In the heart of Melbourne lies a zoo that revolutionized how animals are displayed worldwide, pioneering the concept of grouping species by their natural habitats rather than taxonomy.

Melbourne Zoo invites you to journey through continents without leaving Parkville. Just 4 kilometers north of Melbourne's city center, this 162-year-old institution combines Victorian-era heritage with cutting-edge conservation science.

Set among flower gardens and shaded picnic areas, the zoo houses over 3,700 animals representing 243 species, with a special focus on Australia's unique fauna. From the moment you enter, whether by train, tram, or bicycle path, you're stepping into a world where animal welfare and visitor education blend seamlessly.

From Acclimatization to Conservation

Melbourne Zoo opened on October 6, 1862, on 55 acres of land donated by the Victorian government. Initially established by the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, the zoo's first purpose was practical: helping domestic animals recover from their long sea voyages to Australia.

The institution transformed under Albert Le Souef's leadership from 1870, shifting focus to exotic animal displays and public gardens. After financial struggles in the 1930s, the Victorian government took control in 1937. The zoo earned its "Royal" prefix in 1910 and has evolved from a colonial curiosity to a world-leading conservation facility, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2012.

Bioclimatic Zones and Living Exhibits

In the 1980s, Melbourne Zoo pioneered 'bioclimatic zones,' a revolutionary approach that groups animals by their natural habitats. Today, visitors explore African rainforest in Gorilla Rainforest, walk through Asian rainforest among orangutans and tigers, and discover Australian fauna in dedicated native exhibits.

The Trail of the Elephants, which opened in 2003 to numerous awards, has been reimagined as Forest of Wonder following the elephant herd's 2025 relocation to Werribee. Lion Gorge, opened in 2014, replaced the acclaimed 1964 Lion Park. Other popular immersive experiences include the Butterfly House, Wild Sea with its underwater seal viewing, Treetop Apes and Monkeys, and the Great Flight Aviary.

Conservation Leadership and Heritage Charm

Melbourne Zoo actively participates in 27 species conservation programs, all focused on Australian native animals. This commitment extends beyond the gates through Zoos Victoria, which also manages Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.

The zoo blends conservation with heritage. The restored 1886 carousel, brought from England and listed by Heritage Victoria, still delights visitors. The heritage-listed Elephant House now hosts popular Roar and Snore overnight camping experiences, where guests sleep in tents and take evening tours to see nocturnal animals. Educational programs reach thousands of school children annually, inspiring the next generation of wildlife advocates.

Melbourne Zoo Highlights & Tips

• Gorilla Rainforest Watch western lowland gorillas in an immersive African rainforest setting. Australia's first gorilla birth occurred here in 1984, marking a milestone in zoo breeding programs.
• Australian Bush Exhibit Encounter koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and the elusive platypus. Most species at Melbourne Zoo are endemic to Australia, offering an unparalleled look at local wildlife.
• Wild Sea Underwater Viewing Experience Australian fur seals and little penguins from below the water's surface, watching these agile swimmers in action through large viewing windows.
• The Historic Carousel Ride this beautifully restored 1886 English carousel, a Heritage Victoria-listed treasure that toured Victorian country towns before finding its permanent home at the zoo in 1952.
• Getting There Access the zoo via Royal Park Station on the Upfield train line, or take tram routes 55 or 19. You can also cycle along the Upfield Bike Path, though bikes aren't allowed inside the zoo.
• Roar and Snore Overnight Stays Book ahead for these popular overnight camping experiences. Sleep in tents near the heritage Elephant House and join evening guided tours to see nocturnal animals with experienced camp hosts.
• Summer Sleepover Events During summer months, special camp-out events let you purchase tickets to spend a night under the stars at the zoo, offering a unique after-hours perspective.
• Best for Families Plan for a full day to explore all bioclimatic zones. The zoo's gardens and picnic areas are perfect for breaks, and the education programs make it ideal for school-age children.

Melbourne Zoo stands as a living bridge between past and future. From its Victorian heritage buildings to its groundbreaking bioclimatic zones, every corner tells a story of evolution in how we understand and care for wildlife.

As you wander from the African plains of Lion Gorge to the Australian Bush, you're not just observing animals but witnessing conservation in action. With 27 active programs protecting Australian species, your visit directly supports efforts to preserve the continent's unique biodiversity.

Whether you're riding the historic carousel, watching seals glide underwater, or camping overnight among the sounds of the wild, Melbourne Zoo offers an experience that educates, inspires, and connects you to the natural world in ways few places can.