Prepare for your excursion
See you soon at the zoo.
You’re in the right place to get ready for your zoo visit. Find everything you need for the day - arrival information, group activities, risk and safety documents, maps, accessibility and more.
Need help with planning? Visit the Plan your excursion page for costings, supervision ratios, payment and cancellation details.
Scroll down to get started, and if you have any questions, our team is here to help - email us or call 1300 960 784.
GO TO: Arrival information | Group activities | Risk and safety | Maps, videos and accessibility | Animal experiences | Meet the team | FAQs
Arrival information
We're here to help you start your day right at the zoo. Bus parking is free and parking bays are available for drop off and pick up.
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Kyabram Fauna Park |
Healesville Sanctuary |
Melbourne Zoo |
Werribee Open Range Zoo |
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Enter via the Education Entrance Gate. |
Enter via the Main Entrance. |
Enter via the Rail Gate Entrance on Poplar Road. |
Enter via the Main Entrance. |
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When you arrive, a Zoo Teacher will welcome you. |
Arrive between 9:45-10:00am if you'd like a Zoo Teacher to welcome you. |
Arrive between 9:40-10:00am if you'd like a Zoo Teacher to welcome you. |
Arrive between 9:45-10:00am if you'd like a Zoo Teacher to welcome you. |
Upon arrival, our admissions team will also ask you to provide the total number of students and adults you have in your group.
Group activities
A day at the zoo is designed to help you and your group learn, explore and enjoy the experience together.
Your entry includes a free zoo workshop. If you haven't booked it yet, explore your options and contact our team to secure your preferred program. You'll receive an itinerary to help you get the most out of your visit, or you're also welcome to explore a zoo as a self-guided excursion.
To support your day, your free teaching guides include activities for before, during and after your excursion. Some workshops require a workbook for each student - listed on the excursions pages so you can come prepared.
Healesville Sanctuary digital map
(supervising adults will also receive a printed map upon arrival)
Sensory map
(tap on the square layers icon to see the sensory awareness map)
Kyabram Fauna Park digital map
(supervising adults will also receive a printed map upon arrival)
Sensory map
(tap on the square layers icon to see the sensory awareness map)
Melbourne Zoo digital map
(supervising adults will also receive a printed map upon arrival)
Sensory map
(tap on the square layers icon to see the sensory awareness map)
Werribee Open Range Zoo digital map
(supervising adults will also receive a printed map upon arrival)
Sensory map
(tap on the square layers icon to see the sensory awareness map)
Animal experiences
Zoos Victoria animal experiences discuss and observe animals and interpret their behaviours. We prioritise animal welfare and wellbeing and we do not touch animals. When we develop experiences for visitors, our animals have the choice to participate or not, which supports positive animal welfare outcomes.
Find out more at Zoos Victoria's Guiding Principles for Animal Experiences.
Meet the team
We're here to work alongside you - supporting your curriculum and ensuring you have a fantastic time at the zoo. Our team is made up of experienced and qualified teachers who are experts in real-world learning. When you see us, please don't hesitate to ask us any questions.
FAQS
Zoos Victoria animal experiences discuss and observe animals and interpret their behaviours. We prioritise animal welfare and wellbeing and we do not touch animals. When we develop experiences for visitors, our animals have the choice to participate or not, which supports positive animal welfare outcomes.
Find out more at Zoos Victoria's Guiding Principles for Animal Experiences.
You are most welcome to visit the zoo before your excursion. Show your school booking confirmation at the gate and you will get free entry.
Risk assessments are also available above.
Some programs require that you bring printed copies of the student workbook so you can get the most out of your workshop. More information is on your program's page.
Yes, it's a good idea to have your First Aid Kit with you at all times. If you need additional help, zoo staff and volunteers can contact one of our First Aid Officers.
Your excursion will take place outdoors so your group should dress for the weather. If extreme weather is predicted, you are welcome to reschedule your zoo visit.
These things happen. Call our team on 1300 960 784 and let us know your estimated arrival time.
If you are late for your zoo workshop, it is likely that it will be cancelled. You've still got the rest of the day to enjoy independent exploration of the zoo.
No problem. If your group number is only changing by a few, it's okay to let us know on the day. If your group number has changed significantly, please email or call our team and they'll adjust your booking for you.
Yes, absolutely. We have a ratio of free entry for adults based on your student number, which you can find on the Plan your visit page.
If you have more adults that the ratio, they will be charged a reduced adult concession rate or they are welcome to use their Zoos Victoria Membership for free entry.
Yes please. Young people remain the responsibility of supervising adults at all times, including during any zoo workshops.
Where possible, we recommend your group plans to carry your bags while you explore the zoo. If you are visiting Kyabram Fauna Park, there is bag storage available. If you're visiting another zoo, limited lockers are available.
We recommend students carry a rubbish-free lunch in their backpack whilst exploring the zoo. Your map will include where to stop for snacks and lunch as you explore the zoo.
Zoo staff can show you where to leave your lunches in an available zoo pavilion. No booking is required and these spaces are not secure so we recommend that food is placed in secure tubs (away from birds) and you take your valuables with you.
Yes, definitely. Everyone is welcome to buy food and drink at the zoo. Our zoos are cashless so payment is made by credit or debit card.
It's up to you. There is a lot to see at the zoo and you may not be able to explore it all in one day.
Your zoo itinerary will help you arrive at your workshop on time and board the Safari Bus if you're at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
If you are doing a self-guided excursion, we recommend you aim to walk two trails and attend at least one Keeper Talk, with breaks in between.
Great idea! The zoo is a collection point for the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). You are welcome to bring eligible drink containers to recycle.
As part of the Don’t Kiss This Frog program, every container supports conservation projects such as saving endangered frogs. Eligible containers purchased at the zoo can also be recycled on-site.