WHAT IS IT?
Victoria's Open Range Zoo began life as an agistment property for the
Melbourne Zoo and has grown into an open range zoo of
international standing. Visitors from Melbourne and interstate and even from
other countries come to Werribee Open Range Zoo to see Australian, Asian,
North American and African grassland animals in conditions as close as possible
to their own natural habitats.
Visitors to the park are taken on a 50 minute guided Wildlife Safari, which takes them amongst
the animals and allows visitors to see the various animals up close.
The Safari includes a trip through the African Savannah area, where rhinos,
giraffe, zebra and eland all share the river flood plain. It also takes visitors into the African
Waterhole, Australia's only drive-through hippo exhibit. Tours are taken by
trained tour guides who give visitors a personal interpretation of the animals
and their behaviours, taken from first hand experience gained while caring for
the animals.
There are also several walking trails at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Meerkats,
Cheetah, Vervet Monkeys and Serval Cats are on display in linked
displays along the African Walking Trail. Volcanic Plains Walk is a new
addition to the Zoo, set up to display the significance of local grasslands.
Australian animals (kangaroos, emus and wallabies) are visible from this
walk.
WHERE CAN WE EAT?
Meerkat Bistro & Function Centre
Hot and cold snacks and light meals.
Open every day 9am-5pm.
Lunch is served from 12 noon to 2:30pm.
Morning and afternoon teas are also available.
Take away
Fast food and snacks are available from the kiosk (or the Bistro if the kiosk is closed).
Groups
Special lunch and morning/afternoon teas are available in the Bistro.
Fully catered group BBQ packages are also available at the African
Village or the BBQ site (site fees apply).
Bookings and information:
Telephone: 61-3-9742 2441
Fax: 61-3-9742 2497
BBQ & Picnic Facilities
Visitors are welcome to bring picnic food into the Zoo.
The BBQ facility, however, is only available for groups.
Please do not feed the animals. Human food does not form part of a naturally balanced diet for
the
wildlife.
Group picnic sites or BBQ areas can be booked through the bookings
office (site fees apply).
Telephone: 61-3-9731 9600
Fax: 61-3-9731 9606
SOUVENIRS?
The Safari Shop has a range of African and Australian gifts and souvenirs
for sale.
Stamps are also available.
All profits from the shop contribute to the care and
upkeep of the animals and plants.
Open every day 9am to 5pm.
Telephone: 61-3-9731 9610
Fax: 61-3-9731 9611
UMBRELLAS, WHEELCHAIRS and PUSHERS
Umbrellas, wheelchairs & pushers are available for hire from the Safari Shop.
Umbrellas: $2.20 hire with $19.80 refundable deposit
Wheelchairs: free hire with $20 refundable deposit
Pushers: $2.20 hire with $8.80 refundable deposit
Note: All prices are GST inclusive.
GETTING THERE
Victoria's Open Range Zoo at Werribee is located 35 kilometres from the Melbourne
CBD on the Princes Freeway. It is a short 30 minute drive from the city over the
Westgate Bridge. Take the Werribee South exit to K Road. There is no Public
Transport to Werribee Zoo from Melbourne.
ADMISSION PRICES:
Australian Dollars
GENERAL ADMISSION:
Adults (15 years and over) $12.20
Children (3 to 15 years,
children under 3 years free) $6.10
Zebra (2 Adults & 2 Children) $33.10
Concession (including health care cardholders)
$9.10
FOTZ:
Adults $6.10
Children $3.70
GROUP DISCOUNTS:
Applicable for pre-arranged tours of 20 or more people
SCHOOL GROUPS - PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND PRE-SCHOOLS:
(One School Teacher to every 6 students admitted free)
Tour (per student) $6.10
Tour & Classroom (per student) $9.40
1.5 Hr Tour (per student) $9.40
Extra Teachers or Supervisors $7.40
SCHOOL GROUPS - TERTIARY:
(One School Teacher to every 6 students admitted free)
Tour (per student) $11.10
Tour & Classroom (per student) $13.10
Extra Teachers or Supervisors $6.10
OPENING HOURS:
Victoria's Open Range Zoo is open every day of the year 9.00 am - 5.00 pm (including
Christmas Day and all public holidays).
Safari tours depart from 10.30am, with the last tour departing at 3.40pm (entry closes at 3.30pm).
Safari Tours (50 minutes)
(Non-daylight saving time) Safari tours begin at 10.30 am - 3.40 pm
(January & February) Safari tours begin at 10.30 am - 7.40 pm
(Saturdays & Sundays only)
Photographic Safari (2 hours) Saturdays: 9.30 - 11.30 am. Bookings essential. (Maximum 12 per tour)
"Behind the Scenes"
Zoo management tours (1.5 hours)
Saturdays/Sundays: 11.30 am
(Public)
Groups by prior arrangement.
Bookings essential
GROUP BOOKINGS:
Victoria's Open Range Zoo is a popular attraction for group outings and tour groups. Special guided tours of
the walking trails by their team of trained volunteers can be arranged (bookings are essential).
TOUR OPERATORS & COACH COMPANIES:
Contact Victoria's Open Range Zoo's marketing manager for a
comprehensive information kit that includes rates, group menus, suggested
day touring itineraries and reservation details.
Telephone: 61 03 9731 9620
Fax: 61 03 9731 9640
SOCIAL CLUBS & SENIORS GROUPS:
Bookings Office
Telephone: 61 03 9731 9600
Fax: 61 03 9731 9606
GROUP LUNCHES AND MORNING OR AFTERNOON TEAS:
Venue Manager.
Telephone: 61 03 9742 2441
Fax: 61 03 9742 2497
CHRISTMAS & BIRTHDAY PARTIES:
Special packages and group sites are available.
Telephone: 61 03 9731 9600
Fax: 61 03 9731 9606