Safari at the Werribee Open Range Zoo

Join me for a full day out at Werribee Open Range Zoo — open grasslands, a free safari bus ride past rhinos, giraffes and zebras, and keeper talks running right through the day. It's one of those places that feels a long way from the city without actually being far at all.

We'll travel out together by public transport. Meet me at Boost Juice inside Southern Cross Station at 7:45am, we'll walk to the platform together and catch the 8:04am train, then the connecting bus to the zoo, arriving around 9:29am. If that's too early for you, you're very welcome to make your own way there and meet us at the zoo entrance instead — just let me know so we can look out for you.

Once we're in we'll take our time: hop on the safari bus, catch a few keeper talks, wander the walking trails and stop for lunch somewhere along the way. It's a relaxed day, not a race to see everything.

One important thing: a Meetup RSVP is not a zoo ticket. Zoos Victoria asks that every person pre-books their entry online, so please sort your own ticket before the day.

Who this is for

Anyone who enjoys animals, walking and a slow, easygoing day out
Great for first-timers to the zoo and for people new to Melbourne
No fitness requirement, though there's a fair bit of walking on flat paths — comfortable shoes matter more than anything
Coming solo? Perfect. Most people do, and it's an easy group to slot into

Links

Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfyVPt3akkGBKxrF9
Werribee Open Range Zoo: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/
Tickets / membership: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/whats-on/events/entry/
Free safari bus: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/free-safari-bus/
Animal and keeper talks: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/animal-talks/
Interactive zoo map: https://werribeeopenrangezoo.maptivateapp.com.au/
Cafes and facilities: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/food-and-facilities/

Timeline

7:45am – Meet at Boost Juice, Southern Cross Station, and say hello
7:50am – Head to the train platform together
8:04am – Train departs, then the connecting bus to the zoo
9:29am – Arrive at Werribee Open Range Zoo (or meet us here if you're travelling separately)
Through the day – Safari bus, keeper talks, walking trails and a lunch stop
4:33pm – Catch the bus, then the train back to the city
5:44pm – Arrive back at Southern Cross Station, and the meetup wraps up

Tickets / cost

Everyone books and pays for their own zoo entry online in advance.
If you have a Zoos Victoria membership, bring it along.

Transport

We're going by train and bus from Southern Cross Station, so bring a myki with enough balance to get you there and back.
Driving instead? There's parking at the zoo — just plan to meet us at the entrance around 9:30am.

Bring

Your pre-booked zoo ticket and your myki
Water bottle
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen — much of the zoo is open and exposed
A light jacket or rain layer
Lunch and snacks if you'd rather pack your own; otherwise there are cafes on site

Expect

Difficulty: Easy — flat, mostly sealed paths
Pace: Relaxed, with plenty of stops
Vibe: Friendly, chatty and low-pressure
Group style: We'll stay loosely together, but you're free to peel off and explore at your own pace and rejoin us

Important notes

This is a casual social meetup arranged so we can head out to the zoo together. It isn't run by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Zoos Victoria or Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Your RSVP here is not a ticket and doesn't guarantee entry — please book directly with the zoo.
Safari bus and talk times are set by the zoo and can change without notice, so we'll check the board when we arrive and work around whatever's running.
Public transport timetables can change or be disrupted. I'll do my best to keep everyone together, but please keep an eye on your own connections, especially on the way home.
It's an outdoor day, so dress for the weather. Some animals may be less visible in heat or rain — that's just how open range works.
Please look after yourself on the day: stay hydrated, follow all zoo rules and staff instructions, and take part within your own comfort and ability. You're joining at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing.
If your plans change, please update your RSVP so the numbers stay clear for everyone.