Running wild: A journey through Monarto

What strikes you when you first visit Monarto Safari Park, an hour’s drive from Adelaide in South Australia, is how many animals are truly on the move. You can see cheetahs sprinting through the savannah. A herd of zebras running towards a watering hole. A tower of giraffes roaming in their expansive, natural habitat.

“When people arrive here, they're not just buying a ticket, they're investing in the future of the natural world. And that's exactly what we're all about.”- Jason Simpson, Tourism Manager, Zoos SA

This is the simple beauty of Monarto Safari Park. As the largest safari park outside of Africa, it spans more than 1,550 hectares and is home to over 50 species and 750 animals - including lions, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, and chimpanzees.

“We've got the liberty of the space which allows free roaming herds,” explains Jason Simpson, Tourism Manager at Zoos SA.

“We’re seeing the pronging, the jumping, the running at speed. They’re the types of behaviours that our life sciences team were really hoping they’d see, because it means the animals are comfortable.”

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A 20-year vision comes to life

Monarto Safari Park first opened to the public in October 1993 as a breeding and pasture area.

But when Monarto Safari Park Director Peter Clark was introduced to Australian businessman Gerry Ryan OAM and shared his vision for creating a resort on the property, the site’s true potential was realised. After almost a decade of meticulous planning, guests were welcomed to Monarto Safari Resort in May this year.

The $40 million, 78-room, five-star resort is perfectly positioned at the heart of Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Africa precinct, making it one of the most iconic travel experiences in Australia. It features a day spa, conference facilities, and a range of dining options. It’s also surrounded by 20 glamping tents, providing visitors with incredible opportunities to connect with wildlife and nature.

“It was about creating new opportunities for increased animal welfare and husbandry. But also providing a really engaging opportunity for the public to connect with the beauty of the animals under our care,” says Jason.

Meticulous planning for immersive connection

The development of Monarto Safari Park and Wild Africa was a masterclass in thoughtful design, where every detail was considered to deepen the connection between people and nature.

The open range park features specially designed tracks that allow custom-built safari trucks to navigate the undulating terrain with ease.

“These trucks are custom built - everything’s considered, from the height to the suspension,” explains Jason, “They are central to the safari experience and allow us to deliver our mission, which is to connect people with nature and save species from extinction.”

With openable windows and elevated viewing platforms, guests can come face to face with cheetahs, giraffes, and the endangered scimitar-horned oryx - an experience unlike any other in Australia.

“We’re seeing awe and wonder - jaws drop, kids in tears - people are truly connecting with nature. And that’s how we help them understand how critically important it is to continue our life-saving conservation work,” Jason says.

 A strong partnership

Behind the scenes of Monarto Safari Park’s evolution is a strong partnership with ANZ.

As Zoos SA’s banking partner, ANZ provides both transactional services and several debt facilities - critical tools that have helped bring major capital projects to life.

“These debt facilities have been very useful over the last few years as Zoos SA has invested in significant capital projects,” says Darren Hastings, Director of Corporate Services at Zoos SA.

One such project is the new Asian Elephant habitat, a fast-moving initiative that required swift financial planning and certainty.

“We raised this with ANZ, and they were very quick at providing us surety around funding,” Darren explains. “It meant we could go early to the community and commit to the care and welfare of the elephants being transferred to us.”

ANZ’s support also extended to the Wild Africa precinct, contributing debt funding towards the construction of custom safari vehicles — helping keep timelines and budgets on track.

“Our relationship with ANZ is very open,” Darren adds. “They’ve taken a strong interest in understanding our business, and that’s made a real difference.”

Holiday experience with meaning

A portion of every guest’s stay at the Resort contributes to Monarto Safari Park’s conservation programs.

“When people arrive here, they're not just buying a ticket, they're investing in the future of the natural world. And that's exactly what we're all about,” says Jason.

“Ultimately, we're trying to ensure that the next generations have the ability and the privilege to see and interact with animals in real life and not through digital means.”

There’s little doubt Monarto Safari Park places you in the front row of nature’s greatest theatre.

Alicia Muling is a Senior Writer at ANZ.