- Get up close to a wide array of native Australian and exotic wildlife in easy reach at this must-visit zoo.
- Avoid peak hour traffic, visit Melbourne Zoo in the late session of 3 PM - 8 PM from 18 Jan to 27 Jan 2021. Back to school – day visit starts from 9 AM from 28 Jan 2021.
- Housing over 320 animal species (encompassing all parts of the animal kingdom), there is much to see.
- Discover Asian Elephants, Orangutans, Sumatran Tigers, lions, and Australian animals like kangaroos, wombats, koalas, echidnas, and more.
- Learn a great deal about the efforts put into the conservation of rare species, maybe even lend a helping hand to their missions.
- Put your paleontologist cap on and go exploring Dino Lab, home to giant animatronic dinosaurs (open until the end of April 2021).
- Masks are mandatory indoors in Victoria. They need to be worn anytime you are inside apart from when you’re eating or drinking. Click here to learn about other COVID-19 safety measures put in place by Zoos Victoria.
- Admissions for infants under the age of 3 are free every day.
- Children aged 4-15yrs enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).
- Children under 16 receive free entry on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and Victorian Government school holidays.
- Reduced-price tickets are also available for anyone with a valid Australian Pensioner Concession Card, full-time student card, Healthcare Card, Disability Concession Card, or DVA Gold Card.
- Sorry we don’t offer refunds for change of heart. You will forfeit the full fare if no show. Date change permitted, subject to availability.
Melbourne Zoo Reopens Post-COVID-19
With the COVID-19 restrictions relaxing across the world, the Melbourne Zoo reopened its doors to the public on 1 June 2020 with strict adherence to safety protocols. Several measures have been set in place to ensure that all visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience during their Melbourne Zoo tour.
Safety Rules for Visiting Melbourne Zoo
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Melbourne Zoo has introduced a set of new rules and guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience for all its visitors:
- Melbourne Zoo tickets can now be booked online; it is recommended that guests pre-book their tickets online to ensure contactless experiences
- All visitors above the age of 12 must wear a face mask at all times except for when eating/drinking
- All guests must maintain a minimum of 1.5 meters distance between each other
- Hand wash and hand sanitizer facilities will be available at various points for visitor use
- All touchpoints will be regularly disinfected and sanitized
Why Visit the Melbourne Zoo
Located right at the heart of the city, the Melbourne Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Australia. With more than 5000 animals ranging across 300 species, the zoo is a must-visit for all animal lovers. Here, you will find animals native to Australia as well as from all around the world.
From kangaroos to elephants, you will find them all here. Visit the Lion Gorge and catch a glimpse of the Kings of the Jungle. Head over to the Larger than Life section to interact with the tallest inhabitants of the animal kingdom - the giraffes. You will also come across zebras, koalas, tigers, penguins, and more.
For those who wish to learn more about Australian wildlife, the Australian Bush will get you up close and personal with kangaroos, emus, koalas, parrots, and wombats. The perfect place for you to dive into the wildlife of Australia, the Melbourne Zoo will lure in locals and tourists alike. From Melbourne Zoo tickets to opening hours, here’s everything you need to know.
Melbourne Zoo Admission Tickets
Please keep in mind that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, entry into the zoo will be restricted. While there are no fixed time slots for entry, Melbourne Zoo is currently allowing entry only to around 2500 visitors per day. All visitors are advised to pre-book their Melbourne Zoo tickets online. No tickets can be booked at the entrance.
Located only 4 km from Melbourne's city center, the Melbourne Zoo offers a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life. If first opened its doors to the public in 1862 and has been modeled after the London Zoo. Once inside, there are over 5000 animals for you to discover. From kangaroos and koalas to penguins and seals, you will find them all here. Your Melbourne Zoo admission ticket will allow you to interact with these animals closely and understand their habitats. Apart from this, you will also get to experience the various animal shows that happen at set timings throughout the day.
Best Time To Visit the Melbourne Zoo
Since the Melbourne Zoo is one of the most popular destinations in the city, it attracts a large number of tourists every day. A foolproof way to avoid the crowd is to arrive at the attraction as soon as it opens at 9.00 AM. This will not only allow you to beat the crowd, but also increase your chances of spotting all your favorite animals.
Plan Your Visit to Melbourne Zoo
Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo opening hours are: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM for the morning session and 03:00 PM to 08:00 PM as the evening session.
The Melbourne Zoo is open throughout the year.
The Melbourne Zoo is located at the Royal Park, around 4 minutes from the city center.
Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
The most convenient and economical way to visit the Melbourne Zoo is via public transport. You can take a tram, train, or bus to the zoo.
Nearest Bus Stop: Melbourne Zoo
Nearest Station: Royal Park Station
The Melbourne Zoo is located around 20 minutes from the airport. If you are traveling by your own car, you can avail of the paid parking facility at the zoo. A 5-hour ticket will cost you $2.
Yes, the Melbourne Zoo has a paid parking facility you can make use of if you are traveling by your own car. At $2 for a 5-hour window, you can make use of the in-house parking.
Yes. You will find a number of cafes and F&B outlets at the Melbourne Zoo.
Yes, the Melbourne Zoo is wheelchair accessible. There is also a wheelchair rental facility that you can avail of.
Melbourne Zoo FAQs
Yes. The Melbourne Zoo has reopened its doors to the public with many safety and social distancing measures in place to ensure that all visitors have a safe experience.
Several safety measures like increased sanitization and social distancing have been put in place at the Melbourne Zoo.
Depending on your choice of ticket, the Melbourne Zoo ticket price will vary. However, you can expect a standard entry ticket to cost you around AU$38.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, online pre-booking of Melbourne Zoo tickets have been made mandatory.
Depending on your choice of ticket, a standard Melbourne Zoo ticket will give you access to the zoo and its 5000 animals. At an additional cost you can also enjoy the various animal shows that take place at the zoo.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, online booking of Melbourne Zoo tickets has been made mandatory. This will not only save you from long entry lines but will also make sure that your experience is a safe one.
Yes, the Melbourne Zoo has multiple dining options where you can enjoy delicious food while overlooking the animals.