Sleep Next to Lions: Inside Australia’s Wild New Safari Resort for Families

Looking for a family adventure that’s truly out of the ordinary? Imagine watching elephants, giraffes, and lions roam free on sweeping savannahs, all while staying in a luxury resort designed for families.

Okay, you can’t literally sleep next to a lion (honestly, I wouldn’t want to!), but the immersive design of Monarto Australia Safari Resort—set right beside the open-range habitats—means you’ll wake up to the sights and sounds of the savannah.

From your room or glamping tent, you might spot giraffes, rhinos, and other wildlife meandering across the plains, all visible from various vantage points around the resort.

Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or looking for a unique stop on your travels Down Under, Monarto’s new luxury resort and incredible wildlife encounters make it a destination families everywhere will love.

Why Monarto Australia Safari Park Stands Out for Families

I spent three glorious months exploring Australia with my family. And it wasn’t enough. It’s not your average single-country adventure. And Monarto Australia Safari Park, just an hour east of Adelaide, Australia, is not your average zoo.

Spanning over 1,500 hectares, it’s the world’s largest open-range safari park outside Africa, with more than 500 exotic and native animals roaming vast, naturalistic habitats.

They’ve got giraffes, elephants, lions, hyenas, and even critically endangered black rhinos wandering the open plains…no cramped enclosures here, just wide-open spaces that make you feel like you’ve landed in the heart of Africa.

But what truly sets Monarto apart is its focus on family-friendly experiences, conservation, and comfort. The park’s design and programming make it easy for families to explore, learn, and create lasting memories together.

Unforgettable Animal Encounters

At Monarto Australia Safari Park, families don’t just observe animals from a distance—you can get up close and personal with some of the park’s most beloved residents.

Here are some of the hands-on experiences that make this destination a hit with kids and adults alike:

• Feeding Giraffes: Book a special encounter and let your kids hand-feed these gentle giants—a moment they’ll never forget! This up-close experience is both thrilling and educational, giving children a new appreciation for wildlife.
  
• Meeting Lemurs: Get up close with the park’s playful lemurs and learn about their fascinating social lives. These encounters are perfect for younger children and anyone who loves these curious little creatures.
  
• Keeper Talks: Daily presentations about giraffes, meerkats, chimpanzees, and white rhinos are both educational and entertaining for all ages. Kids can ask questions and learn directly from the experts who care for these animals.
  
• Walking Trails & Viewing Platforms: Explore over 12 kilometers of trails and multiple platforms for excellent wildlife spotting, including lions, cheetahs, and zebras in naturalistic settings. The walking trails are stroller-friendly, making them accessible for families with young children.
  
• Hop-On, Hop-Off Shuttle: Easily visit all the major animal habitats without missing any highlights—perfect for families with kids of all ages. The shuttle loops past the main viewing platforms, so you can spend more time enjoying the animals and less time worrying about logistics.
  
• Keeper for a Day: Want a fully immersive Australian safari experience? Monarto Safari Park’s Keeper for a Day experience is great for families with kids 16+ who want to see incredible wildlife up close. You’ll witness zookeepers in action, meet giraffes, wolves, meerkats, and more, and learn about conservation efforts in a behind-the-scenes adventure!

Conservation in Action

More than 70% of Monarto’s species are threatened with extinction in the wild, and the park plays a vital role in breeding and protecting these rare animals.

Its native breeding facility helps maintain a vital insurance population of Tasmanian devils and has successfully bred the greater bilby, black-flanked rock wallaby, and mainland tammar wallaby.

Visiting Monarto is not just a fun day out—it’s an opportunity to support important conservation work and teach your children about the importance of protecting wildlife for future generations.

At the New Australian Safari Resort, Family Comfort Meets Wilderness Adventure

The excitement doesn’t end when the park closes! The brand-new Monarto Safari Resort, which opened its doors in late May 2025, features 78 African-inspired hotel rooms and 20 glamping tents (opening soon), all overlooking the stunning Wild Africa precinct.

Here’s what families will love:

• Spacious Family Rooms: Designed with comfort in mind, the resort’s rooms are perfect for families, with plenty of space to unwind after your Australian safari adventures. Many rooms offer views of the savannah, so you can keep spotting wildlife even after you’ve left the park for the day.
  
• Glamping Tents: For a touch of adventure, book a glamping tent and wake up to the sounds of wildlife just outside your door. These tents offer all the comforts of home, with a unique twist that will delight kids and adults alike.
  
• Resort Amenities: Parents can relax at the world-class spa, thermal plunge pool, or sauna, while kids splash in one of two outdoor pools. There’s also a restaurant with family-friendly menus and plenty of space for group gatherings, making mealtimes easy and enjoyable.
  
• Easy Access: The resort is right next to the park, so you can roll out of bed and straight into your next adventure. No long drives or complicated transfers— just pure family fun from sunrise to sunset.

Planning Your Visit: Accessibility and Value

Monarto’s Safari Park is easily accessible by car or via direct LinkSA buses from Adelaide CBD, making it a stress-free trip for families.

The park’s thoughtful layout, with its shuttle service and stroller-friendly paths, ensures that families with children of all ages can enjoy everything on offer without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Ticket Information:

• Adults: $49 AUD
• Children (4–14): $27 AUD
• Children under 4: Free
• Family passes: Start at $125 AUD

Buy tickets in advance to ensure you don’t miss out!

Members of Taronga Zoo, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Perth Zoo, and Zoos Victoria can enjoy free entry by providing a valid interstate member card and photo ID.

Why Families Worldwide Will Love This Safari Australia Park

• Wide-Open Spaces: Kids have room to run, explore, and discover, with plenty of safe, open areas to burn off energy.
  
• Unique Animal Encounters: From feeding giraffes to getting up close with cheetahs, these hands-on experiences create memories that last a lifetime.
  
• Comfortable, Family-Friendly Accommodation: Stay right on site in spacious rooms or glamping tents, with amenities for both kids and adults.
  
• Easy Transport and Accessibility: Whether you’re coming from Adelaide or traveling from overseas, getting to your epic safari in Australia is simple and convenient.
  
• Conservation and Education: Your visit supports vital conservation work, and your children will learn about the importance of protecting wildlife in a fun, interactive way.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Australian Family Safari

• Book Animal Encounters Early: These experiences are popular and can fill up quickly, so reserve your spots in advance.
  
• Pack for the Outdoors: Bring comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles to stay comfortable on the trails.
  
• Plan for All Ages: The park’s shuttle and stroller-friendly paths make it easy to accommodate babies, toddlers, and older kids alike.
  
• Take Advantage of Keeper Talks: These sessions are both fun and informative, and a great way for kids to engage with the animals and staff.
  
• Relax and Enjoy: With everything from pools to spa treatments, there’s something for everyone—so be sure to schedule some downtime to enjoy the resort’s amenities.

Your Family’s Next Great Adventure Awaits

If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable family holiday, Monarto Safari Park and its new luxury resort should be at the top of your list.

With immersive animal encounters, comfortable accommodations, and a focus on conservation and education, it’s the perfect destination for families from the US, Australia, and around the world.

As a family travel advisor, I can help you plan and book the perfect Australian safari experience, as a single epic excursion or as part of a larger Australian adventure, taking care of all the details so you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.

Ready to unleash your family’s wild side? Contact me today to start planning your family’s extraordinary adventure at Monarto Safari Park!

Let’s make your next family trip extraordinary.