Ring In 2026 With A Wild Family Celebration At Perth Zoo’s Zoo Year’s Eve

Skip the late-night chaos and welcome 2026 at the perfect time for families — with dinosaurs, live music, and a 7:30 pm 'midnight howl'.

As the sun sets on 2025, there’s no better place to welcome the new year with your family than Perth Zoo’s annual Zoo Year’s Eve celebration. This family-friendly event turns the Zoo into an after-hours party destination where, at the kid-friendly time of 7:30 pm, you can celebrate the end of the year, complete with a special ‘midnight howl’ that’ll have everyone joining in.

Whether you’re a party animal or prefer to chill with the herd, this event strikes the perfect balance between festive fun and family-friendly entertainment. It’s a chance to explore the Zoo after regular hours, meet some prehistoric giants, before heading down to the South Perth foreshore to catch the 8:00 pm fireworks display.

Explore the Zoo and see your favourite animals

Credit: Perth Zoo

Throughout the afternoon and early evening, you’ll have the chance to wander through Perth Zoo’s exhibits and visit all your favourite creatures. The animals will stay up late, until 7:30 pm, though the Nocturnal House and bird aviaries will close at their usual time of 5:00 pm.

From the majestic lions to the playful primates, you’ll find the Zoo’s residents ready to help you count down to 2025. It’s not every day you get to experience the Zoo’s atmosphere during the golden evening light, especially with the allure of cooler evening temperatures and New Year’s Eve excitement.

Step back in time at Zoorassic Park

Credit: Perth Zoo

The Zoo’s prehistoric giants await you at Zoorassic Park, transporting you millions of years into the past. These gigantic animatronic dinosaurs have become a highlight for families, offering the perfect photo opportunity and a chance for kids to imagine themselves in the age of the dinosaurs.

The towering creatures provide an exciting contrast to the Zoo’s living animals, creating a unique experience that blends natural history with contemporary conservation education. It’s the kind of unexpected encounter that makes Zoo Year’s Eve the place to be — where else can you count down to the new year with both monkeys and extinct reptiles?

Dance the afternoon away with Remi Mura

Credit: Perth Zoo

Kicking off at 3:30 pm on the Zoo’s Main Lawn, entertainer Remi Mura returns to deliver his signature blend of infectious energy and genre-hopping musical performances. With his happy-go-lucky spirit and smile that’s impossible to resist, Remi has become a popular part of Perth Zoo’s family events, known for keeping the vibes coming and families thoroughly entertained.

Bring your picnic blankets and settle in with friends and family as Remi takes the stage. His performances are for all ages, ensuring that everyone from tiny tots to their grandparents can enjoy the afternoon’s entertainment. If you prefer to grab a bite rather than pack your own, the Zoo’s café will be open and ready to fuel your celebration.

Welcome the new year at 7:30 pm

Credit: Perth Zoo

The highlight of the evening arrives at 7:30 pm when families gather for the ‘midnight howl’ – Zoo Year’s Eve’s answer to the traditional countdown. It’s a brilliant solution for families with young children who might not make it to the actual midnight celebrations, giving everyone a chance to welcome 2026 together before tiredness sets in.

After the countdown and celebration at the Zoo, you’re perfectly positioned to stroll down to the South Perth foreshore and catch the official 8:00 pm fireworks display over the Swan River. It’s a double celebration that lets you enjoy two of Perth’s best New Year’s Eve events in one magical evening.

The details

When: Wednesday, December 31st
Time: From 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Perth Zoo

Event entry is included with your general admission tickets, and Perth Zoo members can attend for free. It’s an affordable way to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026 in wild style.

Tickets are available here.

This article was created in partnership with Perth Zoo.
Featured image credit: Perth Zoo