Werribee Open Range Zoo

Just 30 minutes southwest of Melbourne, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a distinctly African-style safari experience on Australian soil. Spread across 225 hectares of open savannah, this immersive zoo lets you get up close to rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs while learning about conservation efforts that span the globe. It’s an easy half-day trip from the city and a fantastic addition to any self-drive itinerary through Victoria’s western regions.

Highlights & What to See

• Safari Bus Tour: Hop aboard the open-sided bus for a guided 40-minute journey through the African savannah – you’ll pass herds of grazing animals and might spot a lion lounging in the sun.
• Walking Trails: Explore the African River Trail and the Australian Trail on foot, where you can see gorillas, hippos, kangaroos, and the playful meerkats up close.
• Gorilla Rainforest: A lush, immersive exhibit that mimics the lowland gorilla’s natural habitat – watch these magnificent primates from viewing platforms.
• Cheetah Encounter: Time your visit for the daily cheetah run (check times on arrival) to see these fastest land animals sprint across the enclosure.
• Werribee Mansion: Adjacent to the zoo, this historic 1870s mansion and its formal gardens are worth a stroll – entry is included with your zoo ticket.
• Conservation Talks: Chat with keepers at scheduled talks about rhino conservation, African wild dogs, and the zoo’s breeding programs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least half a day – around four hours – to comfortably take the safari bus tour, walk the main trails, and catch a keeper talk. If you want to explore the mansion gardens and have a leisurely lunch at the café, allow five to six hours. You can easily combine it with a morning at the Werribee Mansion or a trip into the You Yangs Regional Park for a full day out.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Melbourne – Australia’s cultural capital, just 30 minutes east, with world-class dining, laneways, and museums.
• Geelong – A vibrant waterfront city on Corio Bay, known for its street art and the National Wool Museum (20 minutes south-west).
• Ballarat – Historic gold-rush town with Sovereign Hill and stunning Victorian architecture (1 hour north-west).
• Bendigo – Another gold-rush gem with grand buildings, galleries, and the Central Deborah Gold Mine (1.5 hours north).
• Phillip Island – Famous for the Penguin Parade, with koalas and surf beaches (2 hours south-east).
• Yarra Valley – Premier wine region with cellar doors, gourmet produce, and hot air ballooning (1.5 hours east).
• Mornington Peninsula – Hot springs, coastal walks, and artisan food trails (1.5 hours south-east).
• Grampians – Rugged mountain ranges with hiking, waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art (3 hours west).
• Wilsons Promontory – Victoria’s southernmost point with pristine beaches and wildlife-rich bushwalks (3 hours south-east).

Please check official sources for current details.