Australia's oldest zoo, opened in 1862 in Royal Park, with naturalistic enclosures for gorillas, elephants, lions, and native Australian species including a nocturnal platypus exhibit.
Melbourne Zoo opened in Royal Park in 1862, making it Australia's oldest zoo, and today spans naturalistic, walk-through enclosures across a leafy Parkville site a short train ride from the CBD. Highlights include the Gorilla Rainforest, an African savannah-style Elephant Trail with Asian elephants, a big-cat precinct with lions, and a dedicated nocturnal house holding one of the zoo's platypus displays alongside other night-active native species. The Australian native wildlife sections cover kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils in landscaped enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats rather than traditional cages. A full visit covering the main precincts takes three to four hours at an unhurried pace, with keeper talks and animal feeding sessions scheduled throughout the day at various enclosures. The zoo is calmest on weekday mornings right after the 9AM opening, when many animals are also most active before the midday heat sends them into shade, and busiest on weekends and throughout the Victorian school holidays, when the elephant and gorilla enclosures in particular can draw large crowds around scheduled talks. In summer, the zoo runs evening Zoo Twilights concerts on selected nights, a different, adults-oriented event separate from the standard daytime visit.
| Admission | Adult From AUD 58 / approx. USD 41 (online, date-based pricing) · Child Free on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and Victorian school holidays; otherwise date-based pricing applies |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9AM-5PM, including Christmas Day |
| Typical visit | 3-4 hours |
| Best time | Morning for the most active animals before the midday heat |
| Getting there | Royal Park train station (Upfield line) is a 5-minute walk; tram route 58 stops on Flemington Rd nearby |
| Address | Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052 |
Location
Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
-37.7834, 144.9516 View on map
Highlights
- Gorilla Rainforest and African-style Elephant Trail walk-through enclosures
- Nocturnal house with a live platypus display
- Big-cat precinct with lions viewable from multiple vantage points
- Australian native wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils
- Scheduled keeper talks and animal feeding sessions throughout the day
Tips for visiting
- Book tickets online in advance for a lower price than at the gate
- Arrive at opening for the most active animals before the midday heat
- Check the daily keeper talk schedule at the entrance to plan a route around feeding times
- Entry is free for children on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and Victorian school holidays
- Zoo Twilights summer concerts require a separate ticket and are a different evening event to the daytime zoo visit
When to visit
Morning for the most active animals before the midday heat, especially on weekdays outside school holidays for smaller crowds.
Accessibility
Most pathways throughout the zoo are sealed and wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired at the main entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Melbourne Zoo take?
Covering the main precincts at an unhurried pace takes three to four hours.
Is Melbourne Zoo worth it for kids?
Yes -- the zoo is one of Melbourne's most popular family outings, with walk-through enclosures, keeper talks, and a play area designed for children.
Is photography allowed at Melbourne Zoo?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout the zoo for personal use, though flash is discouraged in the nocturnal house so as not to disturb the animals.
How much does entry to Melbourne Zoo cost?
Adult tickets start from around AUD 58 with date-based online pricing, while children enter free on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and Victorian school holidays.