Experience Perth Zoo after dark at ZOOlights – a magical light exhibition illuminating the Zoo with hundreds of sparkling lanterns.

From Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October 2026, discover each dazzling lantern as the Zoo transforms into an after-dark adventure!

Whether you're searching for things to do in Perth at night, fun school holiday activities, or a memorable family day out in Perth, Perth Zoo's ZOOlights offers a magical light festival experience for visitors of all ages.

Grab your tickets!

Event details

Dates: Saturday 26 September – Sunday 11 October 2026

VIP Member evening: Friday 25 September 2026. Be one of the first to experience ZOOlights at our Member Exclusive Evening. Not a member? Sign up now!

Entertainment: Roving light-up entertainers and live music on the Main Lawn from 5pm

Animals: Many animals will be on display until 6pm (the Nocturnal House will close at 5pm)

Food and drinks: Enjoy a tasty meal from our cafe or pick up a grab-n-go option from Wagtails.
Check out Habitat's special ZOOlights menu.
Our cafe trading hours are:

• Habitat: Day service 11am - 3pm. Evening service from 4pm. Last food orders 7pm.
• Wagtails: Day service 10am - 4pm. Evening service 4:30pm - 7:30pm.
• Distil: 9am - 7:30pm.
• Gatekeeper: 9am - 5pm.

Plus, you can choose from a mix of food trucks on the Main Lawn and next to the Carousel.

Special Wildlife Talks
The lantern animals are lighting up the Zoo for Zoolights, but our challenge is to make sure their future is bright long after the lights go out.
 
Join our amazing Wildlife Guides to hear more about some of our native species, including the Numbat. Discover what Perth Zoo is doing to support these animals and how you can play a part in their future!

5:30pm: Bobtail lantern talk
Location: Train station
 
6:00pm: Cockatoo lantern talk
Location: edge of main lawn near tree kangaroo entry
 
6:30pm: Numbat lantern talk
Location: crocodile lawn
 
7:00pm: Western Ground Parrot lantern talk
Location: outside walk-through aviary

Event concludes: 8pm

Tickets: Entry is included with your general admission ticket. Perth Zoo members can enjoy ZOOlights for free as part of their Zoo membership.

Zoo Shop: Zoo Shop will be open until 8pm. Check out the glowing range of light-up toys. Remember, members get 10% off!

A big thanks to our friends at IGO for supporting ZOOlights.

 

PLAN YOUR DAY

Explore the Zoo before dark

Arrive early and make a day of it. Spend the day exploring the Zoo and visiting all your favourite animals. Plus, check out our FREE Keeper Talks to learn more about your favourite animals from an expert keeper.

See the Keeper Talk schedule

Zoorassic Park

Discover the prehistoric world of Zoorassic Park and be mesmerised by the gigantic residents. Little explorers can dig for fossils in the play-leozone.

Find out more

Enjoy ZOOlights from 5pm

Discover each of the dazzling lanterns from 5pm and explore each of the glowing zones located around the Zoo.
Plus we're giving members an exclusive preview on Friday 25 September.

Check out the member event

Live entertainment on the Main Lawn

From 5pm, sit back, relax and enjoy live music on the Main Lawn and roving entertainers.

Food and drink

Dine in for a tasty meal from Habitat café or enjoy a grab-n-go option from Wagtails.

Browse the menu
 

Become a Perth Zoo member

Unlock more value with a Perth Zoo membership!
Members can enjoy ZOOlights for free as part of their Zoo membership and access exclusive member perks, discounts and so much more VALUE throughout the year.

Become a member

Perth Zoo Shop

Swing past the Zoo Shop to check out what's new and pick up a paw-some gift.

Don't forget, Perth Zoo Members receive 10% discount (in-store only).Browse the online store
 

Your chance to WIN!

Purchase any two Coca-Cola products from participating outlets at Perth Zoo these school holidays (26 September - 11 October 2026) and go into the draw to WIN $5,000.

You'll also receive an instant spin to win token! T&Cs apply.
 

Frequently asked questions

+ Do I need to purchase a special ZOOlights ticket?