Melbourne Zoo
Discover diverse wildlife in beautifully designed habitats at Melbourne Zoo, a vibrant sanctuary for animals and visitors alike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals active, fewer crowds
Melbourne Zoo
Best Time
Animals active, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse wildlife in beautifully designed habitats at Melbourne Zoo, a vibrant sanctuary for animals and visitors alike.
"One of the best zoos I’ve ever been to, with thoughtful, intelligent enclosure design."
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Be there when the gates open for the best chance to see active animals! :clock1:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giraffes
African Savannah
Watch these gentle giants munching leaves in their expansive habitat. A consistent crowd-pleaser!
Lemur Island
African Rainforest
Get up close with playful lemurs as they roam freely in a spacious, immersive environment.
Elephants
Asian Elephants
Observe the majestic elephants in their thoughtfully designed habitat, often seen heading for feeding time.
Butterfly House
Rainforest
Step into a tropical wonderland filled with fluttering butterflies. A magical experience for all ages.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Morning is Key
Membership vs. Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Be there when the gates open for the best chance to see active animals! :clock1:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🥤 BYO Food & Drinks
Zoo food can be pricey; pack your own snacks and water. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone for amazing animal photos! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Be there when the gates open for the best chance to see active animals! :clock1:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🥤 BYO Food & Drinks
Zoo food can be pricey; pack your own snacks and water. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone for amazing animal photos! :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking is available but can fill up; arrive early for easier access. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Melbourne Zoo for its well-designed, immersive enclosures that allow for close encounters with a diverse range of animals. The beautiful gardens and thoughtful layout make it a joy to explore, offering an affordable and engaging family experience. While ticket prices are noted as being on the higher side, most feel the quality of the exhibits and the overall care for the animals justify the cost.
"Melbourne zoo is one of those places you can lose yourself in for hours …the 5 hour parking limit just flew by!
What a wonderful zoo filled with animals and people that care about them. The gardens and animal environments have been well thought out and are a joy to wander through as you experience animals from all different regions of the world. Thank you zoos Victoria for creating an affordable family experience that can be visited over and over again!"
Kerry Borgula
"visited the Melbourne Zoo on a Friday and was genuinely impressed. It’s hands down one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to. The variety of animals is excellent, and what really stood out to me was the thoughtful, intelligent design of the enclosures. They allow you to get remarkably close to the animals — much closer than in many other zoos — without ever compromising the animals’ comfort or safety.
While the ticket price is on the higher side, I found it absolutely worth it once I was inside. You can really tell that a lot of care and effort goes into making this place special — both for visitors and for the animals.
Highly recommended!"
Jonas Salloum
"Had a wonderful visit to the zoo to see the new baby giraffe. We are members and love visiting the zoo as a family. The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable. Loved the butterfly house but was disappointed at the Asian tourists trying to touch the butterflies. There really needs to be an attendant in the butterfly house the whole time because even after pointing to signs not to touch these people were touching. Made my heart sad for the little butterflies."
Carly S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Melbourne Zoo is easily accessible by public transport. Take a tram from the city center (e.g., Swanston Street) directly to the zoo's entrance. Trams 19 or 58 are good options. Driving is also possible, with parking available on-site, though it can fill up quickly.
Yes, there is parking available at Melbourne Zoo, particularly at the Rail Gate entrance. It's usually a small fee for a 5-hour limit, making it convenient for a visit. Arriving early is recommended, especially on busy days.
Absolutely! Public transport is a popular and convenient way to reach Melbourne Zoo. Trams are frequent and drop you right at the entrance. Check the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) website for the latest routes and schedules.
The most recommended way to travel from Melbourne's city center to the zoo is by tram. It's quick, efficient, and drops you right at the doorstep, avoiding any parking hassles.
While there isn't a train station directly at the zoo, you can take a tram from nearby train stations like Melbourne Central or Southern Cross. The tram ride is short and direct.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for Melbourne Zoo can vary, but generally, adult tickets are around $46, with concessions available. Children often get free entry, making it a great family outing. It's always best to check the official Melbourne Zoo website for the most current pricing.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the Melbourne Zoo entrance. However, booking online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to secure your entry and potentially avoid queues.
Look out for potential discounts through memberships, family passes, or special promotions. Purchasing a Zoo Victoria membership can offer significant savings if you plan to visit multiple zoos within a year.
Melbourne Zoo typically opens around 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. However, hours can vary seasonally or for special events, so it's crucial to check the official Melbourne Zoo website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, Melbourne Zoo often offers family passes which can be a cost-effective option for families visiting together. These passes typically cover two adults and a set number of children. Check their website for current offerings.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the giraffes on the African Savannah, the playful lemurs on Lemur Island, and the majestic elephants. The butterfly house is also a magical experience. Keep an eye out for tigers and lions, though they can be elusive! +1
Animals are generally most active in the early morning or late afternoon. Mornings are ideal for seeing them at their most energetic, while evenings can offer a quieter experience. +1
Melbourne Zoo is very family-friendly, with many engaging exhibits and play areas. The meerkats are at toddler-level and always active, and the butterfly house is a hit. Consider a membership for easier, shorter visits with young children.
To see most of the zoo thoroughly, plan for at least 4-5 hours. However, you can easily spend a full day here, especially with children. Many locals opt for shorter, more frequent visits with a membership.
Yes, Melbourne Zoo has several cafes and food outlets offering a range of options. However, bringing your own food and drinks is also a popular and cost-saving choice for many visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The giraffe enclosure offers stunning backdrops, especially with the city skyline in the distance. Lemur Island provides opportunities for dynamic shots of active primates. The lush greenery throughout the zoo also makes for beautiful nature photography.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged at Melbourne Zoo for personal use. However, always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash photography, especially in enclosed exhibits like the butterfly house.
While personal photography is fine, commercial photography or videography usually requires prior permission. Always respect signage regarding photography in specific areas, especially for sensitive exhibits.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing animals from a distance. However, a smartphone with a decent camera can also capture great shots, especially in well-designed enclosures where animals are closer.
Try to capture animals in natural poses or interactions. Early morning or late afternoon light is often softer and more flattering. Patience is key – wait for the perfect moment!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a Zoo Victoria membership if you plan on visiting multiple times; it can be more cost-effective than single tickets and allows for shorter, more manageable visits with young children. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as zoo food can be expensive.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
♿ Visitors with Mobility Concerns
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Melbourne Zoo's Diverse Habitats
Visitors often rave about the immersive feel of the enclosures. The Lemur Island allows these energetic primates to move freely, often coming quite close to visitors, creating memorable interactions. Similarly, the Butterfly House offers a magical, enclosed tropical experience where you can walk amongst hundreds of fluttering butterflies. These carefully curated habitats are a testament to the zoo's commitment to conservation and education.
Beyond the iconic large mammals, the zoo also features dedicated areas for reptiles, birds, and Australian native animals. The Australian Bush section provides a glimpse into local fauna, making it a great spot for those unfamiliar with Australia's unique wildlife. The zoo's layout encourages exploration, with winding paths and strategically placed viewing areas that offer diverse perspectives on the animal kingdom.
Maximizing Your Visit: Timing and Strategy
Weekdays, especially outside of school holidays, are generally less crowded than weekends or public holidays. If your schedule allows, planning your visit for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday can make a big difference. Even arriving later in the afternoon can be rewarding, as some animals become active again as the day cools down.
For families with young children, the sheer size of the zoo can be daunting. Reddit users suggest that a zoo membership, allowing for multiple shorter visits, can be more manageable than trying to see everything in one exhausting day. This approach allows you to focus on specific areas or animals each time, reducing pressure and increasing enjoyment for both kids and adults.
The Value of Membership and Alternatives
If you're considering other zoo experiences in the region, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a different, more safari-like experience with vast open enclosures. It's particularly known for its African animals and the safari bus tour. Healesville Sanctuary is the premier destination for Australian native wildlife, offering an unparalleled opportunity to see iconic Aussie animals in a natural bushland setting.
For a more intimate wildlife encounter, consider smaller parks like the Kyabram Fauna Park or even specialized wildlife parks. These can offer unique opportunities, such as holding native animals, which might not be available at larger zoos. Always check the specific offerings and locations of these alternatives to match your interests.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit