Melbourne Zoo is just 4 km north of the city centre, putting it within easy reach via a tram from Melbourne Central. Officially known as the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens, it opened in 1862 and is the oldest zoo in Australia.
Melbourne Zoo: Meet the Animals Across 7 Different Zones
Melbourne Zoo is divided into seven different themed zones. These thematic zones are Gorilla Rainforest, Trail of the Elephants, Australian Bush, Frogs & Reptiles, Lion Gorge, Wild Sea and Growing Wild.
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Stepping through the zoo’s Main Entrance, we were immediately drawn to the meerkats exhibit in the Growing Wild section of the zoo. We also discovered one of the nice features of the Melbourne Zoo – interactive play areas for kids located side by side with the animal exhibits.
Of course, the delightful meerkats captured the most attention with their elegant looking poses.
The Growing Wild area opens up to the Eat & Play area where there is a children’s carousel along with a playground and food kiosks at the Lakeside Cafe.
However, there was no time for us to stop for food because we were set on visiting the Lion Gorge zone.
Lion Gorge
Lion Gorge is one of our favourite zones at the Melbourne Zoo – but that’s probably because we are fans of big cats.
The namesake of the zone can be found at the start of the waking trail and other animals that can be encountered along the trail include the binturong and tiger (although they can be a bit elusive.
Interestingly, the Tasmanian Devil exhibit was located within the Lion Gorge zone.
The star animal for us was the snow leopard. And, when we visited, the Melbourne Zoo just had four snow leopard cubs. They were simply adorable and we spent a good deal of time admiring them.
Leaving Lion Gorge, we found ourselves at the Frogs & Reptiles zone. It was a chance to peek at the dangerous snakes and reptiles that inhabit Australia and beyond.
Wild Sea
Located between Lion Gorge and Eat and Play, the Wild Sea zone is home to animals like penguins and seals.
Australian Bush
Another zone that we enjoyed visiting was the Australian Bush zone, but not before a quick pitstop at the Giraffe Lookout Cafe for some refreshments with a view of the long-necked creatures
Here is where you can find Australian’s unique wildlife.
Quakkas, echidnas and wetland birds are just some of the Australian natives that you can view at the Australian Bush zone. Of course the are kangaroos and wallabies too.
However, it was no surprise the cuddly-looking koalas and big round southern hairy-nosed wombats stole the show at the Australian Bush zone.
There is also a nature play area located in the Australian Bush zone.
Special mention goes out to the platypus exhibit located near the Frogs and Reptiles area. While we had seen the duck-billed, web-footed mammal before, this time around, we were unable to spot it in its enclosure.
Forest of Wonder
The Forest of Wonder felt quite familiar to us with animals such orangutans along with siamangs, rainforest birds and otters, and a tiger exhibit.
Gorilla Rainforest
While the gorilla may be the star animal at the Gorilla Rainforest, the most entertaining ones were the black and white ruffed lemurs.
The lemurs pranced and jumped around in a lively demonstration of their energy.
Visiting the Melbourne Zoo
For those who are visiting Melbourne and want to see its unique wildlife, the Melbourne Zoo is a convenience attraction where you can view them. However, do take note that you will only be able to view the animals, unlike some other wildlife parks where you may be able to get upclose to the animals or even interact with them.
However, Melbourne Zoo does also have themed programmes through the year and if you are looking for a change of pace with the kids, a day out at the zoo may be just what you need.
