Cheapest Annual Zoo Membership (with Unlimited Visits to Zoos Australia-Wide)

seanbaussie on 07/03/2013 - 13:02
Last edited 07/03/2013 - 13:13

Hi,
A recent post [http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/95146] showed that there are cheaper options should you wish to become a zoo member, pay a once-off fee & then receive free entry for a year to most major zoos around Australia.
This will especially save you $$ if you are in Sydney as Taronga's prices are through the roof.

Zoos included = Perth Zoo, Taronga Zoo and Western Plains Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary and Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Zoo

Cheapest option for a single adult =
$80 - Perth Zoo (http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/shop/join-zoo-friends-the-bene…)

Cheapest option for a single child (Under 15 years old) =
$41 - Perth Zoo (http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/shop/join-zoo-friends-the-bene…)

Cheapest option for a concession card holder/senior =
$77 - Adelaide Zoo (http://www.zoossa.com.au/getting-involved/membership/members…).
This works out even cheaper if you're 2 concession card holders as the second is only $57.

[Note - Melbourne is cheaper for a concession card holder but you have to pay a $15 application fee]
[Note2 - Taronga's concession is only $79, if you live in NSW then it might be better for the benefits - http://taronga.org.au/membership/become-member/membership-rates/membership-rates]

Cheapest option for 1 adult and 1 or more kids =
$86 (if you're a concession card holder) or $106 (if you're not) - Melbourne Zoo including a $15 once-off joining fee (http://www.zoo.org.au/members)

Cheapest option for 2 adults with no kids =
$140 - Perth Zoo (http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/shop/join-zoo-friends-the-bene…)

Cheapest option for 2 adults with 1 kid =
$181 - Perth Zoo (http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/shop/join-zoo-friends-the-bene…)

Cheapest option for a family of 2 adults and 2 or more kids =
$184 - Melbourne Zoo including a $15 once-off joining fee (http://www.zoo.org.au/members)

So don't pay too much - and say hi to the monkeys who only pay peanuts to be there, just like an ozbargainer!

General Discussion

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 07/03/2013 - 14:34
    -1

    While this is great, you're potentially screwing yourself over by abusing this loophole.
    Australian Zoos are private institutions that get by without (or with minimal) government support.
    By purchasing another zoo's membership you're cheating your local zoo of finances to stay open.

    Plus by exploiting the loophole, you risk having the handy loophole closed for those times where you might want to visit a zoo on holiday!

    • seanbaussie on 07/03/2013 - 14:51
      +2

      I'm not sure that I'd call it a loophole. A loophole to me would be getting it for free or something. At least by taking out membership at a zoo I am supporting a zoo.

      I sincerely doubt that a few ozbargainers taking out a membership (that they wouldn't have taken out anyway) will encourage the zoos of Australia to revoke their rights of members.

      Infact one could argue that if we all took membership out then the zoos would be better off:
      * Able to argue to the government for more funding as more people are interested in zoos
      * Having cash up front instead of dribbling in by entrance fees.

      Note too that there's not one single zoo that's cheapest for everyone - so the love can be shared amongst the zoos!!

      • ESEMCE on 07/03/2013 - 17:07
        +1

        Adelaide Zoo is in financial dire straits at the moment, so they'll love the idea of extra members who are unlikely to actually use their membership in Adelaide..
        But Taronga wont be so happy.

  • voteoften on 08/03/2013 - 01:59

    The incremental cost for these zoos for each visitor would have to be very close to zero. Even if they get no door revenue, if you spend $ inside, they are ahead of you not coming at all.

    Thanks. Reminds me to buy the Perth membership (local for me) cuz I'll be visiting both melbourne and sydney this year.

    The thing I like about memberships to places like this is that you then feel more free to stop in for a short period of time, rather than feeling like it is SO EXPENSIVE that you need to spend every moment of one day there.

    I take my daughter to Scitech in Perth about 10X per year because we have memberships so it is pre-paid. We go for 1 - 3 hours. If I was paying $40 or whatever it is for 1A/1C for one day, I would feel like I would need to squeeze every moment out of it. Instead we often stop in for an hour or so when we are in the area on our way somewhere else afterwards. It makes it very relaxed. I get on the wifi and she goes off and causes trouble. Obviously the zoo is different, you can't just let them run off. But is is the same concept. You are in the area, it is a nice day, so you call in for a few hours or even 30 minutes.

  • eatwell365 on 09/03/2013 - 05:39

    Like being a Zoo friends with my family. Always have great time - visit at leisure and as often as we like.. Good to save $$$ to join with cheaper options but also agree to support locals. Think it is a personal choice of which to join. I would prefer to keep that decision a personal one and hope the noble arrangement between zoos would last for our generations to come. Visit the zoos, spend some $$$ and have a great time!!!

  • Lister55 on 18/06/2013 - 10:37

    Wouldn't the cheapest price for 2 adults and any kids under 4 be $140 at Perth Zoo? Because kids under 4 are free? I don't know if I'm right.. But I was thinking of buying the $184 for 2 kids and 2 adults in Melb but my kids aren't 4 yet.. Am I missing something? Might want to add that as some additional info - that kids under 4 are free?

  • Lister55 on 06/08/2013 - 11:48

    NOTE: Prices have gone up for Perth Zoo… Now price for 2 adults is $150. Can't comment on other zoos.

  • BigLeviathan on 15/01/2017 - 09:05

    Do you need to live locally to buy annual membership from interstate zoo?

    Furthermore, Perth zoo has this statement:

    The new Zoo Friends membership cards no longer have your picture printed on them, however, your picture will still be taken and your identity will be confirmed when you are scanned into the Zoo. Please remember to carry photo ID with you at all times in order to access your Zoo Friends member benefits at Zoonique and the cafés. When visiting interstate Zoos you will be asked for ID and your confirmation receipt to show your Zoo Friends membership is valid. Please keep your receipt for this purpose.

    Does it mean I need to visit them prior visiting other interstate zoo?

    • seanbaussie on 15/01/2017 - 09:10

      At the time I posted this, anyone could buy from any state. Not sure now.

      • BigLeviathan on 17/01/2017 - 13:30

        Okay, I purchased Perth zoo membership on sunday morning and managed to get inside melbourne zoo by showing the welcome pack email to the counter/booth in the arvo :)

        • somecheat on 10/07/2017 - 10:05

          Did you have any problem getting the membership card since you are joining the perth membership? Thinking of doing the same.

        • BigLeviathan on 10/07/2017 - 14:13

          @somecheat:
          So far so good, in the welcome email pack they asked you to come to the zoo for the photos, obviously you cannot do that, but seems other zoos are still accepting the welcome pack email.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join