Animals from Australia and around the world have called the Melbourne Zoo home since 1862, making it Australia's oldest zoo. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the zoo is a popular location for picnics and evening concerts during the summer.
Star attractions at Melbourne Zoo include the colorful inhabitants of the Butterfly House, families of gorillas at play in the Gorilla Rainforest, and native animals like kangaroos, wombats and koalas in the Amazing Australians exhibits.
Most famous of all is the Trail of the Elephants, the Asian village home of the zoo's five elephants, including recent addition baby Mali. Orangutans are viewed from elevated boardwalks, and penguins and seals swim in the Wild Sea display. Don’t miss feeding time and Meet the Keeper presentations.
Practical Info
Melbourne Zoo is a couple of kilometers from central Melbourne, on the northern edge of town in Parkville. Catch a tram from the city along William Street, or a train from Flinders Street Station to Royal Park Station. The Zoological Gardens cover acres of different landscapes, including formal gardens, rainforest and jungle. Free guided tours highlight the zoo's star exhibits.
