Best Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries to Visit in Victoria

All across Australia, you’ll come across a unique range of beloved wildlife that calls this country home. With a wide variety of animal enclosures and wildlife ranges in the southeastern state of Victoria, you’ll never be out of options to get up close and personal with Australia’s favourite furry friends. In your Dollar rental car, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as you traverse vibrant scenery and embrace the lush landscape of this state as you head on your way to discover the best zoos and wildlife sanctuaries to visit in Victoria.

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne/Naarm in Parkville, Melbourne Zoo is the city’s most popular place to get to know the country’s furriest of friends. Boasting a range of native animals that have made a home in the Australian bush - like koalas, wombats, kangaroos and even the adorable quokka - there are also some incredible creatures from all over the world. Watch the gorillas swing throughout their exhibit or feed the giraffes their lunch as they smile at you from high above. Melbourne Zoo also offers the chance to get up even closer with your favourite animals with a range of programs that provide an intimate experience with these interesting creatures. There are even opportunities for little ones to get the chance to know what it’s like to look after the animals with the Keeper Kids activities. Melbourne Zoo is perfect if you’re looking to make unforgettable memories without having to venture too far from the city. There’s also a cafe and plenty of picnic spaces for you to chill out in between animal encounters.

Another hotspot for animal lovers, Werribee Open Range Zoo delivers an experience that is unlike anything else. Only a forty minute drive west of Melbourne’s CBD, Werribee Zoo stuns with its open range enclosures that prompt the feeling of a journey through an African safari. Venture into Werribee’s grounds and you’ll discover animals roaming about as you take the free safari bus around the exhibits. Explore the savannah grasslands and arid landscapes as you happen upon giraffes, lions, meerkats and hippos. There is of course also the iconic kangaroos hopping about the grasslands, so you’ll get a taste of some Australian wildlife too. The best thing about Werribee is the diversity of creatures it offers, transporting you across Asia, North America, Africa and Australia with the wealth of creatures on show. For when you want to take a moment to relax, there are also cafes and kiosks to indulge in snacks and refreshments, as well as family friendly play spaces for little ones to enjoy.

Just over an hours’ drive northeast of the heart of Melbourne, Healesville Sanctuary is a gem in Victoria’s bushland. Discover wildlife in its pristine form at this sanctuary as you wander around the tracks and learn about the creatures on show. There are so many adorable native animals at Healesville, such as kangaroos, koalas, and even the unique platypus roaming around the wetlands. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the diversity of the animals that call Australia home, with the friendly zookeepers being a great source of information on the creatures they look after. Keeper Talks happen every day, with the keepers not only educating listeners on the animals, but also the zoo’s efforts of conservation. Follow the Wetlands Track and you’ll discover a wide variety of birds as they flutter from the sky to the water and float on the stream as you stroll past. There is also a cafe, although you’re welcome to bring your own food to Healesville to indulge in a picnic on the lush grounds, surrounded by vibrant bush scenery.

Another incredible wildlife sanctuary is the Moonlit Sanctuary, just 50 minutes from the centre of Melbourne in the southeast. Moonlit makes for a great day trip from the city and will stun with close encounters with the beloved animals. Feed a wallaby, walk a dingo or get up close to an emu - all of these experiences are sure to elevate your time at this sanctuary and leave you with memories you’ll cherish forever. There are even night tours where you can observe the sanctuary’s nocturnal creatures alongside an expert guide as they lead you the way. Discover a whole new animal side to Victoria with this thrilling wildlife park.

From exotic creatures to Australia’s native furry friends, Victoria is home to a plethora of zoos and wildlife sanctuaries for you to explore. In your Dollar rental car, it’s easy to make the most of these wildlife parks across the state as you embrace the drive and the scenery it delivers.