Why travel thousands of kilometres, when a taste of African adventure is available just 30 minutes from Melbourne's city centre, at Werribee Open Range Zoo, you'll find an amazing array of animals living on 225 hectares of wide, open savanna.

On the Pula Reserve Walking Trail, come face-to-face with amazing gorillas, a pride of lions, see monkeys and cheetahs at play and discover a family of hippopotamus at the Kubu River Hippopotamus exhibit.

No trip to the Zoo is complete without heading out on safari across grassy plains where you'll find rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing together on the picturesque savanna.

All of the above, including the 40-minute safari tour, is included in the Zoo admission price. For those looking for even more adventure, then why not try one of the behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters. Touch a rhinoceros, feed a giraffe, stroke a serval and see amazing animals up close from the open vehicle.

Don't miss the latest attractions that are exhibiting at Werribee Open Range Zoo. They have one of the world's largest gorilla exhibits and the new-look luxury Slumber Safari overnight accommodation.

Visit the website for more details.

Cost

Local directions

Werribee Open Range Zoo is located 35 kilometres from Melbourne city centre on the Princes Freeway. It is a short 30 minute drive from the city over the Westgate Bridge. Take the Werribee South exit to K Road.

Facilities

Activities

Opening hours

Werribee Open Range Zoo is open all year round.

Daily
9:00am -5:00pm
Front gates close at 3.30pm daily

Memberships

• The Ecotourism Association of Australia
• Inbound Tour Operators Association
• Tourism Alliance Victoria
• Tourism Task Force
• Visitor Information Centre

Disabled access

Contact operator for further details.

Additional business information

Zoo Highlights
Every Tuesday is Toddler Tuesday at Werribee Open Range Zoo where terrific activities will keep the fives and under 'wildly' entertained all day. Kids can feed the giraffes and meerkats, take a kid-friendly safari tour across the savanna or sing, dance and play to African-inspired songs in our African Village Dance Party. For more information please visit the website. Werribee Open Range Zoo offers exciting encounters for the animal enthusiast. This includes a luxurious overnight stay on a Slumber Safari, an unforgettable journey through the spectacular savanna with an Open Vehicle Adventure, incredible giraffe feeds on the Tall Order, touching a rhinoceros on Rhinos Revealed and many other amazing behind-the-scenes animal encounters. For further details and video footage of these exciting encounters, please visit the website. This January the new 'Open Range, Open Late' concert series will be launched! The zoo's African village will come alive in the evening with African drums, bands and performers. Visitors will be treated to vibrant African music, evening Safari tours and much more!

Learning Experiences
Werribee Open Range Zoo offers many learning opportunities for children in kinder and early years right up to high school. Exciting 'Early Childhood and Early Years' programs provide a fun and safe way for children to explore natural environments while getting close to our wildlife. Captivating high school programs allow students to focus specifically on an area of interest that relates to their future schooling and career pathways. For more information please visit the website.

Meetings, Conferences and Weddings
Liberty Catering Concepts is the dedicated caterer for all functions at Werribee Open Range Zoo. All menus have been designed to complement the African theme of the Zoo, using an array of flavours and spices inspired by North African cuisine and using the very best quality seasonal produce, sourced locally, prepared on-site and served with professional skill and care. Whether you are looking for an elegant cocktail function, conference, formal gala dinner or wedding with a difference, the professional functions team will work with you to create a unique and memorable event. The Zoo offers two flexible indoor venues and an array of outdoor spaces including authentic African huts, gardens, lawns and picnic areas. Events can range from a gourmet barbecue to a whole 'Savanna Sunset' event spanning larger areas of the grounds. Liberty Catering is able to cater any event, large or small. For more information please contact Liberty Catering Concepts: 03 9285 9440