Planning your next family adventure requires a clear understanding of the Werribee Zoo opening hours to ensure you see every animal.
You can check the current opening hours before heading out to the Western Treatment Plant region for your safari tour.
Many local residents from the Melbourne city centre enjoy visiting this expansive park during the warm summer months.
It is important to organise your transport early so you arrive at the gates when the staff begins the daily operations.
Standard Werribee Zoo Opening Hours Throughout The Week
The standard Werribee Zoo opening hours remain consistent during most weeks of the calendar year for all general admission ticket holders. These times are designed to provide maximum daylight for observing the magnificent species across the open plains of the facility.
General Daily Schedule
The gates typically open at 9:00 am sharp to welcome visitors who are eager to explore the diverse walking tracks and bus routes. Most guests find that arriving early allows for a better chance to see the animals during their most active morning periods.
Afternoon Closure Times
The park concludes its daily operations at 5:00 pm to allow the dedicated keepers to attend to the animals in their private evening quarters. You must ensure that you have finished your final walking trail well before the staff begins the exit procedures for the day.
Last Entry Policy
Management enforces a strict last entry policy to maintain a safe and orderly environment for both the guests and the resident wildlife. You will not be permitted to enter the grounds after 3:30 pm regardless of whether you have pre-purchased your tickets online.
| Day of the Week | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 9:00 am (AEST/AEDT) | 5:00 pm (AEST/AEDT) |
| Public Holidays | 9:00 am (AEST/AEDT) | 5:00 pm (AEST/AEDT) |
Data last verified: February 2026
Public Holiday Trading Hours And Special Seasonal Changes
Australian public holidays are popular times for families to visit the park and enjoy the unique African-inspired landscapes of Victoria. The Werribee Zoo opening hours are maintained during these festive periods to provide entertainment options for the entire local community.
Christmas And New Year Hours
Unlike many other businesses in the state, this wildlife sanctuary remains open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day for all registered guests. The dedicated staff members continue to provide high-quality care for the animals while welcoming families who wish to celebrate outdoors together.
Holiday Peak Periods
During the busy Labour Day or Easter long weekends, the number of visitors can increase significantly compared to a standard Tuesday or Wednesday. It is wise to monitor the official social media channels for any temporary adjustments to the usual trading hours during these peak times.
- Christmas Day: Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Boxing Day: Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- New Year’s Day: Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Good Friday: Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- ANZAC Day: Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Data last verified: February 2026
Safari Tour Times And Transport Within The Park
A significant part of your visit involves the safari bus tour which operates within specific windows inside the Werribee Zoo opening hours. These tours take you across the savannah where you can witness giraffes, rhinos, and zebras roaming freely in a naturalistic setting.
Safari Bus Frequency
The safari buses depart regularly from the main station located near the entrance of the African walking trail throughout the entire day. These departures are included in your general admission fee and do not usually require an additional booking unless you want a private tour.
Last Safari Departure
You should aim to queue for your safari experience before 3:30 pm to ensure you do not miss the final bus of the afternoon. The duration of the tour is approximately forty minutes which allows you enough time to return to the gate before the closing bell.
- First Safari Bus: Departs at approximately 10:00 am
- Last Safari Bus: Departs at approximately 4:00 pm
- Peak Frequency: Every 15 to 20 minutes during school holidays
- Off-Peak Frequency: Every 30 to 45 minutes on quiet weekdays
Data last verified: February 2026
Planning Your Arrival And Transport Arrangements
To make the most of the Werribee Zoo opening hours, you should plan your journey from Melbourne or Geelong with plenty of spare time. The park is located approximately thirty-five kilometres west of the Melbourne central business district and is easily accessible via the Princes Freeway.
Car Parking Facilities
There is ample free parking available for all visitors right next to the main entrance which makes the transition from car to zoo easy. You should follow the directional signs to ensure you park in the designated areas that are monitored by the security staff onsite.
Public Transport Options
Visitors can also reach the destination by taking a train to Werribee Station and then catching a connecting bus to the zoo gates. You can find detailed maps and route information on the official Zoos Victoria website to help coordinate your trip timing perfectly.
- Princes Freeway Exit: Take the Werribee South exit
- Bus Route 439: Connects Werribee Station to the main entrance
- Walking Access: Not recommended from the station due to the distance
- Bicycle Parking: Racks are available near the ticketing booths
Data last verified: February 2026
Membership Access And Special Entry Conditions
Members of Zoos Victoria enjoy unlimited access during the Werribee Zoo opening hours throughout the entire year without needing to pay for each visit. This membership is a cost-effective way for local families to support conservation efforts while enjoying regular outdoor exercise and education.
Scanning Your Digital Pass
Members must remember to bring their digital or physical membership cards to the gate to facilitate a quick and efficient entry process. The scanning stations are located at the front of the queue to help members bypass the standard ticket purchase lines during busy mornings.
Member Only Events
Occasionally, the zoo may offer exclusive early morning or late evening access for members to participate in special photographic workshops or keeper talks. These events might take place outside the standard Werribee Zoo opening hours and usually require a separate online registration to attend.
- Adult Memberships: Valid for 365 days from the date of purchase
- Child Memberships: Included for free under certain adult membership tiers
- Teacher Passes: Available for registered Victorian educators with valid credentials
- Concession Rates: Offered to students and seniors with valid identification
Data last verified: February 2026
Werribee Zoo Opening Hours For School Holiday Periods
The Werribee Zoo opening hours are particularly important for parents looking to keep their children entertained during the long Victorian school holiday breaks. During these weeks, the park often introduces extra activities and educational programs that are tailored for younger wildlife fans and students.
Extended Holiday Programs
While the main gates still close at 5:00 pm, many of the interactive exhibits may have specific schedules that change during the holidays. You should grab a daily program guide from the information desk to ensure you do not miss any of the special feeding demonstrations.
Managing Large Crowds
School holidays often bring the highest volume of visitors to the park which can lead to longer wait times for the popular safari bus. We recommend arriving precisely at 9:00 am during these periods to secure your spot on the early tours before the groups arrive.
- Keeper Talks: Usually scheduled between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
- Food Outlets: Open from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm daily
- Gift Shop: Open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm
- Playground Access: Open throughout the entire operational day
Data last verified: February 2026
Conclusion
Understanding the specific Werribee Zoo opening hours is the first step toward creating a memorable adventure for your friends and family this year.
Whether you want to see the lions or ride the safari bus, knowing when the gates open ensures you miss nothing.
We always recommend double-checking the Werribee Zoo opening hours on the morning of your planned visit to account for any last-minute operational changes.
Enjoy your journey through the open range and take plenty of photos of the amazing animals you encounter along the way.