Australian Wildlife Tour at Melbourne Zoo Ticket – excl. entry

An Up-Cclose Look at Australia’s Wildlife at Melbourne Zoo

If you’re after an authentic wildlife experience in Melbourne, the Australian Wildlife Tour at Melbourne Zoo offers an engaging way to see some of the country’s most iconic animals before the crowds arrive. Priced at around $67.23 per person and lasting roughly 45 minutes, this tour is a perfect blend of education, intimacy, and wildlife sighting. Led by knowledgeable guides, it promises a behind-the-scenes peek into the lives of koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and native birds, all set in the lush surroundings of one of Melbourne’s most beloved zoos.

What we love about this experience is its early start—beginning at 8:00 am—which allows you to witness animals at their most active just as they wake up. Plus, the behind-the-scenes kangaroo encounter feels genuinely special, giving you a close look that few visitors get to experience during regular zoo hours. However, since the tour excludes general zoo entry, you’ll need to plan to purchase entry separately—something worth considering if you’re on a tight schedule.

This tour suits nature lovers, families, and anyone eager to learn about Australian wildlife in an intimate setting. If you enjoy guided insights and up-close animal encounters, this is a neat way to kick off your day in Melbourne. But keep in mind that the tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personal feel but requiring advance booking.

Key Points

• Early access means animals are most active and the experience is quieter and more personal.
• Behind-the-scenes kangaroo encounter offers a rare chance to see these animals close-up away from crowds.
• Knowledgeable guides like Ariel and Cate enhance the tour with engaging presentations and factual tidbits.
• Focus on native animals such as koalas, wombats, and wallabies, providing an authentic Australian wildlife experience.
• Excludes general admission; plan to purchase entry separately or re-enter the zoo.
• Small group size (max 10) ensures an intimate, tailored experience.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Meeting the Guides and Koala Presentation

Your morning begins at Melbourne Zoo’s entrance at Elliott Ave. Once inside, you’ll meet your guide, who will introduce you to the zoo’s passionate staff and start with an informative koala talk. The staff, highly knowledgeable, share quirky facts about these iconic animals, making it more than just a quick glance—they bring these creatures to life with engaging storytelling. Based on reviews, guides like Ariel and Cate are praised for their warmth and expertise, turning a simple talk into a memorable highlight.

Kangaroos and Emus: Breakfast Time

Next, the tour moves to the main kangaroo exhibit. Here, you’ll get close to these iconic Aussie animals and even observe them having breakfast. Watching kangaroos nibble on their morning food is a simple yet charming moment that highlights their relaxed, social nature. For many, this is the highlight—an up-close experience that’s rare during standard zoo visits. One reviewer noted, “we loved seeing the animals up close, and the keepers were very personable,” emphasizing how staff’s passion enhances the experience.

Wombat Underground

The tour then heads underground into the wombat burrow, giving you a glimpse of these fascinating creatures, some weighing over 30kgs. It’s a chance to see wombats in their habitat, which is designed to mimic their natural environment. Wombats are often overlooked during day visits, so this behind-the-scenes peek offers a meaningful opportunity to understand their size and behavior. Travelers who appreciate seeing animals in more naturalistic settings find this part particularly rewarding.

Birdlife in the Great Flight Aviary

The final stop takes you through the Great Flight Aviary, bursting with native Australian bird species. Birds like red-tailed black cockatoos, wonga pigeons, apostle birds, and the majestic jabiru fill the air with sound and color. If you enjoy vibrant visuals and the gentle flutter of wings, this part will delight. You might even spot parrots, honeyeaters, and other native birds flitting about, adding a lively, sensory element to your morning.

Optional Re-Entry and Additional Planning

It’s important to remember that general zoo entry is not included, so if you want to explore the broader zoo afterward, you’ll need to purchase tickets separately or re-enter. Many reviewers suggest combining this tour with a full day at the zoo—especially since the early morning experience sets the tone for a relaxed, animal-focused day.

What Past Travelers Say

Visitors consistently praise the knowledge of guides and the stunning views they get during this tour. One reviewer shared that guides Ariel and Cate “made the whole experience so memorable,” highlighting the importance of engaging, expert guides. Others have noted how the quiet early hours allow for better animal sightings and a more personal experience than during peak hours.

A common theme in reviews is how this tour offers a “beautiful experience” for animal lovers and families alike, with many mentioning the opportunity to see animals in their waking hours, which is often missed in regular zoo visits. Several mentioned that it’s a great way to avoid the crowds and get a more relaxed, focused look at these unique creatures.

Practical Details and Considerations

• The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a manageable morning activity.
• It starts promptly at 8:00 am, so arriving a bit earlier (by 7:30 am) is recommended for smooth check-in.
• The group is limited to 10 people, ensuring a personalized experience but requiring advance booking.
• A minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 10 per booking makes this ideal for small groups or families.
• The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately and wearing covered shoes is advisable.
• The tour does not include general admission; plan accordingly if you want to explore the zoo afterward.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

If you’re someone who loves animals, especially native Australian species, and values guided insight and small-group experiences, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s particularly appealing for families with kids, wildlife enthusiasts, or travelers who want to see animals at their most active without the crowds. The behind-the-scenes encounters and expert guides elevate this from a standard zoo visit to a memorable, educational adventure.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a full-day experience, you may want to combine this tour with a day ticket to the zoo or other Melbourne attractions. Also, since general admission isn’t included, plan to budget for entry if exploring beyond the tour.

FAQ

• Do I need to purchase general admission separately? Yes, the tour ticket is exclusive of zoo entry, so you’ll need to buy your tickets to access the zoo either beforehand or on the day.
• What time does the tour start? It begins sharply at 8:00 am, so plan to arrive a little earlier.
• How long does the tour last? Expect around 45 minutes of guided animal encounters and insights.
• Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, most travelers, including children, can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
• What is the group size? The tour is limited to 10 participants to ensure a personal experience.
• What should I wear? Dress appropriately for the weather and wear covered shoes as the tour includes walking and some underground parts.
• Can I join if I’m not a zoo member? Yes, but remember you’ll need to purchase zoo entry separately unless you plan to re-enter with a ticket.
• Is this tour suitable in bad weather? Yes, it operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.
• Can I combine this with other activities? Absolutely, many travelers use this as an intro to a full day exploring Melbourne Zoo or nearby attractions.
• Is it worth the price? Considering the personalized guides, behind-the-scenes access, and early morning animal activity, many find this tour provides excellent value for wildlife enthusiasts.

Final Words

This Australian Wildlife Tour at Melbourne Zoo offers a rare chance to see Australia’s most beloved animals up close and personal in a setting that emphasizes education and authenticity. It’s a well-balanced experience that combines guidance from passionate experts with intimate encounters in a relaxed atmosphere. If your goal is to start your zoo day with a memorable, insightful look at koalas, wombats, kangaroos, and native birds, this tour is a smart choice.

Ideal for animal lovers and families, it provides a meaningful way to connect with Australia’s unique wildlife beyond the typical zoo visit. Just remember to plan for separate general admission and book in advance—these small-group adventures fill quickly.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned zoo visitor, this experience can deepen your appreciation for Australia’s wildlife and make your Melbourne trip all the more special.