Discover penguins, seals and other inhabitants of Victoria's coast and ocean at the Wild Sea exhibition at the Melbourne Zoo. You can also encounter the critically endangered Sumatran Orangutan and Tiger plus learn how you can help with the conservation efforts.
Here’s everything you need to know before you head to Melbourne Zoo!
Is Melbourne Zoo open?
Yes! Melbourne Zoo is now open with various restrictions in place. As with everything right now, things are looking a little different so here are some of the FAQs:
Do I need to pre-book a ticket online?
Yes, we cannot stress this enough. Absolutely everyone, including Zoo Members and babies, needs to have a pre-booked zoo ticket before you arrive at the zoo. You will not be able to book tickets at the gate.
Zoo Members, your tickets are free but will still need to be booked. This is so we can maintain safe physical distancing by capping numbers of all our visitors.
Face mask and physical distancing - what are the rules?
As per the current Victorian restrictions outlined in the Victorian Government Roadmap to Recovery, below are the rules you must follow both inside our zoos and outside of them!
Everyone aged 12 and above will be required to carry a fitted face mask while at the zoo, unless you have a valid medical exemption. Face masks must be worn on the safari bus at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Nobody liked invasions of personal space before this year, let alone now. Remember to leave a 1.5m space between yourself and other groups.
Is the zoo accepting cash right now?
Our zoos are currently cashless. If you’re keen for some retail therapy at the Zoo Shop or to buy some food and drink, please make sure you have a credit or debit card on you.
What time does Melbourne Zoo open?
Melbourne Zoo is open 9am-5pm daily.
Where to get Melbourne zoo tickets and what are the prices like?
We’d recommend getting your tickets on Klook as we offer the best prices as well as open dated tickets - meaning the voucher will be valid 12 months from the date of booking.
On top of that, you’ll be sent a voucher via email which is all you’ll need to take with you when you visit!
Want to visit Werribee Zoo too?
Where can I find Melbourne Zoo’s map and how big is it?
How do I get to Melbourne Zoo?
Getting to Melbourne Zoo by public transport is the easiest, most convenient and eco-friendly way to go!
Travelling by public transport
By Tram
- Route 58 between West Coburg and Toorak runs via William Street in the city centre every day, with services as often as every 6 minutes, stopping directly outside Melbourne Zoo at Stop 26. Make sure you travel safely on board.
By Train
- Trains run from Flinders Street Station on the Upfield line every day, stopping at Royal Park Station - just across the road from Melbourne Zoo's rail gate entrance. Please see above advice about planned disruptions on the Upfield line due to the Level Crossing Removal Project.
By Bus
- Bus route 505 from Moonee Ponds to Melbourne University stops outside Melbourne Zoo.
Travelling by car
Melbourne Zoo is located only minutes north of the city centre at Royal Park and is 20 minutes from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine).
Car parking is $2 for a five hour ticket. Don't forget to display your parking ticket on your dashboard, as the area is regularly monitored by parking officers. Download the PayStay App from the App Store or Google Play in advance to skip the queue and pay for parking from your phone.
During peak times, like school and public holidays, we do our best try to get you parked and into the zoo as quickly as possible. Please follow instructions from our parking attendants when it's busy.
Travelling by shuttle
Melbourne City Sightseeing runs a convenient hop-on, hop-off shuttle service that services Melbourne Zoo 10 times a day — no need to book! Convenient stops are located throughout central Melbourne, including Federation Square and Carlton. The shuttle service's Zoo stop is at our main entrance on Elliott Avenue.
What kind of animals can I encounter at Melbourne Zoo?
1. Lion Gorge
Roar with big cats and howl with African Wild Dogs on our magnificent carnivores trail: Lion Gorge. Come face-to-face with some of our most impressive carnivores (and one or two omnivores), including tigers, lions, Snow Leopards, and the Philippine Crocodile – the most endangered of its species. Compare toothy grins, and learn about their habitats and survival threats as you wander this leafy walkway.
2. Trail of the Elephants
Step into a lush Asian village and garden with our award-winning Trail of the Elephants. Learn about the survival of the endangered Asian Elephant as you explore its natural habitat. Our volunteers run free guided tours of the trail. Enquire at the main entrance or the rail gate entrance.
3. Wild Sea
Go deep underwater at Wild Sea. This incredible space showcases the amazing animals and natural beauty of Victoria’s coast and ocean. Wander the beach with its sand dunes and pier, watch penguins play and seals frolic, and learn about our work to conserve these incredible sea animals in an immersive, family-friendly experience.
Want to visit Werribee Zoo too?
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