Melbourne Guide

Melbourne Zoo

Everyone loves visiting zoos with their vast collections of exotic animals and birds living in carefully designed enclosures that provide onlookers with a sneaky glimpse into the natural habitats and behaviour of these creatures.

Melbourne Zoo is proud of its animal displays and successfully houses more than 300 different species of animals in well-designed and well-kept enclosures. Situated only four kilometres from the Central Business District, Melbourne Zoo is set within the grounds of Royal Park and highlights here include recreated Asian and African rainforests that are filed with a vibrancy that is highly educational to anyone who visits.

‘Meet the keeper’ sessions are held regularly around the zoo and focus on various animals as a good way of teaching visitors about their needs. Twilights is an annual event that sees musical performances including jazz.

Photo experiences with animals such as koalas and snakes are also on offer and leaflets and maps detailing all of this information can be found upon arrival at the zoo. An interactive map can also be viewed via the zoo’s website prior to arriving for those who like to plan ahead.

Prices for tickets into the zoo are reasonable, with different rates for adults (above the age of 16) and children between the ages of four and 15. Children under the age of four go free and pass tours and senior concessions are also available.

Parking near the zoo is charged per six-hour stay and tram 55 runs from the car park to the entrance of the zoo. Alternatively a train service runs from Flinders Street Station that stops at Royal Park Station, a few minutes’ walk from the zoo doors. Zoo opening hours are from 09:00 every day of the year to variable closing times depending on the day.