Werribee Open Range Zoo: Entry Ticket

If you’re looking for a day of adventure that combines the thrill of seeing animals in naturalistic habitats with the convenience of a short trip from Melbourne, the Werribee Open Range Zoo is a fantastic choice. For $38 per person, you’ll spend a full day exploring over 200 hectares of grasslands, wetlands, and savannahs, with a guided safari included in your ticket. It’s a well-organized, family-friendly experience that offers a glimpse into African-style wildlife without the long-haul flight.

What we love about this tour is the quality of the safari—a significant highlight that makes you feel as if you’re in Africa, yet with the comfort and ease of a local zoo. The dedicated staff, especially guides like Holly, are praised for their knowledge and passion. Also, the close-up encounters with animals like hippos, lions, and gorillas are unforgettable and offer authentic moments that resonate with animal lovers.

A consideration to keep in mind is that, like other zoos, some animals may be resting or hidden, especially if the weather is cold or it’s outside peak hours. This is common in wildlife parks but can mean a few species might remain elusive during your visit.

This experience is best suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates well-maintained habitats and engaging guided tours. If you love seeing animals in open spaces and value educational talks, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Wildlife in Natural Settings: Over 200 hectares of grasslands and wetlands mimic African savannah and Australian habitats.
• Guided Safari: Included in your ticket, it offers close encounters with lions, rhinos, giraffes, and more.
• Diverse Animal Collection: From African species to native Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, and emus.
• Expert Guides: Recognized for their knowledge and friendly approach, guides like Holly make the experience memorable.
• Family-Friendly: Free entry for children under 16 on weekends and school holidays, plus picnic areas and water play zones.
• Value for Money: For $38, you get a full day of activities, wildlife viewing, and educational talks, making it a solid deal.

When we think of zoos, many imagine cages and small enclosures. Werribee plays against that stereotype by offering large, open, natural habitats that let animals roam more freely. It’s a place where you can observe animals in spaces that resemble their natural environments—think grassy plains, wetlands, and savannahs—spread across more than 200 hectares.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Getting There and Planning Your Visit

Located just 30 minutes from Melbourne, Werribee is easily accessible. If you’re driving, you’ll find it on the Princes Freeway, with ample parking. Public transport options include a train from Melbourne CBD to Werribee station, followed by a bus to the zoo. This makes it convenient whether you’re on a day trip or combining it with other activities.

The park is designed so you can explore at your own pace, but the highlight is undoubtedly the free guided safari ride. Arranged on a comfortable safari vehicle, it transports you into the heart of the open-range habitats, where animals like rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes graze and wander. Many reviewers mention that the safari is “really exciting” and a “highlight,” with one guide, Holly, praised for recognizing animals by name and sharing insightful details.

What to Expect During Your Day

Your ticket includes general admission plus the safari tour and keeper talks. Expect a full itinerary that balances animal encounters with walking exploration of the zoo’s other sections, especially the Australian Journey area.

• African Savannah Experience: Climb aboard the safari to see lions lounging, giraffes munching leaves, and zebras grazing in large open spaces. Many reviews mention the safari as “well worth it” and “fantastic,” with visitors feeling immersed in a true wildlife adventure.

• Close Encounters: Get face-to-face with gorillas, which are housed in one of the world’s largest exhibits, and watch monkeys at play. Hippos, often in their wetland environment, are a crowd favorite, with some reviewers noting the “hippo experience” as a must-see.

• Australian Animals: The zoo doesn’t forget its local visitors. On a walk through the Australian Journey, you’ll spot kangaroos, emus, brolgas, and koalas. One visitor mentioned how nice it was to see these animals “in their natural habitats,” making the Australian section feel authentic and engaging.

Educational and Interactive Elements

Keeper talks are scheduled throughout the day, providing interesting insights into animal behaviors, conservation efforts, and breeding programs. Many reviewers appreciated these talks, calling guides like Holly “wonderful” and “knowledgeable,” which added depth to their visit.

You can also opt for special encounters, such as feeding giraffes or other “wild encounter” experiences. These are not included in the basic ticket but can be booked separately, offering a more hands-on experience.

Food, Comfort, and Practical Tips

Eating options are not included in your ticket, so bringing your own picnic is a smart move—many visitors recommend packing snacks or a full lunch to enjoy at the shady picnic areas. The zoo does have restaurants, but reviews note that prices can be “extremely expensive,” and the food quality varies.

Comfortable shoes are a must. The park’s large size means a fair amount of walking, although the safari bus reduces some of that. Visitors often mention it’s “easy to get around,” but be prepared for a full day.

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Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for families with kids—especially since children under 16 enter free on weekends and holidays— and for wildlife lovers eager to see animals in a setting that mimics the wild. Reviewers describe it as “not too big,” making it manageable without feeling rushed, and the opportunity to see animals up close makes it particularly special.

It’s also perfect for those looking to escape the city without leaving Victoria, as the park offers a refreshing contrast to traditional zoos with its broad open spaces and more authentic habitats.

Why It’s Worth Considering

While some visitors note that certain animals can be elusive or resting during the visit, this is typical in wildlife parks. The guided safari is consistently praised as the core experience, delivering close animal encounters in a safe, well-maintained environment. Many reviews emphasize the dedication of staff and the well-run facilities.

If you’re wondering about value, at $38, the price includes admission, the safari tour, and keeper talks, which many travelers find to be excellent value. Add in the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals and relax in a scenic setting, and you have a day that’s both fun and educational.

The Sum Up

Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a unique wildlife experience just outside Melbourne, blending African-style safaris with native Australian animals. It’s especially suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a naturalistic zoo experience with well-maintained habitats and knowledgeable guides.

While you might not see every animal at every turn, the overall experience is engaging, authentic, and well worth the price. It’s a perfect outing for anyone who wants to enjoy animals in a spacious environment without the hassle of international travel.

If you’re eager for a day of adventure, education, and close animal encounters, Werribee is a strong choice that combines convenience and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the safari included in the ticket price?
Yes, the guided safari across the open-range savannah is included with your general admission ticket, making it a highlight of your day.

How do I get to the zoo?
You can drive there via the Princes Freeway, which takes about 30 minutes from Melbourne, or take a train from Melbourne CBD to Werribee station, followed by a bus to the zoo.

Are children allowed free entry?
Children under 16 enter free on weekends, Victorian school holidays, and public holidays. Children 3 and under are free every day.

What should I bring?
A picnic lunch, comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps a hat and sunscreen. The zoo has picnic areas, but food and drinks at the restaurants can be quite pricey.

Can I see all animals during my visit?
Not necessarily. Some animals may be resting or hiding, especially if the weather isn’t ideal. The safari is the best chance for close, active encounters.

Are there guided talks?
Yes, keeper talks are scheduled throughout the day, providing insights and making the visit more educational and engaging.

Is the park accessible?
Yes, the zoo is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a well-rounded, authentic wildlife experience that’s both fun and educational. Whether you’re traveling with kids, wildlife buffs, or just looking to see animals in more natural settings, it’s a day well spent just outside Melbourne.

You can check availability for your dates here: