4.7 / 5

Melbourne Zoo
📍 Melbourne, AustraliaView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:September to November (Spring) and March to May (Autumn)

⏰ Open Hours:9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily

🎒 Things To Do:Animal encounters, keeper talks, tours, kids activities

💰 Budget:Adults: $38, Children (1-15 years): Free on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian government school holidays, otherwise $19

👥 Traveller Types:Families, Solo, Couples, Groups

🏆 Known For:Being Australia's oldest zoo, housing over 320 animal species from around the world

📍 Distances:Approximately 4 km from Melbourne city centre, 2 km from Southern Cross Railway Station, 22 km from Melbourne Airport

♿ Accessibility:Wheelchair accessible, Wheelchair hire available

📱 Wi-Fi:Free Wi-Fi available at the Zoo

🍽 Food and Drinks:Multiple cafes and picnic areas available

🎫 Tips:Book tickets online to avoid queues, arrive early for keeper talks and animal feeding sessions

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Melbourne Zoo: A Complete Guide to Australia’s Oldest and Most Diverse Zoo

Are you looking for a fun and educational day out in Melbourne? Do you want to see some of the most amazing animals from around the world? Do you want to support a good cause and help protect wildlife and nature? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should visit Melbourne Zoo, Australia’s oldest and most diverse zoo.

Melbourne Zoo is home to over 300 species of animals, from the majestic African savanna to the exotic Asian rainforest, from the Australian bush to the marine life. You can get up close and personal with gorillas, elephants, tigers, penguins, and many more. You can also enjoy a variety of animal experiences and encounters, such as feeding, petting, and behind-the-scenes tours. Plus, you can learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts and how you can make a difference for the wildlife and the environment.

In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about visiting and supporting Melbourne Zoo, including how to plan your visit, what to see and do, and how to support the zoo’s conservation efforts. Whether you are travelling with your family, friends, partner, or solo, you will find something for everyone at Melbourne Zoo. So, let’s get started!

How to Plan Your Visit to Melbourne Zoo

The first thing you need to know is how to plan your visit to Melbourne Zoo. Here are some practical tips and information to help you make the most of your day:

Tickets and prices:

You can buy your tickets online or at the gate. However, we recommend booking online, as you can save up to 10% on the regular price, skip the queue, and choose your preferred date and time. The online ticket prices are as follows:

Adult: $37

Child (4-15 years): $19 (free on weekends, school holidays, and public holidays)

Concession: $28

Family (2 adults and up to 4 children): $95

You can also buy a membership, which gives you unlimited entry to Melbourne Zoo and other zoos in Victoria, as well as discounts and benefits. The membership prices are as follows:

Adult: $114

Child (4-15 years): $61

Concession: $86

Family (2 adults and up to 4 children): $225

Opening hours and entry procedure:

Melbourne Zoo is open every day of the year, from 9 am to 5 pm. The last entry is at 3:30 pm. You need to present your online ticket or membership card at the gate, along with a valid photo ID. You also need to scan a QR code and register your details for COVIDsafe purposes. You can find more information on the COVIDsafe plans and measures here.

Getting there and parking: Melbourne Zoo is located at Elliott Avenue, Parkville, VIC 3052. You can get there by car, public transport, bike, or foot. If you drive, you can park your car at the zoo’s car park for $2 per hour or $10 per day. Alternatively, you can park at the nearby Royal Park for free. If you take public transport, you can catch a train, tram, or bus to the zoo. The closest train station is Royal Park, which is a 10-minute walk from the zoo. The closest tram stop is Stop 26 on Route 58, which is right outside the zoo. The closest bus stop is Stop 505 on Route 505, which is a 5-minute walk from the zoo. You can plan your journey and check the timetables here. If you bike, you can use the Capital City Trail, which passes by the zoo. You can park your bike at the bike racks near the main entrance. If you walk, you can enjoy the scenic views of Royal Park, which is adjacent to the zoo.

Zoo map and suggested duration: Melbourne Zoo is spread over 22 hectares and has several animal exhibits and habitats. You can download or print the zoo map here or use the interactive map on your smartphone here. You can also pick up a paper map at the gate or the information centre. We suggest spending at least 3 to 4 hours at the zoo to see and do everything. However, you can stay as long as you like until closing time.

What to See and Do at Melbourne Zoo

The next thing you need to know is what to see and do at Melbourne Zoo. Here are some of the highlights and attractions that you don’t want to miss:

Animal exhibits and habitats:

Melbourne Zoo has over 300 species of animals, from mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. You can see them in their naturalistic and immersive habitats, such as:

Photo of Melbourne Zoo 1/2 by

African savanna: This is where you can see the majestic animals of the African plains, such as giraffes, zebras, rhinos, hippos, and antelopes. You can also see the largest troop of gorillas in Australia, as well as the endangered African wild dogs and the elusive pygmy hippo.

Asian rainforest: This is where you can see the exotic animals of the Asian jungles, such as elephants, tigers, orangutans, gibbons, and otters. You can also see the rare and beautiful Sumatran tiger, which is one of the most critically endangered animals in the world.

Australian bush: This is where you can see the native animals of Australia, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, echidnas, and emus. You can also see the iconic platypus, which is one of the most unique and fascinating animals in the world.

Marine life: This is where you can see the aquatic animals of the oceans, rivers, and lakes, such as penguins, seals, sharks, rays, and turtles. You can also see the colourful and diverse coral reef, which is home to hundreds of fish and invertebrates.

These are just some of the animal exhibits and habitats that you can explore at Melbourne Zoo.

Animal experiences and encounters:

Melbourne Zoo also offers a variety of animal experiences and encounters that let you get closer and interact with some of your favourite animals. You can choose from:

Photo of Melbourne Zoo 2/2 by

Animal feedings: You can watch and learn how the zookeepers feed some of the animals, such as the giraffes, elephants, penguins, and seals. You can also ask questions and hear stories from the zookeepers about the animals’ personalities and behaviours.

Animal pettings: You can touch and feel some of the animals, such as the kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and echidnas. You can also take photos and selfies with them and learn more about their features and habits.

Behind-the-scenes tours: You can go behind the scenes and see how the zoo operates and cares for the animals. You can also meet some of the animals that are not on display, such as the lions, cheetahs, and bears. You can also participate in some of the zoo activities, such as preparing food, cleaning enclosures, and enriching the animals.

These are just some of the animal experiences and encounters that you can enjoy at Melbourne Zoo.

How to Support Melbourne Zoo’s Conservation Efforts

The last thing you need to know is how to support Melbourne Zoo’s conservation efforts. Melbourne Zoo is not only a place to see and learn about animals, but also a place to protect and save them. Melbourne Zoo is part of the Zoos Victoria organisation, which is a world leader in fighting extinction and conserving wildlife. Melbourne Zoo is involved in various conservation campaigns and programs, such as:

Breeding programs: Melbourne Zoo breeds some of the most endangered animals in the world, such as the Sumatran tiger, the mountain pygmy-possum, and the orange-bellied parrot. The zoo aims to increase the population and genetic diversity of these animals and reintroduce them to the wild when possible.

Research programs: Melbourne Zoo conducts scientific research on some of the most threatened animals in the world, such as the gorilla, the elephant, and the platypus. The zoo aims to understand the biology, behaviour, and ecology of these animals and find solutions to the threats they face, such as habitat loss, poaching, and disease.

Education programs: Melbourne Zoo educates the public and the community about the importance and value of wildlife and nature. The zoo offers various education programs for schools, families, and groups, such as workshops, tours, and activities. The zoo also raises awareness and advocacy for conservation issues and actions, such as reducing plastic waste, planting trees, and signing petitions.

Donating: You can make a donation to Melbourne Zoo and Zoos Victoria, which will help fund the conservation projects and programs. You can choose to donate a one-off or a regular amount, or you can donate to a specific campaign or animal. You can also donate in honour or in memory of someone, or as a gift for someone. You can make a donation online here.

Adopting: You can adopt an animal at Melbourne Zoo and Zoos Victoria, which will help provide food, care, and enrichment for the animal. You can choose from a range of animals, such as the gorilla, the elephant, the tiger, and the penguin. You can also choose the level of adoption, from bronze to platinum, which will give you different benefits, such as a certificate, a photo, a plush toy, and a behind-the-scenes tour. You can adopt an animal online here.

Volunteering: You can volunteer at Melbourne Zoo and Zoos Victoria, which will help support the zoo staff and the visitors. You can choose from different roles, such as a visitor guide, a wildlife warrior, a conservation champion, or a special event assistant. You can also choose the frequency and duration of your volunteering, from once a week to once a month, or from a few hours to a full day. You can apply to volunteer online here.

These are just some of the ways you can support Melbourne Zoo’s conservation efforts.

We hope you enjoyed this article and learned more about Melbourne Zoo, Australia’s oldest and most diverse zoo. Melbourne Zoo is a great place to visit and support, as it offers a fun and educational experience for everyone. You can see and interact with some of the most amazing animals from around the world, and you can also help protect and save them from extinction.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets or membership online today and plan your visit to Melbourne Zoo. You will not regret it. And don’t forget to share or comment on this article if you liked it. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!

Melbourne Zoo Reviews

Right next door to the Hilton, where I was staying was one of Melbourne’s top sites and the temple for sports-mad Melbournians: the Melbourne Cricket Ground (also known as the MCG or just the “G”). Seating almost 100,000 fans, the G was the site of the first Australian Rules football game in 1858 and the first Test cricket match between Australia and England in 1877. It’s massive and I can only imagine what the atmosphere is like around here on a match day. From the G, I wound my way over to the Yarra River and walked along the water all the way to the Docklands area and Victoria Harbor. Along the way I passed several of Melbourne’s beautiful bridges. The most interesting of which was the Sandridge Bridge. From there, I cut over to the modern steel and glass wonderland that is Federation Square. This is Melbourne’s central meeting place and on a beautiful summer day like today it was overflowing with people. The square is home to the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Center for the Moving Image (ACMI) and is the site for regular cultural events and sports telecasts.
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