Werribee Open Range Zoo: A Safari Near the City
Werribee Open Range Zoo surprised us!
Not because we didn’t expect it to be good, but because once we were inside, it genuinely felt like we’d left the city behind. The traffic noise faded quickly, the space opened up, and suddenly Melbourne felt a long way off.
We visited with Cameron’s dad, which sharpened our focus on how the zoo actually works for people with mobility needs, not just how it looks. From the outset, it felt well considered. Clear signage, wide paths, and a free shuttle that runs regularly help visitors move around the larger site, especially to and from the elephant precinct, which is a fair walk at around 1.5 kilometres from the entrance.
The Werribee Open Range Zoo is built around an African safari theme, and it commits to that idea fully. The new elephant enclosure is enormous and impressive, even if it does feel slightly Jurassic Park in scale and design. The elephants clearly have room to move, and the viewing areas are well positioned without feeling intrusive.
One of the highlights was the safari bus tour, which takes you out into the open savannah areas. Seeing giraffes, rhinos, and other animals moving freely across large paddocks adds a sense of scale that traditional zoos can’t offer. It’s relaxed, unhurried, and gives you time to actually watch behaviour rather than just ticking species off a list.
The zoo is extremely popular with families, and that’s noticeable. Children are free to enter, which makes the place lively and, at times, busy. That said, it never felt chaotic. The layout absorbs crowds well, and there are plenty of quieter pockets if you’re happy to walk a little further.
Food options are plentiful and genuinely good, though pricing reflects the reality of running a large attraction. Adult ticket prices are on the higher side too, but it’s clear that cost supports the zoo’s conservation work and long-term sustainability. It feels like money spent with purpose, even if you notice it.
What stood out most was how informative and cohesive everything felt. The displays are well themed, the educational content is clear without being overwhelming, and the overall experience feels carefully curated rather than slapped together.
For a place so close to Melbourne, Werribee Open Range Zoo does an impressive job of creating distance. Not geographically, but mentally. We left feeling like we’d been somewhere else entirely.
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Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is one of Victoria’s major wildlife attractions, designed around large-scale, open habitats rather than traditional enclosures. Managed by Zoos Victoria, it focuses strongly on African species and conservation messaging.
The zoo’s size and layout allow animals greater freedom of movement, while visitors experience wildlife in a way that feels expansive rather than contained.
How to Get There
The zoo is located around 30 kilometres south-west of Melbourne’s CBD, near Werribee. Access is via sealed roads, with on-site parking available. Public transport options connect to Werribee, with onward travel by taxi or rideshare.
What to See / Tours / Activities
What we did:
Explored the new elephant enclosure.
Took the safari bus through the open savannah.
Used the free shuttle to move around the zoo.
Wandered at a relaxed pace, taking breaks as needed.
Other highlights nearby:
Werribee Park and Mansion.
Coastal walks around Werribee South.
Open farmland and market garden country nearby.
When to Visit
Weekdays are quieter if you want to avoid crowds, especially during school holidays. Cooler months make walking more comfortable, while summer visits benefit from early starts.
Final Thoughts
Werribee Open Range Zoo balances scale, accessibility, and purpose better than we expected. It’s well suited to visitors of all ages and abilities and offers an experience that feels far removed from the city, despite being so close to it.
What’s Nearby
The zoo sits within easy reach of Werribee South, Werribee Park, and Melbourne’s western outskirts, making it simple to combine with other day trips or coastal stops without adding much extra travel.
Fast Facts
Location: Werribee, Victoria
Distance: Approx. 30 km south-west of Melbourne
Traditional Owners: Wadawurrung people
Access: Sealed roads, public transport nearby
Facilities: Café, toilets, shuttle service, safari bus
Walking Track: Extensive, mostly flat paths
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays, spring and autumn
Dog Friendly: No
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Walking distances: The zoo is large. Use the shuttle if needed, especially in warmer weather.
Crowds: School holidays bring lots of families. Plan accordingly.
Bill shock: Food and tickets are pricey. Budget ahead.
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Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a surprisingly immersive safari experience just outside Melbourne. With open savannahs, accessible paths, and thoughtful design, it feels far removed from the city while remaining easy to navigate.