Visit Australia’s Largest Zoo, Then Dine Overlooking the Wild Africa Waterhole
Is Monarto Safari Park worth visiting from Riverview Rise Retreats, and can you eat there too? Yes to both. Monarto Safari Park sits about 25 minutes from Riverview Rise Retreats and is Australia’s largest zoo by land area, an open-range sanctuary spread across 1,500 hectares and home to one of Australia’s largest lion prides and giraffe herds. Kutjera Restaurant & Bar sits within Monarto Safari Resort at 63 Monarto Road, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner while diners watch animals from the Wild Africa precinct gather at the waterhole beside the restaurant.
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Riverview Rise Retreats | About 25 minutes |
| Distance from Adelaide | About an hour |
| Park size | 1,500 hectares, the largest zoo in Australia by land area |
| Habitats | African plains, arid North Africa, Asian steppes, Asian grasslands |
| Notable residents | One of Australia’s largest lion prides and giraffe herds |
| Dining | Kutjera Restaurant & Bar, within Monarto Safari Resort, breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Bookings | Recommended for Kutjera Restaurant & Bar, particularly for dinner |
A safari morning, then an afternoon back on the river
Monarto Safari Park rewards a proper visit rather than a quick loop. The open-range habitats spread the animals across genuine distance, so a morning here is an easy pairing with an evening back at the villa, spa running, before your Murray River sunset. Guests coming from Adelaide often take in Monarto on the drive out or the drive home, since it sits on the Adelaide side of Mannum rather than beyond it.
Dining at Kutjera Restaurant & Bar
Kutjera Restaurant & Bar is a contemporary dining room built into Monarto Safari Resort, looking out over the plains where the park’s animals gather at a nearby waterhole. The kitchen works modern Australian cooking through native ingredients, and the restaurant runs breakfast, lunch and dinner service daily. It takes bookings from day visitors as well as resort guests, so it’s a genuine dinner option even if you’re not staying at the resort itself.
Make it part of your stay
A day at Monarto pairs naturally with time at Riverview Rise Retreats: wildlife and open plains by day, river seclusion by night. If you’d rather eat in at the villa instead of driving back out for dinner, our own dining options cover platters and provisions for a quieter evening in. For directions between the two, see our location and directions page.
FAQs
How far is Monarto Safari Park from Riverview Rise Retreats?
About 25 minutes’ drive.
Is Monarto Safari Park the same place as Monarto Zoo?
Yes. Monarto Safari Park was formerly known as Monarto Zoo and Monarto Zoological Park, and is administered by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia.
Can I have dinner at Kutjera Restaurant & Bar without staying at Monarto Safari Resort?
Yes, Kutjera Restaurant & Bar takes bookings from day visitors as well as resort guests, though hours and availability can change, so confirm directly with the restaurant before you go.
What is Monarto Safari Park known for?
It is the largest zoo in Australia by land area, an open-range sanctuary of 1,500 hectares, and home to one of Australia’s largest lion prides and giraffe herds.
How long should I plan for a visit to Monarto Safari Park?
A minimum of 4 to 5 hours is recommended to see the park properly. It’s open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Your host, Michael Chorney
Michael is owner of Riverview Rise Retreats in Mannum South Australia and practicing artist at Chorney-Studios.com.au. Learn more about Michael here.