Why travel thousands of kilometres, when a taste of African adventure is available just 30 minutes from Melbourne's city centre? At Werribee Open Range Zoo, you'll find an amazing array of animals living on 225 hectares of wide, open savannah.

On the Pula Reserve Walking Trail, come face-to-face with a pride of lions, see monkeys and cheetahs at play and discover a family of hippos at the Kubu River Hippos exhibit.

No trip to the Zoo is complete without heading out on safari across grassy plains where you'll find rhinos, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing together on the picturesque savannah.

All of the above, including the 45-minute safari tour, is included in the Zoo admission price. For those looking for even more adventure, then why not try one of the behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters. Touch a rhino, feed a giraffe, stroke a serval and see amazing animals up close from the Open Vehicle.

Upcoming new attractions include: the opening of one of the world's largest gorilla exhibits in September 2011; the relaunch of the new luxury Slumber Safari overnight accommodation in Spring 2011, and the new "Open Range, Open Late" summer concert series. Visit website for more details.

Cost

Local directions

Werribee Open Range Zoo is located 35 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD on the Princes Freeway. It is a short 30 minute drive from the city over the Westgate Bridge. Take the Werribee South exit to K Road.

Facilities

Activities

Opening hours

Werribee Open Range Zoo is open every day of the year.

Daily
9:00am -5:00pm
Front gates close at 3.30pm daily

Memberships

• The Ecotourism Association of Australia
• Inbound Tour Operators Association
• Tourism Alliance Victoria
• Tourism Task Force
• Visitor Information Centre

Disabled access

Contact operator for further details.

Additional business information

Zoo Highlights
TODDLER TUESDAYS- Every Tuesday is Toddler Tuesday at Werribee Open Range Zoo where terrific activities will keep the fives and under 'wildly' entertained all day. Kids can feed giraffe and meerkats, take a kid-friendly safari tour across the savannah or sing, dance and play to African-inspired songs in our African Village Dance Party! For more information please visit the website. WILD ENCOUNTERS- Werribee Open Range Zoo offers exciting encounters for the animal enthusiast. These include: a luxurious overnight stay on a Slumber Safari; an unforgettable journey through the spectacular savannah with an Open Vehicle Adventure; incredible giraffe feeds on the Tall Order; touching a rhino on Rhinos Revealed; and many other amazing behind-the-scenes animal encounters. For further details and video footage of these exciting encounters, please visit http://www.zoo.org.au/Werribee/Wild_Encounters. OPEN RANGE, OPEN LATE - This January the new 'Open Range, Open Late' concert series will be launched! The zoo's African village will come alive in the evening with African drums, bands and performers. Visitors will be treated to vibrant African music, evening Safari tours and much more!

Learning Experiences
Werribee Open Range Zoo offers many learning opportunities for children in kinder and early years right up to VCE. Kinder and Early Years: Exciting 'Early Childhood and Early Years' programs provide a fun and safe way for children to explore natural environments while getting close to our wildlife. Middle Years: Engaging 'Middle Years' programs encourage students to discover and explore the natural world while meeting amazing animals and taking positive action for wildlife. Later Years: Captivating 'Later Years' programs allow students to focus specifically on an area of interest that relates to their future schooling and career pathways. VCE: A broad range of VCE programs aligned with VCE study designs in Biology and Psychology are available. The zoo has natural grasslands teeming with wildlife, expert zoo staff and opportunities for amazing 'up close' animal encounters, making it an ideal venue for VCE students. For more information please visit the website.

Meetings, Conferences and Weddings
Liberty Catering Concepts is the dedicated caterer for all functions at Werribee Open Range Zoo. All menus have been designed to complement the African theme of the Zoo, using an array of flavours and spices inspired by North African cuisine and using the very best quality seasonal produce, sourced locally, prepared onsite and served with professional skill and care. Whether you are looking for an elegant cocktail function, conference, formal gala dinner or wedding with a difference, the professional functions team will work with you to create a unique and memorable event. The Zoo offers two flexible indoor venues and an array of outdoor spaces including authentic African huts, gardens, lawns and picnic areas. Events can range from a gourmet barbeque to a whole 'Savannah Sunset' event spanning larger areas of the grounds. Liberty Catering is able to cater any event, large or small. For more information please contact Liberty Catering Concepts: 03 9285 9440