Werribee Open Range Zoo

Must Do Experiences

• Drive through the African Open Range to spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and lions in expansive habitats

• Hand-feed giraffes at the African Walk feeding station

• Join a guided zoo tram tour for up-close encounters with elephants, rhinos, and big cats

• Explore the Australian Bush Walk to see kangaroos, koalas, and wombats in naturalistic settings

Hidden Gems

• Visit the Rhino Feeding Program early in the morning when keepers introduce supplemental feeding — a lesser-known highlight most visitors skip

• The Behind-the-Scenes Keeper Talks offer intimate animal insights and aren't always advertised on the main board

• Stroll through the nocturnal house to see owls, bats, and nocturnal mammals that are active during the day in a climate-controlled tunnel

What Makes it Special

• Australia's largest open-range zoo with a 10-kilometre drive-through safari experience across authentic African and Australian habitats

• One of the few zoos in the Southern Hemisphere where you can hand-feed towering giraffes from an elevated platform

• A leading conservation and breeding facility for endangered species including black rhinos, amur leopards, and greater stick-nest rats

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Visit early in the morning when animals are most active and temperatures are cool, especially during the Australian summer. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends and school holidays.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• The drive-through safari at golden hour — shortly after opening or before closing — provides soft, warm light perfect for capturing animals against the savannah backdrop

• The giraffe feeding platform offers unique eye-level shots; use a zoom lens to get close without disturbing the animals

• The African Walk bridge provides a stunning elevated vantage point for wide-angle shots of herds roaming freely

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Australia places a strong emphasis on wildlife conservation, so respect all signage and stay behind barriers — this is both a safety rule and a cultural value at the zoo Tipping is not expected or customary in Australian zoos or service venues Photography for personal use is welcome, but commercial shoots require prior approval from zoo management

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Evening Zoo — a seasonal after-hours experience with extended animal encounters, live entertainment, and dining options (typically running on select weekends from late spring through summer)

• Zoo Chews — a monthly behind-the-scenes experience offering exclusive animal feedings and keeper interactions (booking required)

• School holiday programs and interactive workshops featuring animal encounters and conservation activities throughout the year

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Remain inside your vehicle at all times during the drive-through safari — animals roam freely and can be unpredictable

• Apply insect repellent before your visit, especially in warmer months, as the open-range setting exposes you to mosquitoes and bush flies

• Supervise children closely in all walk-through areas and keep them within arm's reach near enclosure barriers