manicured botanical garden style zoo with all the bells and whistles to visit, Darling Downs Zoo is probably not for you. Rating. Darling Downs Zoo, Pilton, Australia. The main drawcard for this trip is the three six-month old lion cubs (born October 2011). We think it’s well worth the drive out to Pilton and we’ll definitely take the kids back again. Staff were super friendly and helpful. ‏‎Darling Downs Zoo‎‏, ‏‎Pilton, Australia‎‏. #gallery-1{margin:auto}#gallery-1 .gallery-item{float:left;margin-top:10px;text-align:center;width:25%}#gallery-1 img{border:2px solid #cfcfcf}#gallery-1 .gallery-caption{margin-left:0}, Your email address will not be published. Upon arrival the only thing that will be there to greet you is an unremarkable sign (and lots of flies!). But in my opinion the animals at Darling Downs Zoo are in excellent condition and the enclosures are a reasonable size and in good shape. See my other review if where we had lunch if you're interested. professional and informative. Upon arrival this zoo resembles a run down farm.There are no manicured gardens, grand entry statements, restaurants,  amenities or attractions that you would expect from a larger zoo. Hotels near Fordsdale horseback Adventures, Hotels near Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, Hotels near Lake Apex Visitor Information Centre, Hotels near Gatton and District Historical Village, Hotels near (WTB) Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway Co-op Ltd. Buckets of food are available upon entry at different price points. I truly believe that the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can only be judged by the way it protects and treats its animals and their environments. Would rather pay a bit more and go to one of the bigger zoo's. Picnic tables and bathroom facilities are provided next to the entry. The one thing that attracted me to visit the zoo was the Zebra Encounter, it is the only zoo that I know of that does this. It is a far way in off the Warrego Hwy (40klms) from Gatton, and out in the middle of nowhere. Not a lot of shelter so bring a hat. Hotels near Darling Downs Zoo; Hotels near Fordsdale horseback Adventures; Hotels near Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre; Hotels near Lake Apex Visitor Information Centre; Hotels near Queensland Transport Museum; Hotels near Gatton and District Historical Village Everything was very clean, and I was impressed with the cleanliness of the enclosures, and the sections were well thought-,out We stayed an hour and a half, which was enought to see the zoo. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Darling Downs Zoo Official Facebook page. While the Darling Downs Zoo is not pretty, it does have some things in common with  the larger zoos, and perhaps the only things that really matter. Darling Downs Zoo at Pilton displays a unique and varied collection of animals from around the globe, situated in a scenic rural setting between Toowoomba and Warwick. 0 vote. always from a distance - I'd say this is quite a rare chance to actually touch one! more, Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.com.sg. Change ). they’ve bought some adjoining land and plan to expand to make this better. A few days ago, the famous sites down the street only existed in brochures.