Australia is renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, and Melbourne offers some of the best places to experience these natural wonders up close. From immersive safari adventures to intimate encounters with native animals, these top 6 wildlife parks provide unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and families alike. Whether you’re looking to meet koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, or explore expansive open-range habitats, these destinations are must-visits for anyone exploring Melbourne.

1. Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo, located just a few minutes from the city center, is Australia’s oldest zoo, showcasing over 300 species from around the world. It offers a mix of native Australian animals and exotic species, with well-designed habitats and conservation programs.

Melbourne Zoo is one of Australia’s oldest and most established zoos, with a history dating back to 1862. It is renowned for its well-maintained and expansive habitats that house over 300 animal species from across the globe. A special highlight is the Butterfly House, where you can walk among free-flying butterflies in a tropical environment.

General Admission:

• Adults: $53.00 AUD
• Children (4-15 years): $26.50 AUD, Free on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and Victorian school holidays

Recommended Time to Spend: 3-4 hours

Size: 55 acres (22 hectares)

Google ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 star

2. Healesville Sanctuary

Located in the Yarra Valley, Healesville Sanctuary specializes in native Australian animals. It’s a great place to see koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, and other wildlife in a natural bush setting. The sanctuary is also involved in numerous conservation and breeding programs.

One of its standout features is the Wildlife Hospital, where visitors can observe veterinarians at work through viewing windows. The sanctuary is set in a bushland environment, providing naturalistic habitats for koalas, kangaroos, dingoes, and the elusive platypus. The “Spirits of the Sky” bird show is a must-see, showcasing Australia’s majestic birds of prey.

General Admission:

• Adults: $53.00 AUD
• Children (4-15 years): $26.50 AUD, Free on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and Victorian school holidays

Recommended Time to Spend: 3-4 hours

Size: 74 acres (30 hectares)

Google ⭐️ Rating: 4.6 star

3. Werribee Open Range Zoo

Introduction:
Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a unique safari experience, with animals roaming in expansive open spaces. The zoo is modeled after the African savannah and is home to rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more, providing a more immersive experience compared to traditional zoos.

Werribee Open Range Zoo provides a unique African safari experience without leaving Australia. Visitors can board a complimentary safari bus ride that takes them through open savannahs where animals like giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and antelopes roam freely. The zoo’s layout is designed to mimic an African landscape, offering an immersive experience.

General Admission:

• Adults: $53.00 AUD
• Children (4-15 years): $26.50 AUD, Free on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and Victorian school holidays

Recommended Time to Spend: 3-4 hours

Size: 560 acres (227 hectares)

Google ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 stars

4. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Located in Pearcedale, Moonlit Sanctuary is known for its focus on conservation and native Australian animals. The park offers both daytime visits and nocturnal tours to see animals that are active at night, providing a unique experience.

Moonlit Sanctuary is notable for its focus on conservation and its range of native Australian animals.  During the day, visitors can explore the bushland setting and see a variety of wildlife, including endangered species. The park offers intimate settings where you can observe animals like koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and colorful birds up close. The sanctuary’s commitment to conservation and education makes it a unique and enriching visit.

General Admission:

• Adults: $32.00 AUD
• Children (4-17 years): $16.00 AUD

Recommended Time to Spend: 2-3 hours

Size: 25 acres (10 hectares)

Google ⭐️ Rating: 4.6 stars

5. Maru Koala and Animal Park

Maru Koala and Animal Park, located in Grantville, offers close-up encounters with Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and dingoes. It’s a smaller, family-friendly park that also includes a mini-golf course.

Maru Koala and Animal Park offers a smaller, family-friendly environment where visitors can enjoy close encounters with Australian animals. The park features interactive exhibits where you can hand-feed kangaroos, get close to koalas, and even meet dingoes. Unlike larger zoos, Maru provides a more personal and hands-on experience, making it ideal for families with young children. The park’s size makes it easy to explore in a few hours, and its relaxed atmosphere allows for a leisurely visit.

General Admission:

• Adults: $30.00 AUD
• Children (4-15 years): $16.00 AUD

Recommended Time to Spend: 2-3 hours

Size: 10 acres (4 hectares)

Google ⭐️ Rating: 4.3 stars

6. Phillip Island Wildlife Park

Phillip Island Wildlife Park is home to over 100 species of Australian animals. It’s an open-range park where visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and see animals like koalas and wombats up close.

Phillip Island Wildlife Park is an open-range zoo where visitors can interact closely with a wide range of Australian animals. The park is particularly known for its free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies that visitors can hand-feed, providing an immersive wildlife experience. The park al

so houses koalas, emus, and wombats in large, naturalistic enclosures. The setting is more rustic compared to urban zoos, offering a peaceful and natural environment where you can enjoy the company of wildlife at your own pace.

General Admission:

• Adults: $23.00 AUD
• Children (4-14 years): $12.00 AUD

Recommended Time to Spend: 2-3 hours

Size: 60 acres (24 hectares)

Google ⭐️  Rating: 4.5 stars