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Werribee Open Range Zoo is a family-friendly zoo with an African safari theme that is close to Melbourne. It offers visitors the chance to see African giraffes and zebras on safari tours, as well as other animals such as lions, monkeys, and hippos. There are also several walking trails available for exploring.

Great zoo to visit for a day trip! There’s just enough animals to see for a day and there’s cafes to get a drink and snacks too. Really cool to be able to go on the trailer through the open range zoo and see some animals fairly close. Definitely want to come again and bring my child when she’s older.

Keith Chen — Google review

Great day out. We went on the regular safari. It was great, and we purchased tickets for the Felix safari, which was the same just you go off road and get closer photos up close with the animals. Both were awesome.Safari in the afternoon 2:30 was cold so pack jackets.The kids really enjoyed the zoo ages 3-9, so a great family day out.Food was very reasonable, so we had breakfast and lunch at the zoo, and cheaper than eating elsewhere.

Vern? Dove (Coffs Butterfly House) — Google review

The experience of this zoo is truly enjoyable. You can discover that they have incorporated many clever ideas to enhance the fun while strolling through the zoo. The safari experience is decent, although its quality can vary depending on the weather and your luck. However, since it's included in the ticket price, there's no reason to complain. I believe opting for the deluxe safari might be a great choice as it allows you to get closer to the wildlife.

Dante — Google review

Slumber Safari @ Werribee Zoo was an amazing experience for the family. This place offered a camping experience of being in a tent with all your personal amenities one needs for camping. After settling into our family tent we grouped together and went on a night walk of the zoo. Followed by a nice warm meal and hot chocolate by the outdoor open fire. The next day followed by a private tour of the zoo and a close experience with the rhinoceros and giraffes in the savannah. Highly recommend, lots of great fun for families.

Nicky McLean — Google review

This was a fantastic experience for my kids. They enjoyed seeing the various animals The zoo was huge with lots of open area for the animals to roam freely. The tram ride was the highlight which was relaxing and the guide was very informative. The park trail was also a fun experience as we got to interact with the roaming animals. Overall, it was a good and fun experience for the family. I will strongly recommend this as a must visit place where you will need at least 2-3 hours to enjoy the various zones thoroughly.

Udayakumar Manogaran — Google review

The most amazing zoo I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. The animal enclosures were massive which enabled them to live as they would in a natural environment. All enclosures were clean and well looked after. The safari bus tour was a must do, so informative and such a fantastic experience. So much to do with the kids and the park itself was spotless. A must do!

Sharnie Bowerman — Google review

Great few hours out with the family. The safari bus tour was really good fun and informative. We had a sunny day so the animals were out and easy to see. Took a 7 yo and 10 yo who loved seeing the bigger animals really closely and in an area where they can roam a lot more free than the usual city zoos. This zoo is more so about getting the animals a safe and large space to live a good life and us humans can see them, other zoos have a large attraction feel to them with smaller enclosures so we see more animals all the time.

Benjamin Feld — Google review

Werribee Open Range Zoo is an amazing place to visit. The animals are well cared for and the habitats are beautiful. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The animal encounters are amazing and give you an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the animals. The self-guided safaris are great for families and there is something for everyone. The safari buses are great for getting around the zoo and the walking trails are well maintained. The food options are great too and there are plenty of places to eat. All in all, Werribee Open Range Zoo is an amazing place to visit and a great day out for the whole family. Highly recommended!

Abdullah — Google review

Go! Deluxe Safari tour was definitely worth it. Close enough to shake 🐾! Welcoming & friendly staff everywhere! Lots of great picnic areas and cafes. The entire Zoo truly captures the African vibe esp with the live drumming, fun dancing, face painting etc. My favourite hands down is the Ethiopian coffee ceremony. To sit & enjoy hot coffee with popcorn & bread was amazing. Definitely coming back! Favourite animal visit was 🦏 🦍🦓🦛! Looking forward to the completion of renovations etc… 🐘 are coming!🎉Gift shop is great with reasonable prices.

Mariam — Google review

Highlight of my trip! Our guide Georgia was so knowledgeable! I purchased the Deluxe Safari and this is well worth it. The general public bus was provided and included in admission, but was a large bus that held about 100 people, including many children (not for me), and because of the size of the bus, it could only stay on the road. Our deluxe safari bus only had 9 people, and we were able to drive off road right to see the animals.. We were just a few metres away from all the giraffes, rhinos, ostriches and zebras. 5 stars for sure!!

Liz Nguyen — Google review

An incredible experience at Werribee Zoo! The open-range concept made me feel like I was on a real safari. The safari tour was a highlight – getting close to giraffes and rhinos was unforgettable. The zoo's commitment to conservation is inspiring. Friendly staff, well-maintained, and perfect for families. A must-visit for nature lovers!

Vishwas Prasad — Google review

Come early and do the safari in the morning and afternoon. The staff are friendly and enthusiastic. Huge props to Aaron the tour guide and the lady dressed as a lion. The food is nice and sitting by the meerkats is a treat. Stay all day and take your time to see all the animals. Fantastic visit.

M — Google review

You HAVE to do the Safari experience when you go here. I found that the most interesting animals outside of the Safari were either hidden away, inactive, or just not there. Pretty cool to have an Emu pop out of the bushes right next to you and casually walk past while you freak out a bit. But Safari is where it's at! Super cool tour guides there too that keeps it extra interesting and lay down some great jokes.

Jayson fa*gioli — Google review

This is such a fun zoo to visit. Great to bring the families, school groups or for work functions (which is what we did).We played a scavenger hunt game and had so much fun seeing the animals and learning lots.The safari is definitely a highlight and a must do to get up close to some beautiful creatures.The staff are all passionate and highly educated in conservation and protection.Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun corporate event you look here for something different.

Rachael — Google review

5 stars for the bride's assistant; Andy. She was attentive, helpful, patient and very caring. The couple were very happy, same with the wedding ceremony and reception guests. The other staff were great too.But for me, this was the first time I had visited the Werribee Zoo, and I don't know.... I was expecting more. Maybe the standard I had in mind was Melbourne Zoo, which is beautiful, lush and meticulously maintained. But Werribee Zoo... not so much.

Kaiwin Yeung — Google review

Excellent up close experiences with some of the most popular animals. Zoo staff have excellent animal knowledge and are happy to be asked questions. There are daily keeper talks scheduled and it’s possible to cruise the zoo and listen to all the talks, which were informative and focused heavily on the zoo’s conservation efforts. The zoo safari was a highlight. Animal encounters are not guaranteed as the zoo is big on animals behaving naturally and having choice about where they graze and interact. However, when we went we had several animals right next to our bus. There are free water fountains dotted around the park, so bring a reusable bottle to fill up. The cafe offers all the usual foods you would expect and a coffee hatch is also available for quick pot stops.

Inya Wallace — Google review

Safari bus tour was definitely a highlight! It's free with normal entrance ticket and leaves often so you don't have to wait for long. Would recommend seeing the hippos in the morning as they go into the water during the hotter times of the day and hard to get a good look at them when they're under the water.

Ahalya Piers — Google review

I have visited Werribee zoo a few times and always had a great time with my family. I specially like the safari ride within the zoo. There are lot of kids play areas which keeps the kids busy and they love it. Loved taking pictures around few areas are upgraded with new outlets. Have a full day planned if you want to enjoy everything it has. Cafes and dining options are there to keep you going. Would suggest early in the day as it gets really crowded as the day progresses.

Richa Negi — Google review

We went to two times while school holiday.Great place for kidsExciting with animals better then city zoo animals ;)))City animals looks tired 😴 HahaRange zoo so much better.Real safari;)))Safari bus is great experience with kids.One thing, some kids scary for safari bus and looking animals. Your kids doesn’t want to take safari bus, please just don’t get in. Even do not try for adults.It’s disturbing for driver’s explanations and noise and loud for others families.With membership is so special;))Without waiting and quick entry is of course. When you got membership card, kids love it 😍 why? Just join then you can know that ;)).Thank you for Werribee zoo staff too.They are kind and zoo keepers is friendly looks so special for kids and adults too.

Suyeon Jung — Google review

The zoo really touts the safari which is completely wheelchair accessible and pretty cool. The only thing is there aren't many animals to see, about 7-8. The rest of the zoo is pretty small. Great for children and really appreciated the open range experience. As always with a zoo the earlier you arrive the better.

Heather J Cook — Google review

Animals look happy.. GO on the bus ride just wear a good warm jacket.. Lions are beautiful.. cubs will be on show soon . Food there is expensive.. it's a nice day . Take lunch and have a picnic .

Vanessa Bowe — Google review

I love this zoo. I have visited it two times, definitely will visit again. I wish it was close to the city.There is a free safari bus inside the zoo. A long queue, unless you are a very lucky person, you most likely need to wait around 15-20. But, it is very worth it. I recommend you to ride the safari bus.

Amela Erliana C — Google review

I've been a Zoos Victoria member for over 10 years, and Werribee Zoo never gets boring! It's a short drive from the surrounding suburbs, which means that there is minimal traffic and it's usually easy to find parking spaces. The cafes have great food, the overall environment is kept impeccable. But most importantly the wildlife, obviously monitored closely by dedicated keepers, have large enclosures also kept green by a horticulturist team.I recommend this zoo for families with children, or anyone in general, as there are tons of entertaining and educational activities for everyone to enjoy (such as the safari bus, which is where you can view most of the animals at one time). It's clear that this zoo values the protection and conservation efforts of wildlife, and visiting is what has made me want to become a zookeeper!

spicy double chicken patty — Google review

zoo experience was absolutely amazing! 🐾🦁🐼 From the moment you stepped through the gates, you were greeted by a world filled with fascinating creatures and incredible sights. The vibrant colors of the birds, the graceful movements of the big cats, and the playful antics of the monkeys brought so much joy to your day. It was like being transported into a whole new world, where you could connect with animals from all corners of the globe. The zookeepers were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, sharing interesting facts and stories about each animal. You even had the chance to feed some of them and get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. It was an experience that left you feeling grateful for the wonders of nature and the opportunity to witness such incredible wildlife. 🌍🐾✨

Ella — Google review

My husband and I, had a wonderful time on Early Morning Savannah Experience. Ranger Paul warmly welcomed us with a big smile 😊 and friendly. He is very experienced, knowledgeable, and responsible (remind us about safety). Any questions that we asked, he will definitely answered us. We had a great time chatting and sharing our experiences with the animals we've encountered before. Once again thank you Ranger Paul and Werribee Zoo staffs for giving us such a great memories.

Sharon Lee — Google review

Now we know why everyone loves this zoo, fantastic. The staff are knowledgeable & helpful. The Safari was such a highlight - go at lunchtime!So much to see & it's great to hear about all the conservation work happening. Plenty for the kids to do & enjoy. Definitely take swimmers for the water play area as this was lovely on a hot day.Be warned - the gift shop is good & we left with enormous fluffy leopards 🤣🤣

Corinna Hull — Google review

Visiting Werribee Open Zoo was truly fascinating! It was a fulfilling experience, especially witnessing the animals roam freely and revel in their natural habitat. However, the size of the zoo seemed a bit overwhelming compared to the number of animals present, making it challenging to get up close and personal with them. Improving the guidance provided and increasing the number of zoo crew members could greatly enhance the overall experience for visitors.

Captain Magellan — Google review

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Werribee Zoo and the highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the safari ride. This unique experience took me on an exhilarating journey through the zoo’s extensive grounds, offering close encounters with a variety of wildlife in a setting that closely mimics their natural habitats.The safari ride was both educational and entertaining, providing insights into the lives of the animals we saw, including giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, making the tour not only informative but also a lot of fun. The animals seemed well-cared for and the vast open spaces they roamed in were impressive.For those looking for an even more enhanced experience, I highly recommend booking the deluxe safari in advance. This premium option offers a more intimate and personalized tour, allowing for closer views and more detailed information about the wildlife and the zoo’s conservation efforts.The rest of Werribee Zoo also didn’t disappoint, with well-maintained paths, friendly staff, and a variety of animals to see. However, the safari ride is a must-do – it’s an incredible way to immerse yourself in the wild and witness the majesty of these animals up close. It’s an experience that both adults and children will find enjoyable and memorable.Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning wildlife enthusiast, Werribee Zoo’s safari ride is a fantastic way to spend a day out, surrounded by the wonders of nature.Notes:Parking can be full so expect a walk in peak hours.More bins around the park would be nice.

Tristyn F (TRISTYN) — Google review

Amazing zoo for family, friends and everyone. Highly recommended you got to experience the safari bus to see for yourself those incredible animals in front of your eye, that close to you. And today our guy is Leo to explain those animals knowledge and culture for us. It’s an extra cost to do this but trust me, it’s worthwhile. And you will not regret it. ☺️

Curious George x Dinosaur in AU, 好奇猴子X一隻恐龍的澳洲日常 (澳洲人妻日誌) — Google review

Awesome experience!!I did a Slumber safari - overnight stay and I loved the experience. They take you out for a twilight bus ride, evening walk around the park and couple of close wildlife encounters . The staff were really friendly, food was good and accommodation was good as well. It was a unique experience.If you love wildlife and you cannot travel to Africa, I highly recommend to do slumber safari experience.

Premal Nanavati — Google review

Honestly best zoo we have been to, so family friendly, throughout the entire zoo there is many play areas/ activities for the kids, even a splash pad which was very popular. Canteen inside also so no need to go to the bistro at the main entrance. Great service throughout the zoo. Definitely worth the visit and the entry price ticket includes a safari ride which is an awesome addition.

Alma Arnautovic — Google review

A really excellent experience, we went as two adults and found it exceed our expectations. The Deluxe Safari Adventure extra was also well worth the money and I would highly recommend this to adults and kids alike. As you can see from my photos - I saw a lot of great animals.

Steve Hui (IFLYFLAT) — Google review

Werribee Zoo offers a pleasant day out for families and animal lovers alike. While it may not boast the extensive collection seen in some other zoos across Victoria, it still holds its own charm.The highlight of the zoo experience is undoubtedly the bus safari, where visitors can get up close and personal with some magnificent creatures in a semi-wild environment. It's a unique and immersive experience that sets Werribee Zoo apart.However, outside of the safari, the variety of animals on display is somewhat limited compared to other zoos in the area. Nevertheless, the zoo still manages to offer an enjoyable experience, especially for younger visitors.Overall, Werribee Zoo is worth a visit, particularly if you're looking for a family-friendly outing. While it may not be a destination for frequent visits, it certainly makes for a memorable one-time experience.

Pranav Mulay — Google review

What a lovely few hours at the Open Range Zoo today, we all loved it, especially the Deluxe Safari as it got you close with fewer people and good commentary.If you live close enough a Yearly Pass is a great idea.I thought the animal enclosures were well thought out with them having plenty of space. Great to see.The new elephant enclosure will be a real benefit to the zoo.

Paul Tooze (No Journey Too Small) — Google review

Werribee Open ranges is a great experience, especially with younger kids with the free safari bus! You get to see animals right up next to bus. It is definitely a whole day trip location and they allow you to bring your own food to have a picnic lunch. There are plenty of places (benches and soft grass) to have lunch. Plenty of great photo opportunities as you can see here!

Joshua Dick — Google review

Haven’t been for ~15+ years and the zoo has grown, the safari is fantastic with around 10 minute waits and massive safari busses. The staff were polite and love what they do, all very chirpy for working on a public holiday and great with kids. Great experience and the moving Dino’s are on the loose 🦖

Paul Kingston — Google review

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