THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Get up close to Solo, a rare single-birth cheetah, on a 30-minute walk with keepers at the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra. This exclusive experience combines wildlife enrichment with breathtaking views.
Get up close to Solo, a rare single-birth cheetah, on a 30-minute walk with keepers at the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra. This exclusive experience combines wildlife enrichment with breathtaking views.
Book with National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra · Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory
Located in Yarralumla within the Australian Capital Territory, the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra offers a rare wildlife experience that sets it apart from the typical zoo visit. Among its diverse animal encounters, the Cheetah Walk stands out as a unique adventure for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. This intimate 30-minute walk invites guests to step off the beaten path into a secluded area of the zoo, where Solo, a rare single-birth cheetah born at the zoo, roams under the careful guidance of his keepers.
The walk is more than just a stroll; it’s part of Solo’s daily enrichment routine, designed to engage and stimulate the animal in a naturalistic setting removed from public view. This behind-the-scenes glimpse offers an exhilarating proximity to one of the world’s fastest land mammals. As you accompany Solo and his keepers, the route leads to Solo’s lookout—a vantage point offering striking views over the surrounding terrain, framed by native Australian flora. Unlike traditional viewing platforms, this exclusive spot gives you a fresh perspective on the natural environment that influences wildlife behavior.
National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra plays a significant role in conservation education and species preservation, providing visitors not just entertainment but also a meaningful connection to wildlife. The facility houses a variety of native and exotic species, but the Cheetah Walk’s intimate scale and personalized experience make it a standout occasion for visitors aged 14 and older.
Whether you’re an avid animal lover, outdoor adventurer, or simply curious, this walk blends education, conservation, and the thrill of close wildlife contact. Booking ahead is essential to secure your spot on this limited-capacity adventure. Comfortable shoes and a spirit ready for discovery are the only gear you need. The National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra’s Cheetah Walk offers a hands-on encounter unlike any other in the region, deepening appreciation for one of the planet’s most extraordinary predators.
easy.
30 minutes.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to walk on uneven natural terrain for a short distance.
This walk is recommended for guests aged 14 and older to ensure safety and comfort around the cheetah.
No prior experience is required. Keepers provide guidance to make the walk safe and enjoyable.
Yes, photography is allowed, but it’s best to use zoom lenses to avoid disturbing Solo.
Yes, your ticket includes entry to the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra.
Bookings must be made in advance through the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra’s booking system.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on natural terrain and dress for the weather.
Solo is notably the zoo’s rare single-birth cheetah, marking an important conservation milestone within the Australian captive breeding program.
The National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra actively participates in species preservation and animal enrichment, ensuring animal welfare and public education go hand in hand.
National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra is a combined zoo and aquarium located in Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory. The facility offers a wide range of animal encounters, conservation-focused tours, educational programs and family experiences. Visitors can choose from short, guided encounters—such as 15-minute sessions with sun bears, cheetahs or tigers—to longer interactive tours including family Wonders of Wildlife and full-day conservation experiences. The venue provides school-focused keeper-for-a-day programs for primary and high school students that teach animal care, feeding and enrichment skills in structured three‑hour and longer sessions. Birthday packages and private event options are available, including Adventureland and Safari Extravaganza birthday packages that combine guided animal interactions, activity packs and catering choices suited to groups and children. General admission grants access to exhibits spanning African savannah species, Asian carnivores, Australian native animals and aquatic displays, while specialised encounters let small groups meet animals like giraffes, rhinos, meerkats and ruffed lemurs under staff supervision. Conservation, animal welfare and education are central to the institution’s offerings. Keeper-guided experiences are led by trained staff and focus on species-specific care, enrichment and conservation messaging. Tickets, encounter bookings and school program details are published by the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra and should be checked on official channels for current availability and age guidelines. The facility’s location in Canberra makes it accessible to visitors throughout the Australian Capital Territory and nearby regions. Encounter opportunities include named animals such as Arataki and Otay the sun bears and Solo the cheetah when available. Attendance depends on bookings.
Book with National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra