Werribee Open Range Zoo: Entry Ticket

If you’re looking for a day filled with adventure, wildlife, and a taste of the wild without leaving Victoria, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers an experience worth considering. This zoo manages to blend the excitement of an African safari with the charm of Australian native animals—perfect for families, animal lovers, or anyone seeking a fun outdoor outing.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are the guided safari across the open savannah and the opportunity to see both African and Australian animals in natural-like settings. The safari ride, included in the ticket price, is a real highlight, giving you a chance to spot rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more, all from a comfortable bus that feels like a mini adventure. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that some animals, like lions and gorillas, might be resting during your visit—a common zoo occurrence but worth noting if you’re after specific animal activity.

This tour suits travelers craving an engaging day outdoors, especially those who appreciate well-organized, accessible wildlife experiences. Whether you’re traveling with kids, a couple, or a group of friends, Werribee Zoo offers authentic encounters with a wide range of animals in a setting that emphasizes space and natural habitat.

Key Points

• Guided Safari: Included with general admission, this is the highlight for most visitors, offering close-up views of many animals in open plains.
• Diverse Animal Exhibits: Lions, gorillas, hippos, rhinos, and Australian wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, and emus.
• Accessible Location: Only a 30-minute drive from Melbourne, with options for public transport.
• Family Friendly: Free entry for children under 16 on weekends and holidays, plus picnic areas and play spaces.
• Value for Money: At $37, the ticket includes both entry and the safari, providing a well-rounded experience.
• Authentic Animal Habitats: Many reviews praise the naturalistic enclosures and animal well-being.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Werribee Open Range Zoo manages to impress visitors with its combination of authenticity and convenience. Situated just over 30 kilometers west of Melbourne, reaching the zoo is straightforward whether you drive or take public transit. For drivers, the location on Princes Freeway offers ample parking, including overflow areas, so you won’t be faced with a hassle to find a spot. Public transport travelers can hop on the train from Melbourne CBD to Werribee station, then catch a short bus ride to the entrance—making it accessible without the need for a car.

Once inside, the first thing you’ll notice is how spacious everything feels. This isn’t your typical zoo with cages and small enclosures; instead, animals are housed in large, thoughtfully designed habitats that mimic their natural environments. The Australian Journey grasslands are particularly lovely, with walking paths that let you spot kangaroos, emus, and brolgas, alongside the Australian animals that call the zoo home.

The Safari Experience

The guided safari is what sets Werribee apart. Your ticket includes a 40-minute ride across the open-range savannah, which covers over 200 hectares—a sizable space that makes animals like rhinos, giraffes, and zebras seem more like wild neighbors than zoo residents. Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and humor, with one noting, “Morris was an excellent driver and commentator,” making the ride both educational and fun.

The safari bus is designed to give clear views, and many visitors appreciate how close they can get to the animals—sometimes so close that you’ll feel you’re on a real African expedition. The ride is also a great way to cover a large area quickly, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with young children who might tire from too much walking.

Animal Encounters

Beyond the safari, the zoo offers several scheduled keeper talks, which provide insights into animal behavior, conservation efforts, and daily routines. Reviews highlight the dedication and passion of the staff, with one visitor raving, “The staff are really dedicated to the wellbeing and survival of the animals.”

You’ll see lions, gorillas, hippos, and rhinos, with some reviews mentioning the joy of observing them in environments that look almost like their natural habitats. For example, a visitor appreciated the chance to see lions up close and noted, “It was a wonderful day as there was plenty of shade and many seats to relax on.”

The gorilla exhibit is a particular standout. One reviewer described it as one of the world’s largest gorilla enclosures, emphasizing how well the space allows these gentle giants to thrive. Similarly, the hippo wetlands are a hit, with visitors enjoying watching these creatures in their watery home.

Australian Wildlife and Walkthroughs

The zoo doesn’t just focus on Africa. The Australian Journey section offers a more familiar sight for visitors from down under. Here, you can spot kangaroos, koalas, emus, and even see some of the native birds like the elegant brolga. Many reviews mention how much they enjoyed the walk through Australian grasslands, which provides a relaxing contrast to the wild savannah.

Some visitors mention the opportunity to see animals like koalas up close, which can be tricky in the wild but are comfortably housed here. The zoo’s design ensures visitors can view these iconic animals with minimal disturbance, and the naturalistic settings make for a more genuine experience.

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Food, Facilities, and Extras

While the basic ticket doesn’t include food or drinks, the zoo offers a Meerkat Bistro and picnic areas. Reviewers note that the food quality is surprisingly good—fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced, especially considering the zoo’s remote location. One visitor loved the deluxe safari experience, which includes additional encounters, but even the standard experience gets high marks for value.

Facilities are well-maintained, and the zoo is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs. There are plenty of shaded areas and seats to rest, which reviewers appreciated, particularly in the summer.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This day trip is ideal for families, especially those with children who enjoy animals and outdoor adventures. Kids under 16 get free entry on weekends and public holidays, making it very accessible for families on a budget. It’s also well-suited for animal enthusiasts who want to see a broad range of species without the expense and hassle of traveling overseas.

Couples and groups of friends who enjoy nature and wildlife photography will find plenty of opportunities to capture memorable images. The guided safari is the main draw, offering a feeling of discovering animals in a setting that feels authentic, not a cramped cage.

Final Thoughts

Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a surprisingly authentic wildlife experience just outside Melbourne. At $37, the combination of a guided safari, multiple animal exhibits, and beautiful open habitats provides excellent value. You can expect a day full of engaging sights, informative talks, and opportunities to see animals behaving naturally—something many traditional zoos struggle to provide.

The zoo’s focus on animal well-being and conservation adds a meaningful layer to your visit, making it more than just a day out. The staff’s dedication shines through, and the facilities support a relaxed, enjoyable experience. It’s a particularly good choice for families, wildlife lovers, or anyone wanting a break from city life, with the bonus of being only a short drive from Melbourne.

If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, education, and fun, Werribee Open Range Zoo ticks all the boxes. We think it’s one of the better wildlife attractions near Melbourne and a true highlight for any visitor wanting to get a sense of the animal kingdom in a setting that emphasizes space and natural habitat.

FAQs

Is the ticket price of $37 good value?
Yes, considering it includes general admission and a guided safari, plus keeper talks, the price offers a well-rounded experience that covers both walking and riding.

How accessible is the zoo?
The zoo is wheelchair accessible, and the facilities are well-maintained to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.

What animals can I expect to see?
You can see lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, hippos, gorillas, monkeys, koalas, emus, and more. Keep in mind that some animals may be resting during your visit.

How do I get to Werribee Zoo from Melbourne?
You can drive via Princes Freeway, which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, take a train from Melbourne CBD to Werribee station and then catch a bus to the zoo.

Are food and drinks included?
No, they are not included in the basic ticket, but the zoo offers a bistro and picnic areas for bringing your own food.

What makes the guided safari a must-do?
It provides a chance to see many animals in large, naturalistic habitats from a comfortable bus, guided by knowledgeable and entertaining staff.

Can children enter for free?
Yes, children under 16 enter free on weekends, Victoria school holidays, and public holidays. Children 3 and under are free every day.

In the end, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a well-priced, authentic wildlife experience that balances the thrill of seeing animals in a natural setting with the convenience of a guided safari. Whether you’re a family with kids, an animal lover, or just curious about wildlife, you’ll find plenty to enjoy—and plenty of reasons to come back.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby