Werribee Open Range Zoo is located in Werribee, about 32 kilometres southwest of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. It offers a unique safari experience on its 225-hectare land.
As an African-themed zoo, this Zoo is home to a wide range of animals, including hippos, lions, zebras, giraffes, meerkats, ostriches, gorillas, African wild dogs, various antelope species, rhinoceros, and even some Australian animals like kangaroos.
The Werribee Open Range Zoo was opened in 1983. It is part of Zoos Victoria, which operates three zoos in the state.
The Werribee Zoo is famous for its open-range exhibits like the African Savanna, which allows African animals like rhinos, giraffes and zebras to roam together in a natural, open environment.
As well as open-range exhibits, the zoo features enclosures for endangered species and breeding programs. Werribee Open Range Zoo combines conservation, education and popular exhibits that allow visitors to see animals living freely.
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Werribee Zoo Safari
The Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a safari experience that simulates an African savannah environment within Melbourne, Australia. This tour allows visitors to observe rhinoceroses, giraffes, and zebras in large, open settings that mimic their natural habitats.
The safari includes a guided bus tour with educational commentary about the animals’ behaviours, diets, and conservation status, providing insights into their ecological roles and the importance of their preservation.
The safari tour starts with a desert environment where you can see camels. As you proceed, you will come across reindeer, rhinos and other animals.
The Werribee Zoo Safari is the highlight of the Zoo and should not be missed. We love the safari because the kids get to see animals who are not locked in cages. If you are lucky, you can encounter these animals closely.
Additionally, the zoo offers specialised encounters that enable closer interaction with specific animals, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit and promoting a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.
Werribee Zoo Lions & Cubs
The Werribee Zoo lion family includes father Sheru, lioness Asali, and their three cubs Mwezi, Kianga, and Jango. Mwezi means “moon,” Kianga translates to “sunshine,” and Jango means “brave.” These names reflect their unique personalities and characteristics.
Zoo Enclosures
There are also several traditional zoo enclosures like the gorilla habitat and breeding program facility with an elevated viewing platform. The tiger enclosure features an underwater viewing area for unique sightings.
Animal Encounters
Special animal encounters allow visitors to get close through guided rhino tours and giraffe feeding at the platform.
Additional highlights are the keeper talks with feeding sessions for giraffes, gorillas, lions and other species. These exhibits and encounters allow visitors memorable wildlife experiences in naturalistic settings.
Werribee Zoo Overnight Stay
The Werribee Zoo offers an overnight stay experience called the Slumber Safari, which includes two days of zoo access, a safari tour, behind-the-scenes animal experiences, an African-inspired dinner, and breakfast.
With the Slumber Safari at Werribee Zoo, you get to spend two days hanging out with animals, starting with an afternoon safari where you see animals like giraffes and zebras up close.
In the evening, you can chill on your lodge’s deck, watching a cool sunset with a fizzy drink, and then enjoy a dinner inspired by African flavours. Plus, there’s marshmallow toasting by a campfire and a chance to see what the zoo’s like at night.
When you wake up, you’ll see the animals again and have a tasty, hot breakfast to kickstart another day of adventure. The stay includes your own lodge with a bathroom, snacks when you get there, a free parking spot, and even a discount at the zoo shop.
Conservation Efforts
As part of Zoos Victoria, Werribee Zoo collaborates on conservation initiatives across the organization’s three zoos. A key effort is running endangered species breeding programs onsite, including gorilla, rhino, and tiger programs.
Many of these species are part of global collaborative species survival plans across zoos to boost populations.
Werribee Zoo also works with other zoos to coordinate conservation action plans and recommendations by ZAA committees, using expertise across institutions.
A core part of the zoo’s mission is educating visitors about conservation efforts at the zoo and worldwide.
Interpretive signs, keeper talks, and behind-the-scenes tours inform visitors how they contribute to protecting endangered species and habitats.
Werribee Zoo plays a crucial role in preservation by driving conservation action and awareness.
Best Time To Visit Werribee Zoo
The best time to visit Werribee Zoo is during the cooler months when Melbourne’s temperatures are around 10-15 degrees Celsius. Given Melbourne’s climate patterns, this typically falls around May to September.
During these months, animals at the zoo are more active and visible, as they prefer cooler weather and tend to hide during the hotter parts of the day to escape the heat.
Additionally, the cooler weather makes walking around the zoo more comfortable, ensuring you and any kids with you remain energetic throughout the visit.
Werribee Zoo Timings
Werribee Zoo is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, but make sure you get there before the last entry at 3:30 pm. Booking your tickets online is a good idea if you’re not a member.
Werribee Zoo Tickets
Price of a single entry
Adult: $46.00
Child: FREE weekends and holidays ($23 weekdays)
Child (0-3 years): FREE
Book Tickets: Click here
Zoo Membership
The Werribee Zoo membership gives you unlimited entry to the zoo and other Zoos Victoria locations. It’s great for animal lovers because you can visit as many times as you want. Plus, you get discounts at the zoo shop and on some events.
The Werribee Zoo membership includes unlimited entry not just to Werribee Open Range Zoo, but also to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, and Kyabram Fauna Park.
This means members can enjoy a variety of wildlife experiences across these locations throughout the year.
Werribee Zoo Parking
Parking at Werribee Zoo is convenient and included in your ticket price, so there’s no extra charge. The parking area is close to the zoo entrance, making it easy to access the zoo’s facilities and start your adventure.
