The 11 Best Zoo Visits in Melbourne

1.Melbourne Zoo: 1-Day Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 747 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

Melbourne Zoo’s $37 general admission ticket gives you one day to explore more than 320 animal species, from tigers and monkeys to koalas, penguins and seals. Wander themed habitats at your own pace, catch scheduled keeper presentations and consider paying extra for a behind-the-scenes experience. The zoo is about 10 minutes from central Melbourne by tram, train or bus.

“It was a amazing Zoo. We loved it and would highly recommend it also.”

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2.Werribee Open Range Zoo: Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 646 reviews · 1 day · from $37

Spend a day at Werribee Open Range Zoo, 35 kilometers west of Melbourne. Admission includes a guided safari across open savannah, where you may see giraffes, rhinos and zebras, plus keeper talks at selected times. Walk to the lion, gorilla and hippo habitats, then explore Australian grasslands. Safari guides such as Morris and Holly have brought the ride to life, though the guide on your visit may differ.

“Be on time so u can watch the all the animals on time before they get tired after food”

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3.Melbourne Zoo General Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 333 reviews · from $40

Explore Melbourne Zoo at your own pace with a mobile general admission ticket. See native Australian animals, penguins and seals, elephants, giraffes, primates, gorillas, and more. Keeper talks are included, and you can stay as long as you like during opening hours. Allow two to eight hours, depending on your pace and how many stops you make.

“Amesome zoo. Very well layed out. Many great animals to see. Great place to visit with family members of all ages.”

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4.Werribee Open Range Zoo General Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 143 reviews · from $40

At Werribee Open Range Zoo, your general admission includes a 40-minute open-window bus safari across grassland, access to walking trails and animal exhibits, and all keeper talks and presentations. Look for rhinos, giraffes, lions, gorillas and hippos, then explore at your own pace. The bus ride is a highlight, but crowding and weather can affect the day.

“The animals! My kids especially my son really enjoyed the safari wildlife. Didn’t get to pet the Kangaroos but maybe next time will opt for other services there!”

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5.Deluxe Safari Adventure at Werribee Open Range Zoo – excl. entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 68 reviews · from $43

Ride a four-wheel-drive vehicle off the usual safari roads at Werribee Open Range Zoo, with a guide sharing live commentary as you look for giraffes, rhinos, zebras and other animals across the open plains. The trip lasts about 75 minutes, carries up to 20 people and requires a separate zoo admission ticket.

“Took the deluxe safari with guide. Able to go off road to get closer to animals. Guide was very knowledgeable”

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6.Werribee Zoo & Werribee Mansion Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · from $104

Leave Federation Square with a guide and driver for Werribee Mansion and Open Range Zoo. Explore the Chirnside family’s 19th-century home and gardens, then spend free time at the zoo, including a 40-minute safari ride and animal talks. Rick and David have led trips, though your guide may differ. Lunch is not included.

“Timings as listed and overall a good experience with kids. Full load and safe driving by David who was host and driver”

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7.Australian Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo – excl. entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 29 reviews · from $42

Join a guided walk along the Australian Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo for close views of koalas, a kangaroo mob and other wildlife. The encounter lasts about 30 minutes and costs $42.32 per person, but zoo admission is separate. Wear covered shoes, and note that children under 16 need a paying adult with them.

“Koalas and Kangaroos! Get up close and personal with these wonderful animals. Ranger who took us about was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Was able to take some great photos and see the animals at home and relaxed. Great day and would definitely recommend”

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8.Werribee Open Range Zoo & Werribee Mansion

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 28 reviews · 7 hours · from $102

Rick’s Tours combines a self-guided visit to 19th-century Werribee Mansion with entry to Werribee Open Range Zoo and its included 40-minute safari bus ride. Rick’s storytelling is a highlight when he leads, and you get free time at both stops. Lunch and optional animal encounters cost extra.

“Rick was so friendly and he knows so much about Melbourne! It was a nice tour, we had enough time for everything!”

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9.Australian Wildlife Tour at Melbourne Zoo Ticket – excl. entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · from $71

At 8:00 am, join a guide and up to nine others for a 45-minute walk through Melbourne Zoo’s Australian Bush. Hear a koala talk, visit kangaroos and emus at breakfast, see the wombat burrow and finish in the Great Flight Aviary. The tour includes a close kangaroo encounter, but not general zoo admission.

“This was an excellent event. We were able to see the animals up close, and the keepers were so knowledgeable. It was a free day for volunteers, so they joined in the group. This made our day even more enjoyable; they were very personable.”

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10.Melbourne Zoo: Australian Wildlife Experience Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 9 reviews · 45 min · from $65Top rated

Start at Melbourne Zoo’s main gate at 7:55am for an 8:00am, English-language tour capped at 10 people. In 45 minutes, meet koalas Karri and Waru, visit kangaroos and wallabies with their keepers, see wombats in their burrows, and enter the Great Flight Aviary. Zoo admission costs extra.

“Jordan was an amazing guide. We learned about the koalas and spent so much time with the kangaroos while they had breakfast.”

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11.Puffing Billy Train Wildlife Zoo Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4 reviews · 8 hours

Take an eight-hour private day trip from Melbourne, riding the open-sided Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges and visiting Moonlit Sanctuary for kangaroos, koalas, and wildlife presentations. Your driver-guide handles transport and can help secure the separately paid attraction tickets. The route also includes Brighton’s colourful bathing boxes.

“Very very wonderful experience, my son and daughter really love. We saw train and many wildlife. The train tickets are extremely hard to get and our guide Tom helps us to purchase. Thank you team. Highly recommended.”

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