Spring is returning in Australia, and nature and critter lovers are excited! Let’s explore the top 3 Melbourne zoos for a day trip today! These three zoos are Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.
Melbourne Zoo
Address: Elliott Avenue, Parkville, Victoria, 3052
Melbourne Zoo is Australia’s oldest zoo. It was opened in 1862 and is home to over 320 animals from Australia and around the world.
Ticket Prices
Popular Activities
Featured: Australian Wildlife Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
Availability: Meet at 7.55 am each morning for an 8 am departure from the Melbourne Zoo main entrance.
Melbourne Zoo offers a unique Australian wildlife experience where visitors can witness the early sunrise and interact with koalas Karri and Waru, kangaroos, Tamar and swamp kangaroos, wombats and Tasmanian devils. Visitors can also explore the nocturnal world of wombats and listen to the melodies of native marine, rainforest and bush birds!
Park Map
Park Restaurants
Transport Directions
By Bus: Bus 505 from Moonee Ponds to the University of Melbourne stops outside Melbourne Zoo.
By Train: V/Line trains run from various country destinations to the CBD.
Parking Information
Conveniently located close to the city centre and Melbourne Airport, Melbourne Zoo offers A$2 per 5-hour car parking within walking distance, with other options available on request:
Melbourne Sports Centre Parkville
Address: 10 Brens Drive, Parkville VIC 3052
Local Street Parking
Address: The Avenue and Royal Parade
Ikon Park
Address: 400 Royal Parade, Carlton North VIC 3054
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Address: K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
Werribee Open Range Zoo is an African-themed zoo that opened in 1983 and houses 360 animals of 40 species.
Ticket Price
Popular Activities
Featured Programmes: Free Safari Bus
The zoo’s 40-minute Safari Tour takes visitors through arid landscapes and savannahs to see endangered species such as Mongolian wildebeest and giraffe. Safari guides provide on-site commentary and information about the Beads for Wildlife programme, which helps visitors conserve wildlife. This tour is suitable for all ages and includes the admission fee.
Park Map
Restaurants in the Park
Transport Directions
Change buses and trains: Take the train from Melbourne’s CBD area to Werribee Line, then change to bus 439 from Werribee Station.
By Shuttle: SkyBus Avalon City Express is a shuttle bus from Avalon Airport.
Parking Information
Free parking is available at the zoo but will be tight during school holidays.
Healesville Sanctuary
Address: Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville, VIC 3777
Opened in 1934, Healesville Sanctuary is a zoo specialising in Australia’s native animals, with trails winding through various habitats, showcasing wallabies, wombats, dingoes, kangaroos and more than 200 species of native birds.
Ticket Prices
Popular Activities
Featured Programmes: Platypus Discovery
Duration: 30 minutes
Available: Every Friday and Saturday at 2 pm
Experience the world of the platypus at the reserve and observe their natural behaviour with a platypus expert. Immerse yourself in their dimly lit, relaxed environment and listen to the sound of water trickling in the distance. Feeding platypuses in the water with experts will give you an insight into this reclusive unicorn and the work being done across Victoria to protect them.
Park Map
Restaurants in the Park
Transport links
Take the train to Lilydale station and then a bus to Healesville Sanctuary.
Take the train from Melbourne city centre to Lilydale.
Once in Lilydale, transfer to bus 685 for Healesville.
Parking Information
Healesville Sanctuary Public Parking
Address: Glen Eadie Ave Badger Creek Victoria 3777 Australia
FAQ
The top three zoos in Melbourne are the Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, and Healesville Sanctuary. Each of these zoos offers unique experiences that connect visitors with wildlife in a meaningful and inspiring way.
Yes, there are a variety of discounts available. These include concession rates, family packages, and multi-zoo passes. For the most accurate information, visit each zoo’s official website or contact customer service.
The Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a unique safari experience, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with a wide range of African wildlife. This includes zebras, giraffes, and rhinoceroses, all viewed from the comfort of a safari bus.
Werribee Open Range Zoo is located at K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030, Australia. It’s a 30-minute drive from Melbourne CBD. Public transport options include taking the train to Werribee station and catching bus 439.
Healesville Sanctuary is situated at Badger Creek Rd, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia. It’s approximately a one-hour drive from Melbourne CBD. Public transport options include taking the Lilydale line train to Lilydale station and then catching bus 685.
