Feature image credit: Gorge Wildlife Park
They’re chunky, charming, and surprisingly chill, and no, you’re not dreaming. Capybaras have found a second home right here in South Australia. These oversized rodents, known for their laid-back nature and internet fame, are popping up in some unexpected (and very adorable) corners of the state.
Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a parent looking for a unique school holiday outing, or just someone who wants to see a giant guinea pig take a dip, this guide will help you track down South Australia’s resident capybaras.
Here’s our guide to all things capybara in SA from wildlife experiences to themed food, check it out!
Gorge Wildlife Park
“They’re absolutely adorable, and right now they’re one of the most popular animals in the park,” Gorge Wildlife Park owner Sandra said. “Everyone is capybara crazy!” she laughed.
The park’s had capybaras for a while, but the arrival of the new babies has taken their popularity to a whole new level. You can even get up close and personal with the world’s biggest (and arguably cutest) rodents, with a meet and feed experience.
There’s something quietly captivating about a capybara. Maybe it’s their gentle nature, or the way they seem perfectly content lounging in the sun, unbothered by the world around them.
You’ll be able to see them up close during the Capybara Encounter, where you’ve got 15 minutes in their company. Feeding them their favourite treats and learning a few curious facts along the way, it’s well worth your time.
The experience is open to anyone aged eight and up, with children under 16 needing an adult by their side. You’re welcome to bring your camera and capture the moment, but be sure to wear enclosed shoes. General admission is required for entry into the park and the experience costs $40 per ticket.
What: Gorge Wildlife Park
Where: 30 Redden Drive, Cudlee Creek SA 5232
When: Seven days 9am – 4:30pm
Facebook: @gorgewildlifepark
For more information, click here.
Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo welcomed a trio of new faces in 2025: three capybara brothers named Iago, Iguazu, and Salvador. Originally from Sydney Zoo, the boys have settled into a thoughtfully designed habitat that mirrors their natural environment, complete with grassy patches, shaded spots, and a generous water feature perfect for a midday swim. As the largest rodents on the planet, capybaras are a joy to watch, whether they’re grazing, wading, or simply soaking up the sun.
While there’s no dedicated capybara encounter available just yet, visitors can still catch a glimpse of these easy-going animals as part of the zoo’s general admission. Entry starts at $42 for adults and $24 for children aged 4 to 14, with free admission for kids under four. Prices can change, so it’s best to check with the zoo for the most current details.
A visit to Adelaide Zoo offers more than just a chance to see exotic wildlife. It’s also a place deeply rooted in conservation and education. With the arrival of Iago, Iguazu, and Salvador, there’s yet another reason to stop by and meet the newest members of the zoo family.
What: Adelaide Zoo
Where: Plane Tree Dr, Adelaide
When: Seven days, 9:30 am – 5 pm
For more information, click here.
Capybara Cafe
Okay, this one isn’t about real capybaras, but we couldn’t write a capybara guide without mentioning this innovative gem.
Kaya Desserts on Hutt St has added a capybara-inspired treat to their menu, and it’s quickly become a fan favourite.
The Jiggly Capybara pudding, introduced to celebrate the arrival of three capybara brothers at Adelaide Zoo, features a chocolate pudding topped with Nutella, cookie crumble, and Milo sauce.
This adorable dessert mirrors the capybara’s habitat with a crumble base and jelly-like pudding.
Kaya Desserts, founded by Belle, offers a fusion of Southeast Asian flavours alongside other indulgent treats like pandan toast and soufflé pancakes. For dessert lovers, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth and snap some Instagram-worthy shots.
What: KAYA Desserts
Where: 180 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm – late
Instagram: @kaya.desserts
For more information, click here.
Native to South America, capybaras thrive in forested wetlands, rarely straying far from the water’s edge. As the largest of all 1,700-plus rodent species, they’re close cousins to guinea pigs, but far better suited to life in the water. With webbed feet, dense fur, and eyes, ears, and nostrils perched high on their heads, they’re built for swimming — and can even stay submerged for up to five minutes to avoid predators like jaguars.
Capybaras are also deeply social creatures, often living in groups of 10 to 20. They share parenting duties, with young pups feeding from any female in the group. While their populations remain stable in the wild, hunting has impacted numbers in some regions — making the opportunity to see them up close in South Australia all the more special.
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