Werribee Open Range Zoo allows visitors the unique opportunity to get up close to some of Africa's most exotic animals. From predatory lions to giggling zebras, the zoo is filled with the most fascinating species that roam the African savanna.

You can also find several animals that are native to Australia, such as iconic kangaroos and fluffy koalas. Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets bring you a fun day out for all the family.

Bellow you will encounter everything you should know before heading up to the Werribee Open Range Zoo, one of the most interesting theme parks in Melbourne.

How much do Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets cost?

General admission tickets

Seniors (aged 60+): AU$38 (US$25)
Adults: AU$42 (US$27)
Children (aged 4-15 years): AU$21 (US$14)
Children under 3: Free

Seniors must present a valid Australian Seniors Card or Seniors Business Discount Card in order to qualify for this pricing.

Combination tickets

Two adults plus 2 children: AU$105 (US$69)
Two adults plus 3 children: AU$115.50 (US$75)
Two adults plus 4 children: AU$126 (US$82)
Two adults plus 5 children: AU$136.50 (US$89)

Who is eligible for discounts?

Those with an Australian Pensioner Concession Card, full-time student card or Health Care Card can benefit from a reduced Werribee Open Range Zoo entry fee. Veterans with a valid DVA Gold Card will also qualify for this reduced rate of AU$31.50 (US$21).

Adults with disabilities will also pay AU$31.50 (US$21) while children with disabilities pay AU$5 (US$3) if aged between 4 and 15. The carer of a person with disabilities can enter the zoo for free.

Those in possession of a We Care Card can purchase Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets for AU$38 (US$25).

Is it possible to visit for free?

Children under 16 qualify for free Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets every weekend. On top of this, they can also visit the site for free on Victorian public holidays and Victorian government school holidays.

Should you book tickets in advance?

You must purchase your Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets online in advance in order to gain admission. This is a requirement on all tickets, including free passes for those aged 3 and under.

What are the best Werribee Open Range Zoo tours?

Off-road safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo

Hopping aboard an open-air 4x4, you'll start your off-road adventure around the rarely seen parts of the zoo. You'll travel across large, open plains where you'll see a multitude of wildlife thriving in this environment.

Watch giraffes craning their necks for a leaf, rhinoceroses enjoying a refreshing drink and zebras lazing in the hot sun. Once you arrive back at the main hub after your Werribee Open Range Zoo tour, you'll have plenty of time to explore other animal exhibits at your leisure.

Australian experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo

On an Australian experience of the zoo, you'll encounter native creatures of the land down under, up close. Traveling on a train, you'll set off around the zoo in search of Australian wildlife.

These include furry koalas, bouncing kangaroos and wallabies. You'll also see emus, which are the second largest bird in the world, as well as a plethora of endemic birds.

What will you see inside the Werribee Open Range Zoo?

The Werribee Open Range Zoo covers over 222 hectares of land, approximately 30 kilometers outside of Melbourne.

The zoo opened in 1983 to house the abundance of animals that could not be accommodated at Melbourne Zoo. These species mainly included kangaroos, bison, deer and ostriches. Since then, Werribee Open Range Zoo has expanded to include 27 species from two continents.

There are two trails within the zoo — the African trail and the Australian trail. Both of these offer visitors the opportunity to see animals native to the two vastly different continents.

On the Australian trail, you'll find several species that reside in the outback. These include emus, which are surprisingly fast and can run up to speeds of 50 kilometers per hour. You'll also see Australia’s favorite creature — the kangaroo — bouncing around the bush.

There are several koalas that can be found in the Australian habitat at Werribee Open Range Zoo. These marsupials are classed as vulnerable because of the increasing number of wildfires threatening their environment, as well as agricultural development.

On the African trail, you'll be able to spot critically endangered species, such as western lowland gorillas, of which around 100,000 remain in the wild. You can also see several large cats, which include African lions, cheetahs and servals.

Leopard tortoises can also be found on the African trail. These reptiles can live up to 100 years old in the right environment, and reside on African savannas. You can also take a safari tour to see exotic species, such as zebra, giraffes and camels.

How to get to Werribee Open Range Zoo?

There are several methods of transportation available to arrange your Werribee Open Range Zoo visit.

You can catch a train from Melbourne CBD to Werribee station. From there, you'll catch the connecting Line 439 bus to the zoo.

Alternatively, drive out of Melbourne city center over the Westgate Bridge to reach the zoo in around 30 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Werribee Open Range Zoo?

The best time to take a tour of Werribee Open Range Zoo is in the early morning or late afternoon. Firstly, the animals will be more active in the milder conditions. Secondly, you'll encounter less visitors, making for a peaceful visit.

Which other theme parks can be visited in Melbourne?

Travel tips

If you qualify for a discounted rate on your Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets, ensure you bring your concessionary card with you as proof.
If you're traveling with kids, check the official website to see all the exact dates they can visit the zoo for free.
Melbourne experiences a moderate amount of rain throughout the year. Pack a rain jacket and umbrella so you can enjoy the zoo, whatever the weather.

Werribee Open Range Zoo: Tickets