Melbourne is home to 3 great Zoos. Each one has its own way of displaying their animals and all are world class zoos.

     Our 3 zoos are:-
                               Melbourne Zoo
                               Werribee Open Plains Zoo
                               Healesville Sanctuary

Melbourne Zoo

     Melbourne Zoo is located just 4 Kilometres (2.4 miles) from the centre of Melbourne. It has a Botanic gardens setting and is 22 hectares (55 acres) in size. It has more than 350 species of animals from around the world. It was first opened 1862 and still has some of the historical features for visitors to see.

     Melbourne Zoo also has picnic areas so you can take your time to see all the animals and enjoy a picnic lunch as well. There is also conference centre and education unit available.

Werribee Open Plains Zoo

     Werribee Open plains Zoo is located 35 kilometres (21.7 miles) South East of Melbourne. Sitting on the picturesque Werribee River it consists of 200 hectares (494 acres). It is home to a variety of animals from the grasslands of Africa, Asia, North America and Australia.

     There are a variety of different types of tour.  On the main tour visitors climb aboard a large bus and take a 50 minute guided tour for some close up animal encounters. There is also a smaller more detailed tour called “Behind the Scenes” tour. Also there are a “Photographic tour” and a “Canoe Safari” to choose from each offering different ways of seeing and interacting with the animals.

     There are also walk through exhibits and plenty of picnic areas for all to enjoy.

Healesville Sanctuary

     Healesville Sanctuary is 65 kilometres (41 miles) North East of Melbourne.

     Built in 1934, it features Australian wildlife with more than 200 species of native birds, mammals and reptiles, displayed in their natural bush setting.

    This is very much a close up type of Zoo with most displays being walk through. The displays are as close as possible to the animals’ natural settings.

    To us the highlights of this Zoo were the platypus display and the birds of prey display. The birds of prey display sees the keepers bring some magnificent birds like Eagles, Falcons and Owls into a small area so all can see their flight and power.

    There are plenty of Kangaroo, Wallaby, and small birds on display and they are usually close enough to just about touch although this is not encouraged.

    My family and I have visited all 3 Zoos and have taken many photos. Some are included on this page.

    However the last time we went to Healesville Sanctuary I had a problem with my camera and missed some great shots of the birds of prey. I will return to the sanctuary soon to remedy that problem and post the pics here. So come back later and check out the new pics.