Everything you need to know about Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, Written by Locals
For those who are looking for an Australian adventure without leaving the United States, look no further than Kentucky Down Under. This zoo, located in the heart of Kentucky, is home to over 100 animals from Australia and New Zealand, including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and more. Visitors can learn about these outback animals through demonstrations, or simply enjoy observing the wildlife in their Bluegrass habitat. With its unique setting and array of animals, Kentucky Down Under is sure to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for all who visit.
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Located near Mammoth Cave National Park
Located near Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave in the world, Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is a unique adventure and educational experience. More specifically, with its location in Horse Cave, Kentucky, the zoo provides an adventure that few other places can offer. With Mammoth Cave nearby, visitors to Kentucky Down Under are sure to get an experiential education about caving and its culture. Not only does Mammoth Cave provide a spectacular backdrop for this unique adventure, but it’s also within easy access to Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum offering even more exploration opportunities for explorers. If you’re looking for an exciting day trip that’s both informative and fun then make sure to add Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo to your itinerary! Oh, did we mention Mammoth Onyx Cave is on the property at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo?
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Photos you can expect at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo.
A visit to the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is sure to offer Instagram-worthy photos from every angle. At the park, enjoy snapping pictures of exotic animals like wallabies and emus that you can actually feed, as well as kangaroos who will love posing for your camera. Check out colorful birds in the aviary where you can get up close with lories and macaws. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the zoo’s resident Calvin the Camel posing for a photoshoot! With plenty of Instagrammable spots at Kentucky Down Under, it’s no wonder this place is a top attraction.
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Animals You’ll See at the Zoo: Kangaroos, Wallabies, Emus, and More
The Adventure Zoo is a delightful place to explore, with a variety of different animals on show. Of course, you will spot lories and typical farm animals such as pigs and cows, but expect more exotic creatures as well. Take kangaroos, wallabies and emus for example; these iconic Australian animals are best appreciated in their own environment; they hop around fearlessly, often donning a playful attitude toward visitors. The fiercer creatures like dingoes and wolves can also be viewed from a safe distance. Whether its grey kangaroos or brightly colored birds, the zoo really allows you to observe some remarkable creatures.
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Fun facts about these amazing creatures.
Kangaroos and emus are iconic mammals of Australia. Although kangaroos have become known around the world for their unique hopping gait, they can also achieve high speeds of over 40 mph when running in short bursts. Emus may take a backseat to kangaroos in the speed department, but they can still reach occasional bursts of over 31 mph. Lories and macaws are two amazing bird species that call the “down under” continent home. To get around, lories fly at high speeds and with impressive agility, while macaws are adept climbers and can reach heights of up to 100 feet in the air! Dingoes are an increasingly rare species found throughout Australia, but their resilient nature and intelligent hunting behavior is something to be admired.
Tours, Attractions, and Exhibits
Kentucky Down Under offers a wide range of tours, attractions and exhibits for you to explore. From Gem Mining to the Petting Zoo, there’s plenty of hands-on activities for the younger kids. The Outback Experience allows you to play amongst kangaroos and come into contact with these unique marsupials. The Land of Lories features an aviary habitat where you can interact with these colorful birds. They’ll even land on you if you’re steady enough. The Mammoth Onyx Cave tour offers a magical journey into the underground below the zoo. If you’re looking for an animal experience like no other then look no further than the Animal Show which features 3-4 exotic animals – where you can meet some of the world’s most amazing creatures up close and personal! Whether you want an adventure or an outback creature encounter, Kentucky Down Under has the ticket for you.
Get Tickets
TICKET TYPE PRICE ($)QUANTITY
Adult – General Admission: 25.95
Child – General Admission (4 to 14 Years Old): 15.95
Senior Citizen – General Admission (62 & Up): 19.95
Adult Military – General Admission: 19.95
Child Military – General Admission (4 to 14): 14.95
Adult First Responder – General Admission: 19.95
Child First Responder – General Admission (4 to 14): 14.95
College Student – General Admission 19.95
Adult – Commercial Driver License: 19.95
Child – Commercial Driver License — General Admission: 14.95
Adult – AAA Discount: 23.95
Child – AAA Discount: 14.95
Children – 3 and Under: 0.00
Hours of Operation
The attraction is open all year round, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. During peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), they are open daily from 9am to 6pm. Off-season hours may vary slightly with closing times pushed back to 4pm throughout the winter months. There’s never a bad time to visit Kentucky Down Under so plan your adventures accordingly!
Mammoth Onyx Cave at Kentucky Down Under
Mammoth Onyx Cave at Kentucky Down Under offers an unparalleled experience. Visitors can take a 30-minute guided tour of this natural wonder where they will find a captivating mix of stalactites and stalagmites in the cave. As your knowledgeable guide leads you deeper into the underground, you’ll get to marvel at its spectacular limestone formations and striking array of crystals made up of white onyx and pink marble that reflect the light from the cave’s lanterns. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of the cave, such as how it’s been used over centuries. Whether you come alone or with children in tow, Mammoth Onyx Cave at Kentucky Down Under will offer an exciting excursion full of learning and adventure!
Hotels, Airbnbs, and Accommodations
Kentucky Down Under is located in Cave City, Kentucky and provides a charming, family-friendly atmosphere. When making a trip to this wonderful area, travelers should consider one of the numerous nearby Cave City hotels and accommodations for their stay. From traditional chain hotels like Comfort Inn or Hampton Inn to local favorites such Yellowstone Park, there’s something for everyone and every budget. Airbnb users also have plenty of places to choose from within close proximity to Kentucky Down Under – such as cozy cabins or houses near Mammoth Cave National Park, perfect for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience! We’ve even outlined the best Airbnbs in Cave City for you.
Tips to make the most of your experience at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
Visiting the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is an experience not to be missed! Whether it’s for a day-trip, weekend getaway, or week-long excursion, there are plenty of ways guests can make the most of their time at this unique zoo and adventure park. Make sure to pack lots of snacks and plenty of water; the grounds are huge and you will want to refuel while exploring the attractions. There’s also no need to rush—keep your eyes open as you meander around the park, as visitors may stumble across many of its special residents including free-roaming emus, baby kangaroos, and wallabies who happily roam about for treats. Don’t forget to grab a map so you don’t miss out on any of the attractions either—it can be easy to get lost in all the fun when wandering around this fantastic place. With an abundance of activities ranging from animal encounters and demonstrations to reptile house adventures, there’s no shortage of enjoyable experiences available at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo!
Nearby Restaurants
If you are looking for a bite to eat nearby, there aren’t a ton of options but you are in luck! There are several delightful local restaurants that cater to all sorts of tastes and occasions. Whether you’re looking for a classic fast food joint, a cozy family-style spot, or some Bar-B-Q with a side of Southern hospitality, the restaurants in Cave City have something to offer. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab breakfast before sightseeing or meeting friends at an afterhours hotspot, you won’t be disappointed. The restaurant scene around these parts is bustling and full of exciting goodies!
Come explore Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo for yourself!
Embark on an incredible journey at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo! Perfect for all ages, Kentucky Down Under is an unforgettable experience that will expose you to a variety of animals in their natural habitats. From the ominously slow-moving sloths and tortoises to dingoes and wolves, this amazing zoo has something to awe and inspire everyone. Explore the interactive kangaroo outback, where guests will be up close and personal with some of Australia’s cutest marsupials. Whether you’re looking to learn more about Australia’s unique animals or just have a fun day out with your family, Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo offers something for everyone!
All in all, the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is a must-see for anyone visiting Mammoth Cave National Park or the state of Kentucky! With so many unique and interesting animals, as well as different tours to choose from, there is something for everyone at this fantastic zoo. So what are you waiting for? Come on down under and explore the Australian Adventure Zoo today!
Visit Website
3700 L&N Turnpike Road
Horse Cave, KY
(270) 786-1010
Business Hours:
- Daily Hours: 9AM – 4PM
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