Melbourne Zoo
Opened in 1862, Melbourne Zoo is the oldest in Australia. More than 350 animal species from around the world are on display in the zoo’s attractive enclosures and botanical settings.
Visitors can wander through an African and Asian rainforest displaying gorillas, pygmy hippopotamus, mandrills, tigers and otters, or see an extensive collection of Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats and platypus. Other highlights include the steamy Butterfly House (where hundreds of Australian butterflies alight upon visitors), the Wonderful New World of Bugs, the Trail of the Elephants and regular meet-the-keeper opportunities throughout the day. You can get close to life-size animals, or at least several touch and feel statues that let you feel the size and shape of a number of animals, including the Australian platypus.
During the summer months, the zoo stays open until 9.30pm for ‘Zoo Twilights’, when live music, concerts, meals and longer animal displays take place.
Guided tours are available daily between 10am and 3pm, and are operated by Friends of the Zoo volunteer guides, who are extensively trained and qualified to answer your questions. Bookings are required for large groups.
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Find out about contact details, pricing, opening hours, activities and other information.
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Accessibility
The Zoo is accessible by train from Flinders Street Station (or tram from the city) arriving at the north west Rail Gate. Access from the station is difficult as you must cross the railway, tram tracks and a road before negotiating a paved path that slopes down through the car park and up a rise to the entry. A better option is by vehicle to the front entry where there are five dedicated spaces near a crossover to a hard packed gravel path leading to the entry. A drop off point is provided outside the main entry.
Pushers and wheelchairs are available from the information desk inside the main entry and can be hired for free. Photo ID is required and it's best to book ahead.
A GuideMobile is available during the daily Friends of the Zoo guided tours to aid the movement of older visitors and some visitors with disabilities, and the tours can also include Auslan interpreters.
Main paths are bitumen and lined by shallow spoon drains which can be awkward to cross, but other paths are hard packed gravel.
Five toilets are designated accessible, but three of these (near the main entry, by the Butterfly House and towards the Rail Gate) are the most accessible options. The toilets by the bistro and near the central gardens are in narrow rooms.
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