Werribee Open Range Zoo : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Experience Australia’s native wildlife with a visit to Werribee Open Range Zoo! Werribee Open Range Zoo, located the outer suburbs of Melbourne, is a unique African-style wildlife exploration experience. This 200-hectare park features a range of native Australian flora and fauna, and provides visitors with educational insight into how the land once looked and how we interact with the creatures that occupy it. Whether you’re an animal lover, wildlife enthusiast, or simply a curious traveller, Werribee Open Range Zoo’s breathtaking safari tours and up-close encounters offer something special for all. In this blog, we will explore the interesting facts, information, and travel guide of Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Interesting Facts About Werribee Open Range Zoo

1. The zoo first opened its gates in 1983 and has grown to become Victoria’s leading wildlife destination.

2. Its biggest attraction is the African Savannah Safari Experience, which allows guests to get up close and personal with native African animals such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and ostriches.

3. The zoo is home to 350 species of animals, including Australia’s largest collection of animals from tropical climates.

4. Each year, more than 300,000 people visit Werribee Open Range Zoo.

5. The zoo is part of the Zoological Parks and Botanical Gardens of Victoria (ZPBG) and works to support species conservation, education, and research programs.

6. The park offers a range of educational and recreational activities, including guided wildlife tours and hands-on discovery activities.

7. The zoo is also home to the world’s only colony of endangered ocean-dwelling dugongs.

8. The zoo also has a family restaurant, offering a range of cooked meals and snacks, as well as a store selling souvenirs and books about animals.

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History & Information About Werribee Open Range Zoo

Werribee Open Range Zoo is a zoo located in Werribee, Victoria, Australia. It is part of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board (ZGPAB) network of Victorian zoos. It is situated on a 1886 hectare site 32 kilometres southwest of the Melbourne City Centre, and is the only open range zoo in Victoria.

The zoo was established in 1983 and opened to the public in 1988.It features animals such as African Lions, giraffes, rhinos, elephants, gorillas, hyenas, African wild dogs, hippopotamus, zebras, cheetahs, camels, deer, eland, and kudu. The zoo also has an Aboriginal Cultural Centre that celebrates Aboriginal culture, including regional stories, traditional tools and music.

In addition to animal exhibits, Werribee Open Range Zoo also offers education programs, events, and activities, including interactive presentations, Zoomobile experiences, and guided tours.

In 2020, the zoo embarked on an ambitious 50-year redevelopment plan that will see the transformation of the zoo into a modern, world-class facility with more habitat for animals and better facilities for visitors. The plan includes a 9.1 hectare Sumatran tiger display, a new gorilla habitat, and exhibit areas focusing on conservation, education and research.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Werribee Open Range Zoo

Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria is one of the top tourist attractions in Australia. Located just 25 kilometers from Melbourne’s CBD, this open range zoo offers a wildlife experience like no other. Here, visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most iconic species, such as kangaroos, emus, rhinoceroses, giraffes, and zebras. Whether it’s seeing these animals in their natural habitat or taking part in interesting learning activities, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers something for everyone.

Here is the travel guide for visiting Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Getting There:

The zoo is easily accessible from Melbourne and other cities in Victoria. It’s located just 25 kilometers away from the CBD and is accessible via public transport or by car.

Public Transport:

Werribee Open Range Zoo is accessible via public transport on the Wyndham Bus number 478. The bus travels between Werribee and Melbourne’s CBD and stops near the entrance of the zoo.

By Car:

The zoo is located 25 kilometers from Melbourne’s CBD and is easily accessible via the Princes Freeway. Visitors who are arriving from the south should also take advantage of the parking provided at the Zoo entrance.

Tickets:

Admission tickets to the zoo can be purchased online, at the gate, or at any of the Zoo’s customer service outlets. Prices vary based on age and type of ticket. Discounts are also available for families, groups, schools, and members of the zoological park.

Opening Hours:

Werribee Open Range Zoo is open to the public from 10am to 4.30pm daily. Visitors should plan their entry into the zoo before 4pm in order to make the most of their visit.

Attractions:

Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a variety of attractions for visitors. These include a range of activities such as the free Nature Trails, animal talks and feeds, interactive animal experiences, and educational experiences such as the immersive Giraffe Savanna play space.

Food and Drink:

The zoo offers a range of food and beverage choices at its various eateries, such as the Giraffe Grill, Safari Café, and Treetops Café. There is also a nightly barbeque night held during summer months.

Shopping:

Visitors looking to take home a memento of their zoo visit can shop at the on-site gift shops. The shops sell a range of products, ranging from souvenirs and apparel to books and toys.

So, plan your next trip to Werribee Open Range Zoo and get ready to experience a wild adventure!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Werribee Open Range Zoo

Q: Where is the Werribee Open Range Zoo located?

A: The Werribee Open Range Zoo is located in Werribee, Victoria, Australia. It is a 30-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD.

Q: What are the opening times of the Zoo?

A: The Zoo is open every day between 9am and 5pm. Last entry is at 4pm.

Q: How much does it cost to enter the Zoo?

A: Admission tickets start from $35.50 for adults, $23.50 for children and $24.50 for concession card holders.

Q: What can I see at Werribee Open Range Zoo?

A: There are a variety of animals and interactive experiences, including lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, meerkats, wallabies, emus, kangaroos and more! You can also take part in special encounters, behind the scenes tours and overnight stays.

Q: Are there any other attractions or activities at the Zoo?

A: Yes! There are lots of activities including the Animal Show, daily Keeper Talks, and the Discovery Trail. Plus, there are food outlets and souvenir shops onsite.

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