Perth Zoo has appointed Compass Group Australia's Restaurant Associates Venues as the commercial operator for the highly anticipated new café precinct and function centre.

  • Compass Group Australia appointed as Perth Zoo's commercial catering partner
  • Perth Zoo Master Plan underpinned by Cook Government's $50 million investment
  • New Perth Zoo café precinct and function centre will open this Spring
  • Café precinct will have dine-in and takeaway options as well as a coffee and wine bar
Perth Zoo has appointed Compass Group Australia's Restaurant Associates Venues as the commercial operator for the highly anticipated new café precinct and function centre.

This appointment marks a significant milestone in the Perth Zoo Master Plan 2040, which was kick-started with an investment of more than $50 million by the Cook Government, to deliver on an election commitment.

The facilities will open in Spring, coinciding with the launch of the new playground and the Zoo's 125th birthday celebrations.

The café precinct will contain three outlets to suit all visitors, including dine-in and takeaway, as well as a coffee and wine bar.

Customers can enjoy a sit-down meal at 'Habitat' overlooking the playground or purchase a convenient bite from takeaway outlet, 'Wag Tails'. The food offerings will be complemented by a new coffee and wine bar, 'Distill and Brew'. 

The centrepiece of the development is the new function and events centre, 'The Maali', which is the Noongar word for Black Swan. It will have its own entrance on Labouchere Road and provide a stunning setting for weddings, corporate events and more.

Restaurant Associates Venues is a nationally renowned organisation with experience working in zoos, as current operators of Werribee and Melbourne Zoo in Victoria.

Find more information here.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"This is a very exciting time for Perth Zoo as we prepare to launch the first projects under our Master Plan.

"The new café and function centre are truly state-of-the-art facilities and will enhance the visitor experience like never before.

"We know Perth Zoo is a must-visit destination. This café will be a destination in itself and attract customers from right across the community.

"The function centre will raise the bar for event spaces in Perth. It will give the Zoo an opportunity to reach new audiences and welcome even more visitors through the door."

Comments attributed to Compass Group Australia Executive Director Michael Lambourne:

"Restaurant Associates Venues is delighted to be the new catering partner for the delivery of food and beverage services at Perth Zoo.

"We are passionate about our commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities. Our menus will incorporate locally sourced produce and will be tailored to deliver valueto drive customer satisfaction and engagement.

"The stunning new retail and function facilities will be transformational for the Zoo and the perfect platform for us to introduce our quality and innovative catering services.

"We believe The Maali will provide Perth and wider the community with leading function and boardroom facilities unmatched in the State."