Werribee Open Range Zoo

Last updated February 2026

Werribee Open Range Zoo is an open range zoo located in Werribee, approximately 35 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, operated by Zoos Victoria alongside Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. The zoo specialises in African savannah animals and is most notable for its open range safari experience, where visitors board a safari vehicle to travel through habitat where rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, giraffes, and zebras roam in expansive paddocks. The format is significantly different from a standard zoo visit, with the safari covering ground that would not be accessible on foot. The wider grounds also include a walk-through African village section and a gorilla habitat. The drive from Melbourne takes around 40 minutes and the zoo sits within a semi-rural setting with considerable space to explore. **What to Bring** Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and hats are recommended as sections of the zoo are exposed and open. A packed lunch is worth bringing — outside food is generally permitted and the open setting lends itself to a picnic. A camera with some zoom capability is useful for the safari sections where animals are visible at distance. **Best Age Range** The safari experience works best for children aged 3 and up who can follow the narration and respond to seeing large animals. The gorilla habitat and African village section engage a broader age range, including younger toddlers. Children interested in animals specifically tend to find it compelling across the 4–12 range. **Good to Know** Safari departure times are scheduled throughout the day; checking the schedule at entry and prioritising an early departure is worthwhile. The zoo is best visited when the weather is mild — hot days reduce animal activity and make the outdoor sections uncomfortable. Zoos Victoria membership covers access to all three Zoos Victoria properties. **Nearby** Werribee Mansion and the adjacent Werribee Park precinct are a short drive from the zoo and work well as an addition if time permits. The town of Werribee has standard dining options a few minutes away. **Tips From Other Parents** The safari is the central experience and worth prioritising at the start of the visit before afternoon heat reduces animal movement. Booking online in advance offers discounted entry. Children who are old enough to follow the narration get considerably more from the safari than those too young to engage with it.