Visitor Services

Visitor services include a licensed bistro, take-away food outlets, gift and souvenir shopping, conference and function facilities, wheelchairs, pushers, picnic pavilions, special animal feeding times, keeper presentations and carousel rides.

Free Guided Tours

Friends of the Zoos volunteer guides offer free tours and answer visitors' questions at the information office near the Elliott Avenue entrance, 10.00am–3.00pm daily. For large groups it is preferable to pre-book tours.
Tel: (03) 9285 9493 (Mon–Sun)
Fax: (03) 9285 9390

At least two weeks’ notice is requested when booking group tours.

Not available during school holidays.

Guide Mobile Tours

The Guide Mobile is a four-seater electric cart designed to improve accessibility through the expansive Zoo grounds for elderly and disabled passengers.

The Guide Mobile is operated by Friends of the Zoos volunteer guides and runs from 10.00am–3.00pm daily.

Free tours run for approximately one hour and may be pre-booked by phoning the Friends of the Zoos on (03) 9285 9493 (Mon–Sun).

Or, tours can be booked on the day (pending availability) at the Friends of the Zoos information windows at the main and rail entrances to the Zoo.
Not available during school holidays.

Licensed Bistro and Take-Away Food

The Lakeside Bistro is open from 9.00am daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Take-away outlets are open from 9.30am–4.30pm daily.

The Zoo also offers conference facilities for large and small meetings and seminars, as well as special after-hours functions in the grounds of the Zoo, which can incorporate tours of all or part of the Zoo.

Zoo Shop

Visit our Zoo Shops, located near the main and rail exits, and discover the extensive range of gifts and souvenirs such as T-shirts, handmade jewellery, toys, CDs, ties and books. Gift shops are also located at the Lakeside Bistro and at Trail of the Elephants. The Trail of the Elephants shop offers a unique range of elephant souvenirs and Asian handicrafts. All profits contribute to the care and upkeep of the animals.

Carousel

Melbourne Zoo's Carousel was built in 1878 in England and imported to Australia in the 1880s by an ancestor of Dorrie Freeman. The Carousel travelled the show circuit until 1963 before it finally arrived at Melbourne Zoo. Heritage Victoria oversaw the restorations of the Carousel in 2005 and it now resides and operates in the Carousel Park at the Zoo.

Operating hours are 11.30am–2.00pm during weekends, public holidays and school holidays (closing time may vary depending on visitor demand). Rides are $3 each (GST inclusive).

Wheelchairs, Pushers and Lockers

All Melbourne Zoo paths are suitable for wheelchairs and pushers which can be hired at the Zoo.

Wheelchairs: free hire, photographic identification required as security.
Bookings essential. Tel: (03) 9285 9300.

Pushers: available for hire from the Zoo Shop at the main visitor entrance.
Cost: $15 hire, photographic identification and $20 deposit required as security.

Lockers: are available for hire at both entrances. $2 hire with $5 fully refundable deposit.

All prices are GST inclusive.

First Aid room and facilities are available.