Murray Bridge offers a surprising variety of tours and experiences for wildlife lovers, families, and curious travellers alike. When exploring South Australia, it’s not just about charming towns or river views; it’s about getting up close to some of the world’s most impressive animals and learning about conservation efforts. Among the highlights are the Monarto Safari Park, which stands out for its vast African plains and diverse animal encounters, and the chance to interact directly with native Australian wildlife. We particularly like the Keeper for a Day experience, where you get to see behind the scenes and contribute to important conservation work—something truly memorable for animal enthusiasts. Plus, the Lemur Experience offers a rare chance to interact with one of the largest troops of ring-tailed lemurs outside Madagascar, making it perfect for families.
If you’re trying to decide what to do in Murray Bridge, this list covers a broad range of options: from full-day safaris to intimate wildlife encounters, and even specialized experiences like the Cheetah Experience or Lions at Bedtime. Whether you have a few hours or a whole day, there’s something that matches your interests and energy level. Let’s take a closer look at each of these top-rated activities.
- 1. Monarto Safari Park: General Admission Tickets
- 2. Land of the Lemurs Experience & a Day at Monarto Safari Park
- 3. Monarto Safari Park: Cheetah Experience
- 4. Giraffe Safari & a Day at Monarto Safari Park
- 5. Monarto Safari Park: Lions At Bedtime
- 6. Monarto Safari Park: Keeper for a Day
- 7. Monarto Safari Park: A Devilish Native Experience
- How to Choose Your Murray Bridge Experience
- Final Thoughts
1. Monarto Safari Park: General Admission Tickets
At number one, the Monarto Safari Park offers the largest safari experience outside of Africa, making it a standout in Murray Bridge. For around a full day, visitors can explore expansive plains where animals like giraffes, rhinos, meerkats, and lions roam freely. The park’s Zu-loop bus provides a guided tour of the terrain, giving a feeling of an African safari without leaving South Australia. Daily Safari Keeper talks add an educational touch, where you can learn about the animals’ habits and conservation efforts.
What makes this park particularly attractive is its size and diversity—it’s home to over 1,000 animals, and the naturalistic habitats help visitors see animals behaving much as they would in the wild. The park is designed to be accessible and engaging, especially if you enjoy seeing animals on a broad scale. Reviewers consistently rate it 4.5/5, praising the spectacular plains and interactive experiences. A full day here is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting a genuine safari adventure close to home.
Bottom line: Monarto Safari Park offers a well-rounded safari experience with multiple viewing options, perfect for those looking to enjoy wildlife.
2. Land of the Lemurs Experience & a Day at Monarto Safari Park
At number two, the Land of the Lemurs Experience combines a close encounter with one of Australia’s largest lemur troops with a full day at Monarto Safari Park. For just an hour, you’ll get to get within a tail’s length of ring-tailed lemurs, explore their habitat, and learn about their natural behaviors. The experience includes a behind-the-scenes look at the lemurs’ home, which is seldom open to regular visitors.
This tour is particularly special because it offers an up-close, personal interaction with these lively creatures. Visitors often mention how the lemurs run around their feet or leap through the trees, creating memorable moments. The experience also includes a stop at the Tortoise Research Facility to see giant tortoises and discover ongoing conservation efforts for endangered species. It’s rated 5/5 from two reviews, with visitors calling it “absolutely fantastic” and “a must-do for wildlife lovers.”
Bottom line: This experience is ideal if you want an intimate connection with lemurs and their habitat, complemented by a full day of safari exploration.
3. Monarto Safari Park: Cheetah Experience
Number three on our list offers the Cheetah Experience, where you can get close to the world’s fastest land animal. During this hour-long tour, you’ll watch cheetahs as they snack on treats and interact with each other, gaining insight into their remarkable speed and agility. The behind-the-scenes area provides a rare look at how the park cares for these incredible cats.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the fascinating coalition of cheetahs and their conservation. It’s a chance to see these animals in a more intimate setting, learning about their hunting skills and the park’s efforts to protect them. The reviews are positive, with a 4.5/5 rating from two visitors who appreciated the personalized experience and educational value.
Bottom line: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts eager to learn about big cats and conservation, this experience offers a close-up with minimal time commitment.
4. Giraffe Safari & a Day at Monarto Safari Park
Number four features the Giraffe Safari, where you get to hand-feed the tallest mammals in the world—giraffes. This 50-minute experience is a favorite among visitors, especially for families or animal lovers. You’ll have the chance to get up close to magnificent male giraffes, and learn about their behavior, diet, and role in the ecosystem.
What makes this tour unique is the exclusive access to a behind-the-scenes area usually off-limits to the public. Feeding the giraffes with carrots is a delightful, hands-on activity that creates lasting memories. Reviewers rate it 4.7/5, praising the personalized interaction and the chance to learn directly from the staff.
Bottom line: For a relaxed, interactive encounter with majestic animals, this safari provides a memorable and intimate experience.
5. Monarto Safari Park: Lions At Bedtime
Number five takes you into the lions’ night quarters with Lions At Bedtime. For $113 per person, you’ll assist the keeper in calling the pride into their evening shelter, then observe their nighttime routine. This rare behind-the-scenes opportunity allows you to see lions similar to those in the wild but in a controlled environment.
The experience also includes an introduction to the Spotted Hyena, an equally fascinating predator. Although reviews are not available, the tour’s focus on close animal interactions and the chance to witness lions off-guard makes it a compelling choice for serious wildlife fans.
Bottom line: This is a specialized, intimate experience suited for those fascinated by big cats and predator behavior.
6. Monarto Safari Park: Keeper for a Day
Number six is the Keeper for a Day tour, which lets you spend 6.5 hours behind the scenes helping the keepers. This is a highly rated experience, with a 5/5 from two reviews, emphasizing its exclusivity and educational value. You’ll get to discover off-limits areas and assist in daily tasks, gaining firsthand insight into animal care and conservation work.
This tour is ideal for those considering a future in wildlife or those who simply want a deeper connection with the park’s efforts. Participants have described it as “eye-opening” and “a real privilege.” The experience includes learning about the park’s conservation projects, making it more than just a fun day—it’s an impactful one.
Bottom line: Perfect for animal lovers wanting an immersive, behind-the-scenes day that combines hands-on work with education.
7. Monarto Safari Park: A Devilish Native Experience
Closing our list, the A Devilish Native Experience takes you behind the scenes to meet some of Australia’s most endangered species, including Tasmanian Devils. For $66, you’ll explore native off-limits facilities and help with conservation efforts by learning how you can assist in saving these animals.
This tour is especially relevant for those interested in Australian fauna or conservation in general. Visitors can get up close with species that are rarely seen in such detail and learn about how to protect native wildlife in their own backyards. While reviews are unavailable, the tour’s focus on native species and behind-the-scenes access make it a worthwhile add-on.
Bottom line: A perfect choice for eco-conscious travelers who want to help native species and learn about local conservation.
How to Choose Your Murray Bridge Experience
When deciding among these fantastic options, consider your interests, time, and budget. If wildlife viewing on a grand scale appeals, the full-day safari at Monarto is hard to beat. For more personal, hands-on encounters, Giraffe Safari and Keeper for a Day deliver intimate moments and behind-the-scenes insights.
If your focus is native Australian animals, then A Devilish Native Experience offers an educational and conservation-oriented visit. Families or animal lovers keen on lemurs should opt for the Lemur Experience.
Budget and time are also factors; some tours are brief but immersive, while others fill a whole day. Booking early is always wise, especially for popular experiences like the Keeper for a Day or Lions at Bedtime.
Final Thoughts
Murray Bridge is more than just a scenic spot—it’s a gateway to some of South Australia’s best wildlife encounters. From the vast plains of Monarto Safari Park to close-up animal interactions and behind-the-scenes conservation efforts, there’s an activity suited for every kind of traveler. For those wanting a full safari adventure, the general admission tickets are the top choice. If you prefer a more personal or niche experience, the Lemur or Keeper for a Day tours are excellent options.
No matter what you choose, these experiences offer meaningful, fun, and educational ways to connect with wildlife. Booking early ensures you won’t miss out—these tours tend to fill up fast. Now, all that’s left is to pick your adventure and get ready for an unforgettable day in Murray Bridge.
