Werribee Open Range Zoo, VICTORIA
Airing Date: Mar 20th, 2006
Thirty minutes from Melbourne along the magnificent Werribee River, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers one of Australia's truly unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Located on over 200 hectares of riverine floodplains and volcanic grasslands, Werribee Zoo is an open range zoo where animals from the grasslands of Australia, Africa and Asia live in conditions as close as possible to those they encounter in their natural habitats.
Visitors can undertake a 50 minute guided Wildlife Safari, which provides superb opportunities for close up animal encounters. Tours are conducted by trained safari guides who give a personal and informed interpretation of the animals, their features and behaviour.
To complement this tour, the Africa Walking Trail allows visitors to come face to face with a range of smaller African species, including Cheetah, Serval Cats, Vervet Monkeys and Waterbuck.
The Volcanic Plains Walk takes visitors on a journey into Victoria's endangered indigenous grasslands via a walking trail through an accurately recreated landscape with views of native animals along the way, including kangaroos, wallabies and emus.
The Zoo's Meerkat Bistro offers a diverse range of meal and catering package options, with the special bonus of adjoining the Zoo's Meerkat enclosure. Visitors enjoy the wonderful opportunity to watch the antics of the animals whilst dining in climate-controlled comfort.
Buy a 'Rip Roaring Ticket' and view the lions of Werribee Park. A keeper will talk about the lions, discussing the lion pride and how they manage social interactions and breeding. The group then heads into the indoor holding dens and are shown where the lions sleep at night.
You can even sleep overnight at the zoo and experience a Slumber Safari. This offers two days' entry into the zoo, accommodation in luxury-style canvas tents furnished in 1920s style, dinner, supper around the camp fire, breakfast and all activities. Guided tours of both The African Walking Trail and Volcanic Plains Walk can be pre-booked prior to visiting the zoo.
A visit to Victoria's Open Range Zoo is truly a great adventure. It is a unique way to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the savannah.
Further Information
A Rip Roaring Feed Tour starts from $40 for adults and $25 for children (8 years and over)
General admission into the zoo starts at $21 for adults and $10.50 for children.
For details contact Werribee Open Range Zoo on 03 9731 9600
Prices correct at 20/3/06
