Werribee Open Range Zoo Guide – Safari, Animals, Elephants, and What to Expect

Werribee Open Range Zoo is Melbourne’s largest open-range zoo, located in Werribee, Victoria, around 32 kilometres southwest of Melbourne CBD.

The zoo is known for its African-style safari, expansive savannah habitats, and premium experiences such as Sunset Safari and Slumber Safari overnight stays.

This guide explains the safari experience, animals including elephants, opening hours, transport, nearby accommodation, and what to expect on the day, helping visitors plan a smooth and informed visit to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Key Takeaways for Visitors Planning a Visit

• Location: Werribee, Victoria, southwest of Melbourne
• Best feature: Open-range safari with giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and lions
• Tickets: General entry, safari tours, and premium experiences available online
• Best time to visit: May to September
• Parking: Free onsite parking included
• Overnight stay: Slumber Safari lodges inside the zoo

What Is Werribee Open Range Zoo and Why Is It Different?

Werribee Open Range Zoo is an African-themed open-range zoo operated by Zoos Victoria, designed to allow animals to roam across large, naturalistic habitats rather than small enclosures.

Unlike a traditional city zoo, Werribee Zoo focuses on:

• Wide open savannah environments
• Guided safari transport experiences
• Conservation and endangered species breeding programs

This approach makes the zoo especially popular with families, photographers, and visitors seeking a safari-style experience close to Melbourne.

How Much Do Werribee Zoo Tickets Cost and Where Should You Buy Them?

Werribee Zoo ticket prices vary depending on the day and experience, with standard entry tickets available alongside safari and premium options.

Typical pricing structure:

• Adult tickets: from around $53
• Children: Free on weekends and school holidays, paid entry on weekdays
• Children under 3: Free

Safari tours and premium experiences are priced separately and often sell out in advance.

Booking tickets online is strongly recommended, especially during weekends, school holidays, and warmer months. Online booking allows visitors to:

• Check real-time availability
• Compare safari and experience options
• Secure preferred dates in advance

👉 For detailed information on tickets, visit our Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets page.

Are There Discounts or Promo Codes for Werribee Zoo Tickets?

Werribee Zoo does not consistently offer public promo codes, and many advertised discount codes are outdated or unavailable.

Some visitors may access:

• RACV member pricing
• Zoo membership benefits
• Occasional promotional periods

For most visitors, booking through a reliable online ticket platform provides the clearest view of current pricing and availability, without relying on unverified codes.

What Safari and Guided Experiences Are Available at Werribee Zoo?

The Werribee Zoo Safari is the main highlight and is included with general entry, with additional premium safari experiences available.

Safari and tour options include:

• Standard Safari: guided bus tour across the African savannah
• Sunset Safari: evening safari with extended viewing
• Special animal encounters: giraffe feeding and guided rhino experiences

During the safari, visitors can see:

• Giraffes
• Rhinoceroses
• Zebras
• Antelope species
• Ostriches

From our own visits, the safari is the moment that truly sets Werribee Open Range Zoo apart.

Seeing giraffes, rhinos, and zebras moving freely across the open savannah makes a real impression on kids, especially because the animals are not behind cages or narrow enclosures.

It feels far more immersive than a traditional zoo visit and is the part of the day our family talks about most afterward.

Can You Stay Overnight at Werribee Zoo?

Yes, Werribee Zoo offers an overnight experience called the Slumber Safari.

The Werribee Zoo Slumber Safari includes:

• Two days of zoo entry
• Evening and morning safari experiences
• Behind-the-scenes animal encounters
• African-inspired dinner and breakfast
• Private lodge accommodation inside the zoo

We have found the Slumber Safari to be one of the most memorable ways to experience the zoo.

Being onsite in the evening, when the zoo quietens down, and then waking up to early morning animal activity adds a completely different perspective compared to a standard daytime visit. For families who enjoy immersive experiences, this overnight stay feels genuinely special rather than gimmicky.

What Animals Can You See at Werribee Zoo?

Werribee Zoo animals include a wide range of African and Australian species, displayed across open-range habitats and specialist enclosures.

Key animals include:

• Lions and cubs
• Giraffes
• Rhinoceroses
• Zebras
• Gorillas
• African wild dogs
• Meerkats
• Ostriches
• Kangaroos

Are There Elephants at Werribee Zoo?

Elephants are being introduced to Werribee Open Range Zoo as part of a major habitat expansion.

The Werribee Zoo elephant enclosure is designed for long-term welfare, with large open spaces that support natural herd behaviour. Timelines for elephant transfers are managed by Zoos Victoria and depend on animal welfare planning.

Visitors interested in elephants should check official updates closer to their visit date.

What Are Werribee Zoo Opening Hours?

Werribee Zoo opening hours are generally from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry at around 3:30 pm.

Opening hours may vary on:

• Public holidays
• Special event days

Always confirm entry times when booking tickets online.

How Do You Get to Werribee Zoo?

Werribee Zoo is located in Werribee, Victoria, and is accessible by car and public transport.

Key details:

• Address: K Road, Werribee South, Victoria
• Parking: Free onsite parking included
• Public transport: Train to Werribee Station, then bus connection to the zoo

Checking bus times in advance is recommended, especially on weekends.

What Is the Best Time and Weather to Visit Werribee Zoo?

The best time to visit Werribee Zoo is during cooler months, typically May to September, when animals are more active, and walking conditions are comfortable.

On hot summer days, animals may rest during midday hours, making early morning visits preferable.

Where Can You Stay Near Werribee Open Range Zoo?

Accommodation near Werribee Zoo includes hotels and serviced apartments in Werribee and Werribee South.

Popular options are:

• A short drive from the zoo
• Near Werribee town centre
• Along the Werribee River precinct

Visitors booking Slumber Safari do not need external accommodation.

What Do Visitors Say in Werribee Open Range Zoo Reviews?

Werribee Open Range Zoo reviews consistently highlight:

• The safari experience
• The scale of open spaces
• Family-friendly layout
• Educational value

From our perspective, many of the positive reviews closely align with our experience. The scale of the open habitats, the safari format, and how relaxed the animals appear are the main reasons we have returned more than once.

Allowing a full day makes a noticeable difference to how much you enjoy the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Werribee Zoo open?
Werribee Zoo usually opens at 9:00 am, with last entry around 3:30 pm.

Is the safari included in the ticket price?
Yes. The standard safari bus tour is included with general entry. Premium safaris are priced separately.

Is Werribee Zoo suitable for young children?
Yes. The zoo is family-friendly, with wide paths, viewing platforms, and regular keeper talks.

Is Bluey permanently at Werribee Zoo?
No. Bluey appearances may occur during special themed events only.

Book Werribee Open Range Zoo Tickets Online

Werribee Open Range Zoo is one of Melbourne’s most popular wildlife attractions, and daily capacity limits mean tickets can sell out, particularly on weekends, public holidays, and during Victorian school holidays.

While this guide focuses on what to expect, animals, safari experiences, and planning tips, ticket pricing and availability change by date due to flexible pricing, and all visitors must pre-book tickets online.

For up-to-date prices, children’s free-entry eligibility, safari inclusions, and booking availability, refer to the dedicated Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets page, which explains current pricing, booking requirements, and how to secure entry before you visit.

Final tip

Based on our experience, booking tickets in advance makes the visit smoother, particularly on weekends and during school holidays when entry times and safari availability fill quickly