Melbourne Zoo - A Wild Day Out at Australia’s Oldest Zoo

Wander * Explore * Discover
Oct 20, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jan 17

Melbourne Zoo - A Wild Day Out at

Australia’s Oldest Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions and a fantastic place to spend a full day. Established in 1862, it is Australia’s oldest zoo and is home to more than 300 species of native and exotic animals from around the world.

Located just minutes from Melbourne’s city centre, the zoo is open every day of the year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including public holidays, making it an easy and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

The easiest way to get to Melbourne Zoo from the city is on the Number 58 tram. Hop off at Stop 26, then enjoy a short walk to the Rail Gate entrance, where you can purchase tickets and enter the zoo.

Melbourne Zoo is divided into a series of immersive habitats, and we started our day in the Gorilla Rainforest.

Gorilla Rainforest

We first wandered onto Lemur Island, where Ring-Tailed and Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs freely roam, relaxing in the sunshine and enjoying their snacks.

Nearby, we watched the Western Lowland Gorillas in their spacious enclosure. These incredible animals are listed as critically endangered due to habitat loss, and it was special to observe them up close.

The Pygmy Hippopotamus, which is only about half the size of a regular hippo, was another highlight. Melbourne Zoo is part of an important breeding program helping to protect this endangered species.

We also enjoyed watching the White-Cheeked Gibbons and Black-Handed Spider Monkeys as they swung, climbed and played in their enclosure.

Trail of the Elephants

Next, we followed the bamboo-lined path through the Trail of the Elephants, where we saw the magnificent Asian Elephants.

We were glad we had the opportunity to see them here, as they have now moved to the Werribee Open Range Zoo, where they have much more space to roam.

In this habitat, we also spotted a Sumatran Tiger. These solitary animals live alone in the wild and are excellent swimmers.

The Butterfly House was another highlight, with more than 600 butterflies from 13 different species fluttering around. The enclosure is kept at a warm 27 degrees year-round to replicate tropical conditions.

High above us, we spotted an Orangutan resting under a blanket, watching the crowds below, while the Siamangs entertained us as they played and swung on their ropes.

Along the Main Trail, we stopped to watch the Giraffes calmly eating leaves. When fully grown, giraffes can reach heights of over five metres, making them an impressive sight up close.

Australian Bush

The Australian Bush habitat is home to many native animals. Koalas, which are mostly nocturnal, can sleep for 18 to 20 hours a day, and we were lucky enough to see them resting in the trees.

The Kangaroos at Melbourne Zoo come from Kangaroo Island in South Australia and have thick, dense fur to keep them warm.

Emus, Australia’s tallest native birds, are also found here. Although they can’t fly, they can run at speeds of up to 48 kilometres per hour.

The Great Flight Aviary is a beautiful open space where a variety of bird species live in a natural setting.

Lion Gorge

In the Lion Gorge habitat, the lions were relaxing in the shade of the trees, while the Snow Leopard cooled down beneath the misting system in his enclosure. Snow leopards are among the world’s most elusive and solitary animals, and their beautifully patterned coats help them blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

The zoo’s second Sumatran Tiger also lives in this habitat, and we were lucky to get a great view as he approached the glass enclosure.

You can also see dingoes here — naturally shy animals with independent and inquisitive personalities.

Wild Sea

The Wild Sea habitat is a fantastic area where you can watch seals swimming underwater and see a variety of fish and seahorses.

Outside, the long-nosed fur seals put on a show as they swim and interact with zoo keepers during training sessions.

There are also little penguins in the outdoor area, delighting visitors as they waddle and swim.

Growing Wild

We loved watching the meerkats in the Growing Wild habitat. These slender-tailed animals spend most of their day foraging, playing and interacting, with one always standing guard on lookout duty.

Melbourne Zoo also has lovely open recreational areas, a historic carousel, and several cafés where you can stop for a drink or a bite to eat.

The zoo gift shop, located at the main entrance, offers a great selection of toys and souvenirs, and purchases help support wildlife conservation efforts.

👉 Click here to get your Melbourne Zoo Tickets, so you don't have to line up on the day of your visit

A Must-Visit Wildlife Experience in the Heart of Melbourne

A visit to Melbourne Zoo is more than just a day out — it’s an opportunity to connect with incredible wildlife while supporting important conservation efforts. From wandering through immersive habitats like the Gorilla Rainforest and Trail of the Elephants to watching playful meerkats, majestic lions and curious seals, there’s something to delight visitors of all ages.

Easily accessible from the city and packed with memorable experiences, Melbourne Zoo is a perfect addition to any Melbourne itinerary. Whether you’re visiting with family, travelling as a couple, or exploring solo, it’s a place where learning, conservation and enjoyment come together in one unforgettable experience.