Melbourne Zoo
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Why go
- Giraffes, zebras and antelopes in spacious open-air enclosures.
- 27 conservation programs for Australian mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds.
Opening hours
Today09:00 – 17:00Show all
Don't miss
- Butterfly HouseSee butterflies in the Butterfly House.At Melbourne Zoo
- Reptile HouseVisit the Reptile House.At Melbourne Zoo
- Great Flight AviarySee birds in the Great Flight Aviary.At Melbourne Zoo
- Wild SeaVisit the Wild Sea exhibit.At Melbourne Zoo
Shorts
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#shorts | Melbourne Zoo | Penguins training at Melbourne Zoo, Victori…KADAK
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Meet some of the Animals Native to Australia @Melbourne ZooHuge Eats
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WELCOME TO MELBOURNE ZOOTOM & JERRY
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A Day at Melbourne Zoo | Exploring Australia's Wildlife!Carl Dickinson
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Werribee Zoo | Places to visit in Melbourne | AustraliaLazy Wanderer’s On The Go
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Fun wild day out idea in Melbourne - Werribee Zoo. Deeds in the descr…melbournekeespots
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Meet Melbourne Zoo's newest devilishly cute trio!Zoos Victoria
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Kangaroo joey zoomies at Melbourne Zoo!Zoos Victoria
History
The zoo’s layout drew on London Zoo. Its historical structures include a heritage-listed Elephant House, later adapted for overnight tent stays. The City of Melbourne donated the zoo’s Royal Park land. Australia’s first gorilla birth took place at the zoo.
- 1857The Zoological Society of Victoria formed to bring animals and plants from overseas.
- 1864–1931The zoo housed thylacines, now extinct, and recorded the only successful captive birth.
- 1870Albert Alexander Cochrane Le Souef was appointed as exotic animals and gardens were developed for public display.
- 1910The Zoological Society received the prefix “Royal”.
- 1934The zoo focused more on Australian wildlife and acquired native animals.
Show all
- 1961Visitor rides, walks and photo sessions with Asian elephants ended.
- 1980sThe zoo began grouping animals by shared natural habitats in bioclimatic zones.
- February 2025The elephant herd moved to Werribee Open Range Zoo.
How to get there
- TrainTake the Upfield line to Royal Park station, across the road from the zoo’s rail gate entrance. During tram works, it is the easiest public transport option.
- TramTram routes 19 and 58 serve the zoo.
- BusBus route 505 stops outside the zoo.
- 6 minBusFrom the Poplar Road replacement bus stops, walk about six minutes to the zoo.
- BikeReach the zoo by bike via the Capital City Trail.
Sources: Melbourne Zoo - Wikipedia · Melbourne/Inner north - Wikivoyage (see) · Melbourne Zoo | Zoos Victoria · Melbourne Zoo Prices · How to Get To Melbourne Zoo | Zoos Victoria · Melbourne Zoo - Wikipedia · Jardin zoologique royal de Melbourne - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026
- Website
- zoo.org.au/melbourne
- Phone
- 1300966784
Questions and answers
Are there elephants at Melbourne Zoo?
The elephant herd moved to Werribee Open Range Zoo in February 2025.
Are there places for a picnic at Melbourne Zoo?
The zoo has picnic areas among its flower gardens.
Are there activities during the day at Melbourne Zoo?
Animal feedings and entertainment shows take place regularly during the day.
Is Melbourne Zoo open every day?
Usual opening hours are 09:00–17:00 daily. The zoo will be closed to members and the public on 24 October 2026 for Dream Day.
What does Melbourne Zoo offer families?
Children visit free on weekends and school holidays, and there are more than 10 play spaces.
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