If you’re here then you’re probably wondering… what’s the difference between Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Zoo? And which Zoo is the best one to visit? I can give you all of the information you need right here to make that decision.
Melbourne, Australia is fortunately home to two of the most popular Zoos in the country: the Melbourne Zoo and the Werribee Open Range Zoo. At both of these Zoos, you will see a wide variety of animals up close, but the animals differ in terms of their size, animal collection, and the overall experiences on offer. Here I compare Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo across a few different deciding factors.
Melbourne Zoo or Werribee Zoo, which one is better? Let’s get down to the numbers first…
| Melbourne Zoo | Werribee Open Range Zoo | |
| Size | 55 acres | 560 acres |
| Admission price | $46 | $46 |
| Number of animals | Approx. 3,472 | Approx. 360 |
| Location | Melbourne CBD | Werribee (35km from Melbourne CBD) |
So Weribee easily wins in the size department but Melbourne Zoo has a lot more animals to see. That’s not everything though.
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is more of a typical big city type of Zoo in its size and animal selection but the layout and animal enclosures are among one of the best I’ve seen in a city Zoo. It also offers a few close-up experiences on top.
Getting there
It is easy to get to Melbourne Zoo from the CBD via a train to Royal Park Station or a short tram trip north of the city. Alternatively driving is still a good option as it has a huge car park.
What animals are at Melbourne Zoo?
The Zoo has a wider range of different worldwide animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians. It includes the usual big animals that everyone will flock to in any Zoo visit such as lions, tigers, elephants and giraffes. It also has a large collection of native Australian animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats.
Experiences Offered
Melbourne Zoo has a variety of exhibits that offer a hands-on feel with some animals, including the Butterfly House, the Trail of the Elephants, and the Great Flight Aviary. It also offers a range of animal encounters, such as getting up close with meerkats or feeding the elephants. In addition, Melbourne Zoo has a 4D theatre and a carousel.
The best bits
- The variety of animals
- The animal enclosures and visibility to see them
- The built-in experiences available
- The location
The worst bits
- Busier on peak days
- Not as spacious
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Zoo is known for its African savanna-style landscape and offers more of a safari feel with large plains to tour across where the animals get to roam much more freely than that of a city Zoo. That means it feels like you’re in their environment as they’re less enclosed but it’s still safe.
Getting there
It’s a little more difficult to get to but you can catch a train to Werribee station from Melbourne CBD (Werribee line). Then get on the 439 bus from there. It is best to drive to this Zoo if possible.
What animals are at Werribee Open Range zoo?
Werribee Open Range Zoo specialises in African animals, such as lions, hippos, giraffes, rhinoceroses, zebras, and cheetahs. It also has a few native species, such as kangaroos, emus, and wallabies.
Experiences Offered
Werribee Open Range Zoo offers visitors the chance to see animals in a more natural setting, as they are free to roam in large, open spaces. The zoo offers safari tours, where visitors can ride in a safari vehicle and see the animals up close (my son can vouch for this below). It has a few extra optional experiences, such as a behind-the-scenes tour of the cheetah enclosure, a giraffe feeding experience, and a sunset tour, which could be a good Melbourne birthday treat.
The best bits
- The great African savannah safari feel throughout
- The safari tours inside
- Not so busy
- Enclosures are more animal friendly
- The animals have more freedom and roam naturally
The worst bits
- Located further out and harder to get to
- More spread out inside so harder to get around in good time
- Many quiet areas where you may not see much
- The animals can hide away more
Melbourne Zoo Vs Werribee Zoo Conclusion
After comparing the two zoos, it is clear that they both have their own unique offerings. Melbourne Zoo is smaller and located within the city, but it has a wider variety of animals and a range of exhibits and animal encounters. Werribee Open Range Zoo, on the other hand, is larger and offers visitors a more natural setting to see African animals up close. It also has a range of safari experiences that are not available at Melbourne Zoo.
Most comparison articles finish with… ‘It depends on what you’re looking for’. And while it is hard to deny that truth, I’d go for Melbourne Zoo as my winner due to it being easier to get to, easier to get around and overall it is very good for a city zoo.
Melbourne Zoo is best for
Convenience, time-saving, more animals, considerate layout and hands-on enclosures
My rating 4.5 / 5
Werribee Zoo is best for
Safari vibes, open range feel, natural African animals in a free habitat, safari tours
My rating 4 / 5