I LOVE the Werribee Open Range Zoo. It's not like the typical zoo found in major cities around the world ..... but instead it comprises of wide open spaces where animals can freely roam. The public can view the zoo's residents up close from specially designed buses that slowly cruise between the different expansive enclosures. There are also several walking trails that meander between other interesting enclosures.
I have visited the Werribee Zoo on many occasions throughout the years, (during all types of weather) & I still find the place fascinating.
The staff too are extremely helpful & very enthusiastic about the animals & their environs.
During the summer months Werribee Zoo also hold "Rhythm of Africa" concerts, featuring live music from a range of African groups & artists. This too is a bonus & a heap of fun!
All I can say is "Ya Have To Go" ...... not once, but again & again because each time is different.

This is a great place to take children and of course the adults enjoy the laid back atmosphere. There are less animals and less crowds than the Zoo but enough to enjoy looking at - monkeys, lions, mia cats, etc. You can dine in the restaurant on site, take food outside or bring your own food and eat outside with tables & seats provided. For an extra charge you can go on a wild safari ride which is so worthwhile. There are Hippos, deer and lots of other animals. What a treat.

Werribee Zoo is a fantastic day out for couples and/or families. With a large array of animals to see by safari truck that takes you throughout the vast Range, it is well worth the 35 minute drive from the CBD.

Just 32 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, the Werribee Open Range Zoo allows visitors to experience a microcosm of the African Savannah. Spread over an area of 225 hectares, the zoo is a great place to spend a morning, afternoon or full day for both children and adults.

Wandering pathways through Australian native grasses lead you to many of the attractions such as the lion enclosure or the hippo pools. Huge totems of tribal masks guide you to the Safari Station where you board your safari bus for a 45 minute drive across the ‘savannah.’ Grazing, lazing and gazing at you as your informative ranger guide drives, are rhinoceros, giraffes, zebra, giant elan, African oryx, Mongolian horses, the odd ostrich, even camels.

The zoo has one of the largest gorilla exhibits in the world and you can watch these fascinating creatures from a platform on the edge of the natural wetland which separates their habitat from the public.

The large areas of lawn and landscaped gardens are a relaxing place to take time out over a picnic tea, or lunch. If a picnic is not your thing, the cafes and bistro offer a variety of food and drinks with plenty of tables and chairs. In summer have fun at the Rhythm of Africa performances.

If you have the time, the Open Range Zoo is well worth a visit.