Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo
Opened on this site in 1862, Melbourne Zoo is the oldest zoo in Australia. It is believed to be the eleventh oldest zoo in the world. It offers more than 350 animal species from Australia and around the world are on view just 4 km from the centre of Melbourne, in a botanic garden setting of 55 acres / 22 hectares. Special attractions at the Zoo include the African Rainforest, Asian Rainforest, Great Flight Aviary, the fur seals pool and penguins pool. The Zoo is open every day from 9am to 5pm, with a Zoo Twilights program extending the viewing hours on selected evenings in January, February and March. Melbourne Zoo is an historic zoo with an innovative master plan that displays a representative sample of the world’s fauna and flora in a series of bioclimatic (or habitat) zones. Melbourne Zoo is clearly one of the world’s great zoos. Follow the Wild Clues around the Zoo & you’ll discover the many weird & wonderful animals that call Melbourne Zoo home. Visit the Wild Stops to collect your clues & puzzle pieces to help solve the identity of the mystery animal. Don’t miss the new Keeper talks & the Discovery Table offered by Friends of the Zoos Guides.
Melbourne Zoo is located only minutes from the city centre, within Royal Park. Melbourne Zoo is an historic zoo with an innovative master plan that displays a representative sample of the world’s fauna and flora in a series of bioclimatic (or habitat) zones. Melbourne Zoo is clearly one of the world’s great zoos. Visitors can wander through an African and Asian rainforest displaying gorillas, pygmy hippopotamus, mandrills, tigers and otters, or see an extensive collection of Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats and platypus. Other highlights include the steamy Butterfly House (where hundreds of Australian butterflies alight upon visitors), the Wonderful New World of Bugs and regular meet-the-keeper opportunities throughout the day.