LIONS, tigers, gorillas and giraffes will take over the heart of Ipswich this school holidays as Nicholas Street Precinct transforms into a wildlife wonderland for Safari in the City.
Running from September 21 to October 4, the free school holiday attraction will bring the animals of the African savannah and Asian jungles to Ipswich Central through full-scale animatronic displays designed to move, breathe and roar.
Families will be able to encounter lions, tigers, pandas, zebras, giraffes, gorillas and other creatures as they explore the precinct, while Dora the Explorer will headline the entertainment with seven days of live performances at Tulmur Place.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Safari in the City would deliver an interactive and educational experience for children and families.
“Get out the binoculars and khakis because some of the world’s most amazing animals will be making Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct their habitat with Safari in the City,” Mayor Harding said.
“This fun and educational activation of our city heart uses state-of-the-art animatronics with full-scale displays to highlight the glory of nature, as breathing, moving and roaring wildlife can be spotted at every turn.
“Everyone’s favourite adventurer, Dora the Explorer, will also be making her way from the jungle to Ipswich Central, performing dazzling live shows at Tulmur Place between 10am and 2pm from Wednesday, September 23 to Tuesday, September 29.”
Mayor Harding said the precinct had become a popular school holiday destination following previous attractions including Bluey shows, Dinosaur Discovery, Play On, Hide and Sea and the St Nicholas Precinct.
The wildlife adventure will form part of a broader school holiday program across Ipswich, with Ipswich City Council also offering 70 Active Kids sessions aimed at encouraging children to get moving, build confidence and connect with others.
Free activities will range from traditional sports and fitness to dance, martial arts, nature play and photography.
Ipswich Libraries will also host school holiday activities across its six branches, with workshops covering native wildlife, insects, reptiles, robotics, art and illustration, upcycling and content production.
Safari in the City runs at Nicholas Street Precinct from September 21 to October 4, with Dora the Explorer live shows from September 23 to 29 between 10am and 2pm.
Details on the wider school holiday program are available through Ipswich City Council, Ipswich Libraries and Nicholas Street Precinct.
