Melbourne Zoo 🇦🇺

Located within Royal Park in Parkville, just four kilometers north of central Melbourne, Melbourne Zoo is the city's primary zoo and home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species from Australia and across the globe. As you stroll through its vibrant flower gardens and shaded picnic areas, you will discover habitats organized into distinct bioclimatic zones.

Venture into the African rainforest of Gorilla Rainforest to see gorillas and lemurs, head to the Asian rainforest for orangutans, tigers, and otters, or wander the Australian bush zone to spot native wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and goannas. Additional popular exhibits invite you to explore the Butterfly House, Reptile House, Great Flight Aviary, Wild Sea, Treetop Apes and Monkeys, and Lion Gorge.

Beyond modern wildlife displays, the zoo blends rich history and recreation, featuring heritage-listed historical cages like the old Elephant House, a scenic Japanese garden complete with a pond lake hosting Siamang gibbons, function spaces, cafeterias, and an authentic restored 1886 English carousel. Whether visiting for education or leisure, it offers an engaging, nature-filled escape close to the city.

What to see at Melbourne Zoo

• Observe native Australian species like kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and goannas
• Explore diverse bioclimatic zones featuring gorillas, tigers, orangutans, and otters
• Walk through signature exhibits including the Butterfly House and Lion Gorge
• See historical elements such as the heritage-listed Elephant House and 1886 carousel

Visiting tips

You can travel directly to the zoo via tram routes 58 and 19, the Upfield train line to Royal Park station, or by riding a bike along the Capital City Trail, though bicycles must be parked outside as they are not permitted inside the grounds.

How long: 3-4 hours · Best time: Summer

How to get there & what’s nearby

Melbourne Zoo is easy to reach on Melbourne’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Melbourne Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Melbourne travel guide.