Melbourne & surrounds
Animal Attractions
Small-clawed otters, Melbourne Zoo
Animals like you've never seen them before
Melbourne is well known for its array of zoo’s and conservation centres. Some of Australia’s most loved animals including penguins, koalas, kangaroos and echidnas can be seen up close at these treasured attractions.
No age is too great to dissolve into giggles at the sight of the world’s smallest penguins waddling along the beach at sunset at the Phillip Island Nature Park. Watch them from the sand and along the boardwalk, then take a multimedia trip through the Antarctic Journey. As a bonus, you’re close enough to be back in Melbourne for brunch.
Fancy seeing the local Australian fur seal colony and Phillip Island’s rugged and spectacular coastline? The Eco Boat Tour on the Island will allow you to watch the antics of playful seals as they surround the boat, ducking their heads in and out of the water. On return, stop by the National Surfing Reserve at Cat Bay before heading back to Cowes jetty in time for the world-famous Penguin Parade.
Swap the Melbourne city centre for a safari on the African savannah and enjoy a unique zoo experience just 30 minutes out of town at Werribee Zoo. Tick off everybody’s bucket list with a Slumber Safari sleepover, featuring dinner and drinks, a private animal encounter, night tours, a personal guide and luxury glamping. Wake up early for a sunrise like no other.
Just five minutes from Melbourne’s laneways live over 320 species of the weirdest and wonderful animals in unrivaled natural enclosures at Melbourne Zoo. Wander past lemurs sunning themselves, venture into the Lion’s Den and be tickled by butterflies landing on the tip of your nose. You’ll feel like a kid again – with actual kids free on weekends and public holidays.
Healesville sanctuary is known as a bush haven for Australian wildlife. Book a a Magic Moment for an unforgettable close-up experience with one of Healesville's amazing animals. Come face-to-face with one of the most iconic and beautiful native marsupials, the koala.
Highlights
Wildlife, zoos & farms
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Join a wildlife safari, Melbourne style, and spot rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and monkeys as they roam freely through the grounds of the zoo.
Wildlife, zoos & farms
Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade
See Phillip Island's little penguins emerge from the sea, peek at life inside a burrow, and spot other Australian animals at this wildlife wonderland.
Wildlife, zoos & farms
Healesville Sanctuary
Watch for waking koalas and peek at a joey in a kangaroo's pouch, meet keepers or observe vets in the animal hospital, all in an Aussie bush setting.
Wildlife, zoos & farms
Melbourne Zoo
Get up close with more than 250 species as you explore rainforests, bushland and underwater worlds. Don't miss the zookeeper talks and feeding times!
Beaches & coastlines
National Surfing Reserve
Declared a National Surfing Reserve in recognition of its quality breaks and pristine environment, Phillip Island offers four sites along its coast.
You may also like...
Things to do
Family activities
Bring the kids and make the most of Victoria's interactive museums and festivals, exhilarating outdoor adventures and fascinating wildlife parks.
Things to do
Outdoor activities
Get the adrenaline pumping by going white-water rafting, stroll through forests, play golf, or set up camp for a longer stay in Victoria's outdoors.
Nature & wildlife
Beaches and coastlines
Drag yourself away from the Great Ocean Road with its dramatic rock sculptures and soaring views, and discover more of Victoria's stunning coastline.
Things to do
Leisure activities
Entertain both little kids and big with fun-filled leisure activities in every corner of Victoria, from marvellous minigolf to amazing mazes and more.