Werribee Open Range Zoo

Just 30 minutes from central Melbourne, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers an immersive African safari experience on the Victorian volcanic plains. This spacious zoo lets you see rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and lions roaming in vast, naturalistic habitats. It’s a fantastic day out for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a taste of the wild without leaving Australia.

Highlights & What to See

• African Walking Trail – A 1.5 km loop through open plains, where you’ll encounter meerkats, cheetahs, and hippos up close.
• Zoo Safari Bus – A guided tour through the main savannah paddocks, where rhinos and giraffes often approach the vehicle.
• Gorilla Rainforest – A lush enclosure housing a troop of western lowland gorillas, with viewing windows for intimate glimpses.
• Lions on the Plains – Watch African lions laze on rocky outcrops or stalk through long grass.
• Werribee River Trail – A peaceful riverside walk connecting the zoo to the historic Werribee Park Mansion and formal gardens.
• Keepers’ Talks & Feeding Times – Daily scheduled talks on hippos, meerkats, and gorillas offer deeper insight into animal behaviour.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 3–4 hours exploring the zoo. Arrive early to catch the first safari bus (runs every 20 minutes) and enjoy the walking trail before the midday heat. If you combine with Werribee Park Mansion and the nearby Shadowfax Winery, plan for a full day. The zoo is easy to navigate with pushchairs and wheelchairs, and there are several picnic spots and a café for refreshments.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Werribee Park Mansion – A stunning 19th-century Italianate mansion with elaborate gardens, just a 10-minute walk from the zoo.
• Shadowfax Winery – Taste cool-climate wines and enjoy lunch on the terrace overlooking the vineyard.
• You Yangs Regional Park – Granite peaks offering hiking, mountain biking, and panoramic views of the bay and plains.
• Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula – A 30-minute drive south leads to Geelong’s waterfront, the Bellarine Rail Trail, and seaside villages like Queenscliff.
• Great Ocean Road – The iconic coastal drive begins at Torquay, about 40 minutes from the zoo, making this a convenient first stop on a longer road trip.

Please check official sources for current details.