PARTNERSHIP SEES LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT BEGINS AT ZOO
Construction is now underway on the most ambitious development in Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s history, the Serengeti Resort in Dubbo.
Set across 55 hectares of expansive grasslands, the Serengeti Resort will offer an immersive experience, unlocking a previously unused area of the Zoo, five times the size of the current African Savannah habitat. It will be home to species including giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra and antelope.
The resort will feature a central hub with a function and events centre, café restaurant, and infinity-edge pool, surrounded by diverse accommodation options with views of roaming African wildlife.
The Serengeti Resort will transform Taronga Western Plains Zoo into a multi-day proposition, delivering significant economic and tourism benefits to the Dubbo region. The resort is projected to inject an estimated $391 million into the local visitor economy, over the next 20 years.
The development has received a $20 million investment from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, made possible through a partnership between Dubbo Regional Council and Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with a co-contribution from Taronga.
“This strategic partnership on this project is one that will provide a major boost to the regional visitor economy,” Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Josh Black said.
In the coming months the resort will start to take shape with pier drilling, concrete slab pours, pool excavation and the construction of a prototype suite. Building works are predicted to create around 70 construction jobs and a further 28 ongoing roles will be created once the facility is operational.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo currently welcomes around 300,000 guests a year, with 40,000 staying overnight in one of its three award-winning accommodation offerings. The Serengeti Resort will build on this legacy, more than doubling the overnight stay numbers and offering a new level of connection with wildlife and conservation.
“The new visitor experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo will contribute to a sustainable future for tourism in the Dubbo region,” Clr Black said.
The Serengeti Resort is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.
Last Edited: 03 Jul 2025