Basic Melbourne Zoo Information

The Royal Melbourne Zoo is Australia's first being built in 1862 and now houses over 460 animal species. Some of these animals are on the highly endangered list with their numbers dangerously low.

All the animals are housed in humane modern exhibition sections scattered throughout the grounds and well looked after by qualified and dedicated zoo staff.

Zoo Information-History

In 1862 the animals were moved to Royal park.

The layout of the Melbourne Zoo was modeled after the London Zoo with lots of formal gardens.

In the early days the elephants were used for rides, Queenie being one of the favorite elephants, however this practice ceased in 1961 due to an unfortunate incident.

I even remember as an early child in the 50's riding on an elephant through the zoo lawns.

Now the elephants live in the modern and spacious Trail of the Elephants

Over the years the Zoo has been remodeled and redeveloped and there are more humane enclosures always being built.

One relic of the Melbourne Zoo is the restored and heritage listed 19th Century English-made-Merry-Go-Round

Now beautifully restored it operates in the Carousel Park at the Zoo between the hours of 11:30 and 2:00pm during weekends, public holidays and school holidays.

Just click the blue icon on the map below for directions or click through to a larger map.

If you are traveling in by car just click on the map above and follow the prompts. You will be given an exact route to travel from your starting point.

Parking is available for a very small fee, just follow the directions from Elliot Street.

Public Transport

• Tram 55 runs from Williams Street Monday through to Sunday stopping outside the Melbourne Zoo Main Entrance
• Trains run from Flinders Street Station on the Upfield or Gowrie lines 7 days a week.

  The train stops at the Melbourne Zoo's station Royal Park
  
  Check Metlink for information on the train lines timetable

Apart from packing a delicious picnic there are plenty of places within the grounds to either snack or sit down dine.

• Cafe De'Zoo-for snacks, take away fast food and drinks, situated at the main entrance, Elliot Street
• Mek Kapah Cafe-Asian style food and snacks located within the Trail of the Elephants Exhibit
• Plaza Kiosk-fast food and take away just off the main drive near the new Marine Exhibit Site
• Lakeside Bistro-indoor and outdoor sit down dining, licensed. Situated opposite the Plaza Kiosk

• Gifts and souvenirs can be purchased at the main entrance shop and at the rail entrance
• The Trail of Elephants has great elephant souvenirs for sale along with Asian handcrafts
• The Lakeside Bistro also has souvenirs and gifts for sale

• Wheelchairs can be hired for free; contact the Melbourne Zoo direct for more information
• Pushers can be hired at the Zoo Shop at the main entrance. There is a fee; contact the Zoo direct for extra information.
• You may also hire lockers at both entrances.

Melbourne Zoo Phone Number...(03) 9285 9300

Zoo Information-Admission

As of July 2010;

Adults--$24:80 16 and over

Children--$12:40 4 through to 15

Concession--$19:20 16 and over

Seniors Concession--$22:30

Discounted Family Passes are available as well as reduced disabled admission. Carers are admitted for free

Purchase tickets on line here at Royal Melbourne Zoo site

A great way to save money is with the Attraction pass for Melbourne & Beyond. It provides over $1000 worth of admission fees. You can buy a 2, 3, or 7 day pass for unlimited access to over 35 top attractions in Melbourne and it is valid for 12 months from purchase. This could be a great gift idea for a birthday or Christmas Featuring: Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Zoo, Eureka Skydeck, Penguin Parade and Visitor Center, Werribee Open Range Zoo and much more. For more information check out... Tours To Go - Australia's Online Booking Experts

Allow a good 3 hours to see all the animals and if you wish to Meet the Keeper these are the special times...

Meet the Keeper Presentations

Gorillas 9:45am

Giant Tortoises 11:00am

Wombats 11:00am

Koalas 11:30am

Meerkats 11:30am

Giraffes 11:45am

Baboons 1:30pm

Seals 3:45pm

There is plenty to see at the Melbourne Zoo and when you are finished you may like to take a well earned rest.

For a decent night's sleep just click on the banner below for more information

Drive through an open plain with wild African animals to the left and right of you, feed a Kangaroo or pat a Koala?

You can here...

• Meet Australia Fauna at the Healesville Sanctuary
• Picnic with the Fauna of Australia at the Moonlit Sanctuary
• Encounter African wildlife up close-The Open Plains Werribee Zoo

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