From Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo & Werribee Mansion

Discover Werribee: A Day of History and Wildlife

If you’re looking for a balanced day trip that combines heritage and adventure, this tour from Melbourne offers just that. For $96 per person, you’ll spend roughly 7 hours exploring the elegant Werribee Mansion and going on a safari-style adventure at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Led by friendly and knowledgeable guides, this experience suits families, history buffs, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Two aspects we especially appreciate are the self-guided tour of the mansion, which allows you to soak in the stunning architecture and gardens at your own pace, and the Safari Bus Ride, which brings you face-to-face with magnificent African animals like lions, giraffes, and zebras. These features elevate the experience, making it not just a sightseeing trip but a personal journey through history and nature.

One possible consideration is that lunch is not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget around $20-$30 for a meal or bring a picnic. Also, some reviews mention that the guide’s involvement can vary, but generally, the driver and guide are seen as friendly and helpful.

This tour is perfect for anyone who enjoys history, wildlife, and relaxed touring. It suits families with children aged 5+, those keen on self-paced exploration, and visitors who appreciate a well-organized day that balances guided and free time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Historic charm: The Werribee Mansion offers a fascinating window into Australia’s past with beautifully restored rooms and gardens.
• Wildlife encounters: The Safari Bus Ride provides close-up views of African animals in a setting that mimics their natural habitat.
• Flexible experience: Self-guided tours and free time at the zoo allow you to customize your day.
• Comfortable logistics: The tour includes transportation and bottled water, making the day stress-free.
• Value for money: At $96, it combines two major attractions with knowledgeable guides and transportation.
• Considerations: No included lunch, and some reviews suggest guide involvement might vary.

Starting Point and Logistics

The day begins at the Ian Potter Centre in Melbourne CBD, with a pickup scheduled at 9:20 am. The coach departs at 9:30 am, giving you plenty of time to settle in and chat with your guide. The comfortable transport, which is part of the package, ensures a smooth ride out to Werribee, roughly a 30- to 40-minute drive.

Arriving at Werribee Mansion around 10 am, you’ll have a self-guided tour of this grand estate. The mansion’s architecture, dating back to the 19th century, immediately signals its importance in Australia’s pastoral history. As one traveler noted, the “stunning grounds and the drive through the zoo” make for a memorable start.

Werribee Mansion: A Step Back in Time

The mansion itself is a highlight, with its restored rooms offering glimpses into the lives of the influential Chirnside family. The gardens are lush and well-maintained, perfect for wandering at your leisure. The self-guided format means you can linger over details that catch your eye—whether it’s the intricate woodwork or the sweeping views from the veranda.

We loved the way the mansion’s grounds are designed to showcase the estate’s grandeur without feeling stuffy. As one reviewer mentioned, “The mansion and the grounds and the drive around through the zoo” were enjoyable, and the gardens’ seasonal blooms can add a splash of color—though some visitors noted that flower displays depend on the season.

Transition to the Zoo: Wildlife and Adventure

At around 12:15 pm, you’ll depart for the Werribee Open Range Zoo, arriving by 12:30 pm. The zoo is set up to mimic African plains, providing a convincing environment for animals like lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.

Included in your ticket is a 40-minute Safari Bus Ride, which is a real highlight. This guided vehicle tour offers close encounters with wild animals, and the guide adds interesting facts and stories that bring the experience alive. One guest said, “ample time to explore all of the attractions,” which applies to the zoo as well—there’s plenty of opportunity to walk around, attend animal talks, or take photos.

The zoo also hosts animal talks and interactive experiences, which bring additional value if you’re keen on learning more about the wildlife. There are options for extra experiences, but these come at additional cost, starting from $40 per person.

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Free Time and Lunch Options

After the safari, you’ll have free time to explore the zoo and its facilities. Many visitors enjoy strolling through the exhibits at their own pace or relaxing in the designated picnic areas. Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to plan ahead: the zoo’s café offers meals around $20-$30, or you could pack your own picnic and enjoy it in the scenic gardens of Werribee Mansion or the zoo.

Returning to Melbourne

The tour wraps up at around 5 pm, with a coach departure from the zoo at 4:15 pm and drop-offs back at Melbourne CBD by 5 pm. This schedule offers a full, satisfying day without feeling rushed.

Authentic Experiences and Review Insights

Multiple travelers have praised the friendly guides, with one calling Rick “a great tour guide” and noting the plenty of time to enjoy the attractions. Others appreciated the stunning views and how well the day was organized, making it easy to focus on enjoying the experience rather than logistics.

Some reviews, however, indicate that guide involvement can be inconsistent. One mention was that “the sites visited are very good but the guide is not very involved,” which suggests that the self-guided elements and the overall organization are more reliable than the guide’s commentary.

Value and Practicality

At $96, the tour offers excellent value for a full day of sightseeing, wildlife, and history. The entry fees for both attractions are included, along with transportation, bottled water, and a knowledgeable driver. While you’ll need to budget separately for lunch or extra activities, this flexibility allows you to tailor the day to your preferences.

The tour’s moderate length makes it suitable for most travelers, including those with children over five, as the pace strikes a good balance between exploration and relaxation.

This experience is ideal for visitors who want a combination of cultural heritage and wildlife viewing without the hassle of planning separate tickets or transportation. Families will appreciate the self-guided exploration and animal encounters, while history lovers will enjoy the mansion’s architecture and stories. Wildlife enthusiasts will find the safari ride both fun and educational.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who value authentic experiences and want to enjoy a well-organized, friendly environment. If you’re looking for an easy way to see two iconic Werribee sites in one day, this tour hits the mark.

The tour from Melbourne to Werribee offers a thoughtfully curated blend of history and wildlife, making it a great value for those wanting a full, engaging day with minimal fuss. The self-guided mansion tour allows for a personalized experience, while the safari-style ride offers a memorable wildlife encounter.

While it’s not perfect—some reviews hint at variable guide engagement and the need for a separate lunch budget—it remains a strong choice for those wanting to explore local heritage and African animals in one go. The comfortable transport and flexible schedule make it accessible and enjoyable for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to see Werribee’s highlights.

All in all, this tour provides a rich, authentic day out that combines Australia’s historic grandeur with the thrill of observing wildlife in a naturalistic setting—great for anyone seeking a diverse and memorable adventure just outside Melbourne.

FAQs

Is lunch included in the tour? No, lunch is not included. You should budget around $20-$30 at the zoo’s café or bring your own picnic to enjoy in the gardens.

What ages are suitable for this tour? The tour is open to everyone aged 5 and above, making it suitable for families with children.

How long is the total tour? The entire experience lasts up to 7 hours, from departure in the morning to return in the late afternoon.

What is included in the price? Entry into Werribee Mansion and the zoo, a self-guided mansion tour, the safari bus ride, bottled water, and transportation.

Are extra animal experiences available? Yes, but they come at additional costs starting from $40 per person.

Is transportation comfortable? Yes, the tour provides comfortable transport, making the day stress-free.

Can I customize my visit? While the mansion and zoo are self-guided, you have free time at the zoo to explore at your own pace.

How is the guide involved? Guides are friendly and helpful, but some reviews suggest their involvement varies, so the focus is on the self-guided components.

What should I bring? Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and possibly a picnic if you prefer to bring your own lunch.

Is it suitable for large groups or parties? The tour is not designed for party groups or bachelor/bachelorette celebrations, and certain items like drones and large bags are not allowed.

This Werribee day trip balances history, wildlife, and scenic beauty, making it a worthwhile outing for anyone wanting to see a different side of Victoria—just outside Melbourne.

You can check availability for your dates here: