Free entry for dads at Perth Zoo this Father's Day
All dads get free entry to Perth Zoo on Sunday 6 September with no booking needed, as Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn says the offer thanks fathers for sharing a love of wildlife and conservation with the next generation.
EVENTS & WHAT’S ON
All dads can indulge in a walk on the wild side and enjoy free admission at Perth Zoo this Father's Day, with the Cook Labor Government confirming that fathers will get the chance to make unforgettable memories with their loved ones on Sunday 6 September without needing to purchase a ticket at the gate or book online. Families are invited to treat Dad to a wild Father's Day adventure at one of Western Australia's most loved attractions, where more than 1,300 animals call the zoo home, including several native and exotic animal dads that highlight the importance of fatherhood in the animal kingdom as well as in human families. In the African Savannah, southern white rhinoceros Memphis can be found grazing alongside his teenage son Bakari, while Goodfellow's tree kangaroo Huli stands out as one of the zoo's most celebrated fathers with five descendants now living around the world, including his daughter Muku in Perth. Behind the scenes, western ground parrot Golambiddee has also played an important role in conservation, siring the world's first western ground parrot chick to successfully hatch and leave the nest, a milestone that underscores the zoo's work in protecting vulnerable species. All dads visiting the zoo on Sunday can enter via the main gates and the ticket price will be waived, with no advanced booking required, making it easy for families to turn up and enjoy the day together. Perth Zoo is open every day from 9am to 5pm, and more information is available at www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au for those planning their visit. Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the initiative encourages families to enjoy a special day together exploring one of the State's most loved attractions, adding that whether visitors are seeing their favourite animals or discovering something new, Perth Zoo has something for everyone. "We're delighted to once again give dads free entry to Perth Zoo this Sunday," Swinbourn said, framing the offer as a way to say thanks to all the dads and parents for introducing their children to the world of wildlife and helping to instil a passion for conservation in the next generation. The free entry offer follows similar Father's Day promotions at zoos elsewhere, including Adelaide Zoo, and sits alongside a busy weekend of Perth events ranging from markets to live music as families look for ways to celebrate fathers across the city. For many WA families, the offer removes a cost barrier on a day when outings can add up, with adult tickets at Perth Zoo typically around A$33 and under‑4s already free, meaning a dad-and-kids day out becomes significantly more affordable when the father's ticket is waived. Social media reaction to the announcement has been positive, with local news outlets and community pages highlighting the simplicity of the deal -simply rock up and dad gets in free of charge - and encouraging families to share photos and stories from their zoo visits as part of the Father's Day celebrations. Parents and caregivers have noted that such initiatives not only make the day more accessible but also reinforce the message that fathers and father figures play a key role in shaping children's attitudes toward nature, learning, and environmental responsibility. The zoo's focus on animal dads like Memphis, Huli and Golambiddee adds a storytelling layer to the visit, giving families conversation starters about fatherhood in the wild and linking personal celebrations to broader themes of care, protection and legacy that resonate with Father's Day itself. With no tickets to buy and no bookings to manage, the free entry scheme is designed to be as straightforward as possible, allowing families to focus on the experience rather than the logistics, and to use the day to connect with each other and with the natural world in a setting that has long been a Perth institution.
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