Social Day Out at Melbourne Zoo

Join me for a relaxed Saturday at Melbourne Zoo! We'll wander the grounds, catch some of the keeper talks, and spend the day with everything from gorillas and orangutans to snow leopards, seals and penguins.

We'll meet at Royal Park train station (Platform 2) at 10:15am, then head over to the zoo together at 10:30am. The zoo's rail gate entrance is just across the road from the station. From there we'll explore at an easy pace, stop for lunch, and wrap up around 4:30pm.

This is a casual social meetup so we can visit the zoo together. It isn't run by or affiliated with Melbourne Zoo or Zoos Victoria. Please book your own entry directly with the zoo, because a Meetup RSVP doesn't include entry.

Who this is for

Animal lovers and anyone who enjoys a relaxed day outdoors
People keen to meet new friends in a low-key setting
First-time visitors and zoo members alike
Solo attendees are very welcome

Links

Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3utrdcTbFEqngPuR6
Melbourne Zoo: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/
Tickets and membership: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/whats-on/events/entry/
Animal and keeper talks: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/animal-talks/
Interactive map of Melbourne Zoo: https://melbournezoo.maptivateapp.com.au/
Cafés and where to eat: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/food-and-facilities/

Timeline

10:15am – Meet at Royal Park train station (Platform 2) and say hi
10:30am – Walk over to Melbourne Zoo together
Through the day – Animal and keeper talks and a wander around the grounds
Lunch – Grab something at one of the on-site cafés or eat the lunch you've brought
4:30pm – Meetup ends

Tickets / cost

Zoo entry isn't included. Please buy your own ticket, or bring your membership, directly through Melbourne Zoo.
Melbourne Zoo recommends that you book online in advance, so it's best to book before the day.

Transport

Royal Park station is on the Upfield line, with trains from Flinders Street.
Melbourne Zoo says the station is just across the road from its rail gate entrance.
Check for any planned train disruptions before you head out.

Bring

Your zoo ticket or membership
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
A water bottle
A packed lunch and snacks, if you're not buying food there
A light jacket or umbrella in case the weather turns

Expect

Difficulty: Easy. There's a fair bit of walking, but at a gentle pace with plenty of breaks.
Pace: Relaxed, with stops for talks, photos and lunch
Vibe: Friendly, chatty and low-key
Group style: We'll start together. Feel free to drift between groups, and it's fine to head off early if you need to.

Important notes

This meetup is organized independently. It isn't affiliated with, endorsed by or run by Melbourne Zoo or Zoos Victoria.
A Meetup RSVP isn't a ticket, so please book your own entry with the zoo.
Keeper talk times are set by the zoo and can change, so check the talks page on the day.
We'll be outdoors most of the day, so dress for the weather and stay sun-smart.
Please follow zoo rules and staff instructions, and look after your own safety and wellbeing on the day.
If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear.