Photo of Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria1 / 2
Zoos

Werribee Open Range Zoo

πŸ“ Werribee South, VIC

β˜…4.5(16,169 Google reviews)πŸ’°$82.10πŸ‘ΆAll ages

Open range zoo in Werribee South featuring complimentary safari bus tours through free-roaming African animal exhibits, walking trails with multiple animal vantage points, free water refill stations, and children's free entry included in adult

βœ“ Safari bus includedβœ“ Free kids entryβœ“ Open range settingβœ“ Free water refillβœ“ Lots of walkingβœ“ Zoo membership value
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Love Cats

I had an amazing day at Werribee Zoo β€” it was my first time, and I was super excited to explore and see all the beautiful animals. It was hot, but that didn’t slow me down at all. I was full of energy and eager to walk around and see everything! I spent a lot of time watching the lions 🦁 β€” the kings of the jungle! OMG, they were so cute and so close to us. I was secretly wishing the fluffy lion would ROAR! πŸ˜„ I also went on the safari bus 🚌 to explore the open range. How cool is it riding around while they explain fascinating facts about all the different animals? I absolutely loved it! Seeing all the animals living their best lives in their own spaces made me really happy. I was amazed at how some animals live together so peacefully. I couldn’t stop laughing at the rhinos lying in the mud β€” they looked just like rocks πŸͺ¨ hehe. Our bus driver was amazing β€” fun, friendly, and really knew how to make everyone enjoy the ride. Great job! My favourite part at the end was seeing the elephants 🐘 β€” absolutely beautiful animals. They were playing in the water, and the little one was so playful with the mother elephant. So cute! Then the rain 🌧 came and cooled everything down β€” perfect timing, haha. Overall, I loved how Werribee Zoo is set up for visitors. There are plenty of cafΓ©s, food areas, toilets, shaded spots, and clear signs to guide you around. I loved all the green trees, the neat and tidy environment, the artwork and statues everywhere, and the lovely huts πŸ›–. Every little detail is well thought out. And of course, a big thank you to all the wonderful staff who take such great care of the animals β€” amazing job! Yes β€” Werribee Zoo is 100% better than Melbourne Zoo. I had the best time! πŸ˜πŸ¦πŸšŒπŸ’š

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

The best choice for families who want a wildlife experience that feels like a real safari rather than a traditional zoo. Children enter free with an adult ticket, making it strong value. The site is large and walking-intensive β€” families with children under 4 should plan carefully around pram terrain and distance.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Sit on the right-hand side of the safari bus for the best animal sightlines
⏰Buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues on busy days
🎟️Free water refill stations throughout the park β€” bring a reusable bottle
πŸš—Zoo membership covers all three Zoos Victoria sites; worthwhile for families planning multiple visits

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.5
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

16,169 Google reviews

Safari bus experience45%
Free kids entry value25%
Open range animal setting20%
Significant walking distance10%
L

Love Cats

a month ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œI had an amazing day at Werribee Zoo β€” it was my first time, and I was super excited to explore and see all the beautiful animals. It was hot, but that didn’t slow me down at all. I was full of energy and eager to walk around and see everything! I spent a lot of time watching the lions 🦁 β€” the kings of the jungle! OMG, they were so cute and so close to us. I was secretly wishing the fluffy lion would ROAR! πŸ˜„ I also went on the safari bus 🚌 to explore the open range. How cool is it riding around while they explain fascinating facts about all the different animals? I absolutely loved it! Seeing all the animals living their best lives in their own spaces made me really happy. I was amazed at how some animals live together so peacefully. I couldn’t stop laughing at the rhinos lying in the mud β€” they looked just like rocks πŸͺ¨ hehe. Our bus driver was amazing β€” fun, friendly, and really knew how to make everyone enjoy the ride. Great job! My favourite part at the end was seeing the elephants 🐘 β€” absolutely beautiful animals. They were playing in the water, and the little one was so playful with the mother elephant. So cute! Then the rain 🌧 came and cooled everything down β€” perfect timing, haha. Overall, I loved how Werribee Zoo is set up for visitors. There are plenty of cafΓ©s, food areas, toilets, shaded spots, and clear signs to guide you around. I loved all the green trees, the neat and tidy environment, the artwork and statues everywhere, and the lovely huts πŸ›–. Every little detail is well thought out. And of course, a big thank you to all the wonderful staff who take such great care of the animals β€” amazing job! Yes β€” Werribee Zoo is 100% better than Melbourne Zoo. I had the best time! πŸ˜πŸ¦πŸšŒπŸ’šβ€

N

Nick Stock

2 months ago

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β€œβ­β­β­β­β­ Werribee Open Range Zoo is an incredible experience and easily one of the best zoos in Victoria. The safari bus tour is a must-do β€” seeing giraffes, zebras, rhinos and other animals roaming freely is unforgettable and feels like a real safari. The zoo is spacious, well designed, and never feels crowded. The elephant habitat is especially impressive, and the walking trails offer great views in a calm, natural setting. Keeper talks are informative and engaging, and it’s clear the zoo is strongly focused on conservation and animal welfare. Facilities are clean and well maintained, with plenty of shaded areas, picnic spots, and food options. It’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone who loves wildlife. Easy to spend a full day here and leave wanting to come back. Highly recommend! πŸ¦’πŸŒΏβ€

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Pamela M

a month ago

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β€œWhat an amazing, really different zoo to visit! There are well signposted paths to walk on, which give you a few chances to see all of the animals from a few vantage points. The safari bus (free!) was amazing, but I’d probably sit on the right hand side if you can! We drove on part of the same road coming back, but not as slowly if you are trying to take pics. The open range area is just beautiful: just like being on safari! I’ve never seen rhinos so close up, or any of the other animals so close either. It’s expensive to get in, but when you see the zoo, it’s easy to appreciate the cost of running it, so just pay! It’s sooo worth seeing and is an unforgettable place.”

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Liz Ryan

2 months ago

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β€œAbsolutely love coming to Werribee Zoo. The safari bus is always a favourite. I'm a member so there was no wait at all to get in. Highly recommend becoming a member of you're going to visit a few times & want to see the other zoos as well. Otherwise, buy tickets online beforehand to save having to wait in the long queue on a busy day. Specifically came to see the elephants this time. Such a great set up! Be warned that it is a bit of a walk to the elephants with minimal shade. A few food options & water bottle fill up stations all over which was really helpful on a warm Summer day.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Werribee Open Range Zoo spreads across a large open landscape where giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and other African species roam in a genuinely open setting. The safari bus tour is included in the entry price and runs through the open range section. Walking trails circle the remainder of the park with vantage points positioned at each exhibit. Free water refill stations are distributed throughout. Membership covers entry to all three Zoos Victoria properties.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday09:00 – 17:00
Thursday09:00 – 17:00
Friday09:00 – 17:00
Saturday09:00 – 17:00
Sunday09:00 – 17:00

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