Melbourne Zoo Zoo

Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Melbourne, Australia

Website: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne

Hours: Daily 9:00am-5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm)

Admission: Adult AUD 46 (online), concessions and child tickets available; members free

Melbourne Zoo is a major zoological park in Parkville, Victoria, north of Melbourne’s central business district. It is one of Australia’s oldest public zoos and operates as a conservation, education and visitor facility with a wide range of species.

Exhibit areas are organized by habitat or theme and include large enclosures, walk-through aviaries and specialty precincts designed for education and species conservation. The zoo offers public programs, keeper talks and seasonal events in addition to animal exhibits.

The institution opened in the 19th century and has developed over time into a modern zoological park with conservation programs, veterinary facilities and accredited husbandry practices. The zoo’s layout links gardens, waterways and exhibit enclosures within Royal Park.

The zoo is located in Parkville, about 3 to 5 kilometres north of Melbourne’s central business district, and is accessible by public transport and road.

• Historic location: Established in the 19th century, it is one of Australia’s oldest zoos and lies a short distance north of Melbourne’s CBD in Royal Park.

What to See#

• Great Flight Aviary: A large walk-in aviary designed for free-flying birds with planted vegetation and visitor pathways that showcase bird species in a near-natural environment.
• Trail of the Elephants: A themed exhibit area focused on elephants and related species, featuring enclosures, viewing platforms and educational signage about elephant care and conservation.

From Melbourne CBD, take the Route 58 tram toward West Coburg and alight at Stop 25 (Royal Park) for a 5-10 minute walk to the main entrance. By car, the zoo is accessed via Elliott Avenue off Royal Parade; limited on-site parking is available. The nearest train station is Royal Park (Upfield line), about a 12-minute walk.

• Arrive at opening (9:00) to see big cats and Asian elephants at their most active.
• Use the Explorer Pass ticket machines at the main entrance to skip queues on busy days.
• Walk the Wild Sea Lion Pool and the Trail of the Elephants before midday when keeper talks occur.
• Take the tram or a short walk through Royal Park rather than driving-parking can be limited on weekends.