Werribee Open Range Zoo is bringing back its Sunset Safari for an eighth season in 2026, inviting visitors to embark on an immersive safari adventure at dusk when the animals tend to be at their most active.
Every Saturday until February 21, visitors can hop on a bus at the zoo and watch as the summer sun sets and illuminates the open range. You'll get to witness majestic animals like zebras, ostriches, giraffes, rhinos and lions as they roam the savannah, and learn from zoo guides about efforts to protect them from endangerment and extinction.
And for the first time ever, you'll be able to explore the waterhole and incredible elephant trail (which only opened last year) after hours when everyone else goes home.
In addition to the after-hours safari tour, you can also explore the walking trails (among meerkats, monkeys and wild dogs) at dusk and catch live performances of drums, song and dance. Food and beverage options include an African-inspired barbecue, à la carte dining and cocktails at the Elephant Terrace (these are all sold separately).
The Sunset Safari experience runs from 5.30pm to 9pm on Saturday nights, and costs $62 for adults and $32 for children. Head to the Zoos Victoria website to purchase your tickets.
Looking for more fun in the city? Here's our round-up of what's on in Melbourne this weekend.
Social calendar looking a bit empty? Don't worry, we've got you. There's always something happening in Melbourne, and this week is no different – so let's dive right in!
It's the last week of the Australian Open, but that doesn't mean the tennis action is winding down. There are still plenty of delicous bites to eat, with Shake Shack, DOC, Supaa and the iconic soft serve from Peach Melbourne our fave foodie picks. And from January 28 the AO Live kicks off, with performances from an all-star line-up that features the Kid Laroi, Spacey Jane, the Veronicas, Peggy Gou and Reneé Rapp.
If you really want to splash out on the ultimate tennis experience, the W Melbourne is offering an exclusive Grey Goose room package until February 1 that includes a branded tote, two sports towels, two caps, two general admission tickets to the AO and seats on the Goose Shuttle to and from Melbourne Park. You can also enjoy all the matches live on the Wet Deck complete with snacks and a Grey Goose Lemon Ace in hand – book here.
There's also some excellent theatre to catch, including the return of My Brilliant Career (which is back by popular demand after a much-lauded run in 2024) and also the well-timed Australian Open (which explores a queer relationship in the world of high-pressure tennis).
And with another warm week ahead of us, did you know you can visit some Melbourne pools for just $2? Plus, don't forget to grab an ice cream or check out one of the top beachside restaurants.
When in doubt though, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.
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