As was foretold, we've added advertisements to the forums! If you have questions, or if you encounter any bugs, please visit this thread: https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/240191/forum-advertisement-faq-and-reports-thread/
Options
Zoo's/Wild Life
ConnHurr
Edmonton, CanadaRegistered User regular
Edmonton, CanadaRegistered User regular
So i'm travelling all the way down from Canada, and there's no way I am leaving Australia without seeing a kangaroo.
Are there any good zoo's around the Melbourne area that are worth visiting? And also, are there any other really good nature/wild life places that shouldn't be missed?
Are there any good zoo's around the Melbourne area that are worth visiting? And also, are there any other really good nature/wild life places that shouldn't be missed?
0
Posts
Melbourne Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Avatar is from www.xkcd.com
Most of the other tours seems a bit over the top ($180 to wade in the platypus tank?). That said, the wineries tour may be worth a look if that's your thing. The Yarra Valley region is amazing - I'd recommend that you check it out if you have time anyway - although the tour only takes you to the Di Bortoli winery (one of many good wineries in the region) and a chocolaterie. The only problem I see is that you're only at the sanctuary in the morning, and the 'meet the keeper' for the Koalas, Tassie Devils, Lyrebirds, and Dingos are in the afternoon (the Raptor show is at noon, so you could probably make it to that). Still, personalised tour, winery tour and chocolate for $80/head isn't bad - especially if you're interested in seeing a bit more of the region.
For what it's worth, here's a basic description of each zoo:
Melbourne zoo: A standard zoo. Wide variety of animals, both native and imported. Famous for their butterfly enclosure. Less interactive than Healesville (although you can have a close up experience with a kangaroo for $20), less random than Werribee. Not far (>10 minutes) north of the CBD.
Healesville Sanctuary: Dedicated to native animals. Has a wide variety of native creatures, including some (very) endangered species (Leadbeater's and Pygmy Possums, for instance). Has quite a few native species that you won't see at the other zoos. Famous for its Platypus enclosure. More opportunities for personal interaction with the animals (although you'll probably have to pay unless you bump into the keepers taking the dingos for a walk). Smaller than Melbourne or Werribee Zoo, but with more exhibits you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere. About an hour east of Melbourne (45minute - 1 hour driving, probably 1-1.5 hours by train + bus, day tour buses from Fed Square or some hotels available).
Werribee Open Range Zoo: Think safari. Mostly African animals. No Kangaroos, but They do have Kangaroos and a native species of Bandicoot that are extinct in the wild. Open Range zoo with safari bus tour included in the admission. Roughly half an hour west of the city, I'm not sure how long it would take by public transport (I'm guessing 45 minutes, but I could be wrong).
Avatar is from www.xkcd.com
Avatar is from www.xkcd.com
But thanks for the suggestions. I did some research and the Melbourne Zoo is closest to my hotel so i'll probably do that and try to schedule in a Phillips Island Tour because that one looks super interesting!