1. Werribee Open Range Zoo (Photograph: Supplied/Visit Werribee & Surrounds)
    | Photograph: Supplied/Visit Werribee & Surrounds | Werribee Open Range Zoo
  2. Photograph: Greg Henderson
    | Photograph: Greg Henderson |
  3. Photograph: Greg Henderson
    | Photograph: Greg Henderson |
  4. Photograph: Greg Henderson
    | Photograph: Greg Henderson |
  5. Photograph: Greg Henderson
    | Photograph: Greg Henderson |
  6. Photograph: Greg Henderson
    | Photograph: Greg Henderson |
  7. Photograph: Greg Henderson
    | Photograph: Greg Henderson |
  8. Photograph: Greg Henderson
    | Photograph: Greg Henderson |
  9. Werribee Open Range Zoo (Photograph: Supplied/Visit Werribee & Surrounds)
    | Photograph: Supplied/Visit Werribee & Surrounds | Werribee Open Range Zoo
  10. Werribee Open Range Zoo (Photograph: Supplied/Visit Werribee & Surrounds)
    | Photograph: Supplied/Visit Werribee & Surrounds | Werribee Open Range Zoo
  11. Werribee Open Range Zoo (Photograph: Supplied/Visit Werribee & Surrounds)
    | Photograph: Supplied/Visit Werribee & Surrounds | Werribee Open Range Zoo
  12. Werribee Open Range Zoo (Photograph: Supplied/Visit Werribee & Surrounds)
    | Photograph: Supplied/Visit Werribee & Surrounds | Werribee Open Range Zoo

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side at Werribee Open Range Zoo
  • Things to do
  • Werribee South
Cassidy Knowlton
Advertising

Time Out says

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped through a portal to the African savannah when visiting the Werribee Open Range Zoo. This world-leading zoo is about 30 minutes from the Melbourne CBD and features sprawling enclosures and animal encounters.

The savannah is the highlight of the Zoo, with open-air safari buses taking visitors out to encounter giraffes, rhinos, zebras and hippopotamuses splashing in the river. 

As well as the African savannah and walking trail featuring lions, gorillas and meerkats, the Zoo features the Australian Journey grasslands, where you can wander at your own pace and spot kangaroos and other native fauna. You’ll find the greatest hits of native wildlife here – including koalas, mountain pygmy-possums and emus.

If you fancy some more you can level up your experience with a behind-the-scenes encounter that allows you to have a more intimate experience with some of the zoo’s residents. You can book a fully immersive Off-Road Safari, feed enthusiastic purple-tongued giraffes, or meet a pride of lions. 

See the animals as the sun slips behind the savannah on an exclusive Sunset Safari, where you’ll roam the plains and dine alongside meerkats. Or for the ultimate glamping experience, the Slumber Safari allows you to sleep over at the zoo and see the animals awaken across the savannah. 

This conservation-focused zoo is part of the Zoos Victoria group, with a mission to fight extinction and strengthen the connection between people and wildlife. Profits from certain events are donated to wildlife conservation, working with local and international organisations to help animals in their native habitats.

Children aged under 16 get in for free on weekends, public holidays and the school holidays (Mon-Fri $23), and adult tickets are $46.

Looking for more family-friendly fun? These are the best activities for kids in Melbourne.

Details

Address
K Rd
Werribee
Melbourne
3030
Price:
$0-$46
Opening hours:
Every day 9am-5pm

What’s on

Sunset Safari

Werribee Open Range Zoo is bringing back its Sunset Safari for a seventh season, 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 22, 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 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 spot a precious southern white rhino calf, with baby Jabulani joining the herd of adult rhinos. “Sunset Safari comes around just once a year and it’s getting better and better,” says Dr Mark Pilgrim, the Werribee Open Range Zoo director. “It’s a truly unforgettable experience and such a wonderful opportunity to see these iconic animals up close during Melbourne’sdazzling summer evenings.” 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 Hippo Beach (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...
  • Walks and tours
Advertising
You may also like
You may also like