Exploring the New Elephant Trail: A Day at Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo has long been a favourite for visitors looking to experience wildlife in a more natural setting.
With sprawling landscapes, open-range exhibits, and an emphasis on conservation, it’s an excellent alternative to a traditional zoo. Now, there’s even more reason to visit: the brand-new Elephant Trail, a purpose-built home for the zoo’s nine new Asian elephants.
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits including accessibility advice for Werribee Open Range Zoo
Get Up Close with the Elephants at Werribee Zoo
The newly opened Elephant Trail is a stunning, thoughtfully designed space that gives visitors an incredible opportunity to see these gentle giants up close.
Unlike traditional zoo enclosures, this trail winds through the elephants’ expansive habitat, allowing you to observe them in different environments. One of the highlights is watching them splash about in the water, clearly enjoying their new surroundings.
The enclosure has been carefully designed to promote natural behaviours, so you might see elephants dust-bathing, foraging, or interacting in their social groups.
With plenty of open viewing areas, you don’t need to worry about jostling for a good spot. Best of all, there’s ample seating along the way, so you can take your time and rest whenever needed.
The entire Elephant Trail takes about one hour to walk in full, but if you’d prefer a shorter visit, you can linger near the main entrance and still see plenty of action. This area also has a café, toilets, and shaded seating, making it an ideal base for those who’d rather not tackle the full loop.
More Animal Trails
Beyond the Elephant Trail, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers several other walking trails featuring a variety of animals.
The African Trail showcases lions, cheetahs, gorillas, and hippos in beautifully designed enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.
The Australian Trail is home to native wildlife like kangaroos and emus, perfect for those interested in seeing local species up close.
Werribee Zoo Safari Bus Tour
One of the zoo’s biggest attractions is the Safari Bus Tour, a must-do experience that takes visitors through a vast open-range savannah.
Here, you’ll see giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, and antelopes roaming freely.
The safari tour is included in your ticket and is a fantastic way to experience the zoo without too much walking.
Be sure to check the schedule and arrive early, to avoid the busiest times.
Visiting Werribee Zoo with Kids
If you’re visiting with grandkids, Werribee Open Range Zoo has plenty to keep young ones entertained.
The Ranger Kids Play Space is an indoor area where children can engage in interactive activities like dressing up as wildlife rangers and learning about animals through hands-on play.
Outside, the Hippo Water Play Zone is a great spot for kids to cool off on warmer days.
Dining Options
For food options, the Meerkat Bistro offers a range of meals, from light snacks to hearty lunches, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food prices are mid-range, but there are plenty of healthy options, including poke bowls and sushi.
There are also several picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own food. Coffee carts are scattered around the zoo, making it easy to grab a cuppa while enjoying your visit.
Anne’s Review
I’ve visited Werribee Zoo many times, and it just keeps getting better!
Took the grandkids this week, and we all had an amazing time. The new Elephant Trail is fantastic—you can get so close to the elephants, and they seem so happy in their new home.
The kids love the Ranger Kids Play Space, and we love watching the meerkats while having lunch at the bistro. The safari bus is always a huge hit too!
Plenty of shady spots to rest, and the whole zoo is so easy to walk around. Highly recommend it for a fun and relaxed day out!
– Anne
Useful Tips for an Enjoyable Visit
To make the most of your day at Werribee Open Range Zoo, here are some helpful tips:
- You can purchase tickets at the gate, however, it’s easiest to book online as it saves time at the gate;
- If you arrive when the zoo opens, you’ll also beat the biggest crowds;
- While the zoo has food options, bringing your own snacks or lunch ensures you stay comfortable throughout the day;
- There are plenty of picnic areas if you prefer to bring a packed lunch;
- Don’t forget your reusable water bottle, as there are plenty of water refill stations throughout the zoo;
- While the full Elephant Trail takes around an hour to complete, you can still enjoy fantastic views when remaining in the main entrance area;
- Plenty of seating areas are available along the trails if you need a rest;
- The Zoos Victoria phone app provides a map and daily schedule of animal talks and feeding times, making it easier to plan your visit;
- The gift shop at the exit has a phenomenal amount of beautifully made gifts and souvenirs worth packing some spending money for. They also have native plants!
Accessibility at Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Free electric buggy tours are offered at Werribee Open Range Zoo to assist visitors with mobility challenges. Bookings are essential, please email [email protected].
- Certified assistance animals are welcome, with specific areas where they cannot enter due to safety and quarantine restrictions.
- Wheelchairs are available for hire at three zoos, and bookings can be made online.
- Free entry for carers accompanying individuals with disabilities and a 10% discount for WeCare Card holders.
- The zoo features Changing Places equipped with necessary amenities, accessible with a Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK).
- Limited complimentary passes are available for community organisations and charities.
- Resources including social scripts and sensory maps, are available to help visitors, especially those who are neurodivergent, navigate sensory experiences at the zoos. Find them here.
Getting There
Werribee Open Range Zoo is about 35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and there are several ways to get there:
- By Car: Free parking is available at the zoo.
- By Public Transport: Take the Werribee Line train to Werribee Station, then connect with Bus 439 (Werribee South), which stops right at the zoo entrance.
- By Tour: Several Melbourne-based tour operators include Werribee Open Range Zoo in their itineraries.
For more details, visit the Zoos Victoria website and start planning your trip today!
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