Melbourne Zoo Guide | Hours, Ticket Prices & Animal Exhibits at Royal Park

Also referred to as The Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens, Melbourne Zoo is a wonderland of exotic animals that is located about 13 miles from downtown Melbourne. Melbourne Zoo is a non-profit organization with a mission of protecting endangered species from extinction and caring for all wildlife of the earth in a compassionate manner. This beautiful and lush park has over 55 acres of space for guests and animals to roam around and provides a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. With over 5,100 animals representing 320 species, you are sure to see all of your favorite animals while visiting Melbourne Zoo and be assured that they are cared for in a compassionate manner each and everyday.

Exhibits at Melbourne Zoo

Planning a trip to Melbourne Zoo? Here is a look at some of the exhibits you will encounter while visiting.

Animal Encounters at Melbourne Zoo

While wandering around Melbourne Zoo visitors will get the opportunity to see a wide variety of exotic wildlife species as well as many that are native to Australia. Melbourne Zoo is divided into zones that closely mimic the habitats of the world.

• At the African Savannah exhibit, guests will encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, tigers, and other animals of prey that wander the desert.
• The Asian exhibit showcases a variety of monkeys and other primates while the Australian zone is where visitors will find kangaroos, koala bears, and wallaby.
• The Butterfly House is a fun educational exhibit that is appropriate for guests of all ages, and it showcases hundreds of butterflies found all over the world. There is also a special exhibit dedicated to the amphibians, birds, and insects of Australia that are near extinction.

Melbourne Zoo also offers guided tours where guests can get an up-close look at the animals with the expert trainers. There are three tours available at different price points that highlight specific exhibits at the zoo.

Melbourne Zoo Programs & Events

Melbourne Zoo has a whole line up of special programs that educate guests about animals of the wild and what they can do to help protect these beautiful creatures. Daily programs include Safe Cat Safe Wildlife, Seal the Loop, Love Your Locals, and When Balloons Fly-Seabirds Die, which are all interesting and appropriate for visitors of all ages. The zoo also hosts periodic special events based on situations and issues going on around the world. Many of the programs and special events are free with paid admission to the zoo.

Check In to Art Series the Larwill Studio, Step Out to Melbourne Zoo

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Hours & General Information for Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is open all year long, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months that run from March to May and then from September to November. During these months of the year the climate is dry and the temperatures are pleasant. Most enclosures and exhibits at the zoo are located in outdoor spaces, so you should take this into consideration when planning your trip.

• Melbourne Zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm. In order to avoid the crowds that are usually present during the middle of the day, it is best to plan to arrive at opening time. Some of the animals features at the zoo are more active during the early morning hours as the temperatures are cooler, providing you with the best viewing opportunity. It is recommended that you plan to stay at the zoo for at least half of the day so you can wander through at a leisurely pace and have a chance to check out all of the animals you want to see.
• Tickets to Melbourne Zoo are 38 AUD for adults daily; and 19 AUD for children (ages 4-15) Monday to Friday. Admission for children on weekends and holidays is free. Children ages 0 to 3 also get in for free every day of the week.

Check In to Quality Hotel Carlton, Step Out to Melbourne Zoo

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Hotels Located Near Melbourne Zoo

For those who want to lodge close to all of the wildlife action going on at Melbourne Zoo, there are plenty of fine lodging options available. Here are some of the best hotels near Melbourne Zoo.

• Art Series the Larwill Studio – A vibrant and modern hotel that is decked out in artistic masterpieces.
• Quality Hotel Carlton – A clean and contemporary budget hotel located near the heart of the city.
• Naughtons Hotel – A cozy family hotel near fine restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Check In to Naughtons Hotel, Step Out to Melbourne Zoo

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