Melbourne Zoo

Opened in 1862, the Royal Melbourne Zoo is the oldest zoo in Australia and the third oldest in the world. Yet despite its age, this sprawling zoo has remained a firm favourite in the hearts and imaginations of Melburnians young and old because it never stops evolving. Several years ago, the Monkey Island built in 1938 became home to a thriving colony of Australian Fur Seals and Little Penguins – and the relatively recent Trail of the Elephants transports visitors to the villages and gardens of Asia, while highlighting the need for conservation of the majestic species.

A trip to Melbourne Zoo done right is a full-day odyssey across 320 species and various animal ampitheatres - landscaped gardens full of birds, tropical hothouses fluttering with butterflies, natural bush settings bouncing with native animals, aquariums bubbling over with platypus, seals, penguins and fish and wild open plains where giraffe, lions and other marvels of the natural world roam. In summer the joint hosts the spectacular live shows Twilights at the Zoo, and there are amazing Roar 'n' Snore experiences allowing rare-access camp-outs in Zoo grounds.

Children aged up to 15 years can now enter free of charge on public holidays, weekends, and Victorian state school holidays.