Taronga Western Plains Zoo has lodged a development application with Dubbo City Council to expand Zoofari Lodge, with the hope that work can begin mid-year and be finished by Christmas.

The zoo is spending $2.5 million on the redevelopment of the accommodation facility that is set to acquire 10 new “luxury safari tented lodges” if the council signs off on the paperwork.

Zoo general manager Matt Fuller reports of preparations taking place for the expansion.

“Construction is currently under way on the African Savannah exhibit that will put the new lodges and guests close to the animals which roam this exhibit,” he said.

“It won’t be too long before we start seeing work commence on the new lodges as well.

“This new development at Zoofari Lodge will place the overnight experience as the best zoo-based accommodation in Australia and possibly the world.”

Increasing the number of guest lodges to a total of 15 is step two in the redevelopment program.

Step one involved a significant makeover of Zoofari Lodge’s main guest house, inside and out.

The interior now has a “more contemporary African-inspired decor” offering banquet dining and featuring an iron bark bar, custom-made furniture and open fire. 

Outside, the deck has been extended for alfresco dining, and landscaping and swimming pool renovations have been completed. About 30 invited guests sampled a revamped African-inspired menu at the recent unveiling of the new-look main guest house.

The event served as an opportunity for Mr Fuller to announce and detail step two.

“This year is an exciting time for the zoo with the redevelopment of Zoofari Lodge taking place along with the opening of the new Billabong Camp overnight experience,” he said.

“The zoo and Dubbo is really cementing its place as a destination where people can come and connect with wildlife and get close to nature.” A stay at the Billabong Camp, permanently set up near the Australian exhibit, includes exclusive tours and animal encounters.