Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo 2015

What’s new at the Zoo?  We love Melbourne Zoo and with it’s constantly evolving enclosures it’s always a joy to visit and see what’s new.

When: 9am – 5pm all year

Where: Elliot Avenue PARKVILLE

Cost: Adults $31.60, children are FREE on weekends, public and school holidays (all other times they are $15.80 – so if you plan to visit any of the Zoos more than once I highly recommend a membership – an adult membership includes the kids and can be used at interstate zoos.  Before the kids were school aged we literally got hundreds of dollars of value from our membership).

To see the photos in full size just click any one to activate the gallery.

Recently it was Immi’s 10th birthday and her request for something special to do – go to the zoo!  Just so happens I was there again only a few days later indulging in a High Tea with my friend Michelle from the High Tea Society (click here to read my review, but if you just want to book already click here).. so lucky me I got to go twice, and how can you not be thinking #bestweekever right?  Right!

On a previous visit, we loved checking out the new Lemur Island exhibit – this time we couldn’t wait to visit the new World of Frogs exhibit and the beautiful Lion Gorge.

While the Lions and African Wild Dogs don’t have any more space than they did before – what they do have appears to be far more engaging for them as we saw them moving about quite a lot (and it was a hot day and about midday when we visited – so I expected everyone to be napping).  The lions seriously couldn’t look any more magnificent if a team of hairdressers had just blow-dried those manes – wow.  It was a real treat to see them up close.  Also, next to this enclosure is a small water play area – which for younger kids is a whole other reason to hang out here.

Another new feature we noticed was the BBQ area just near the giraffes – there used to be a more temporary food stall here in the past but this has been replaced with a much bigger (and groovier) venue that offers easy lunch options and drinks.  Situated next to it is a lawn area and also an undercover raised dining area – so you can watch the giraffes as you snack.

There are a few new babies at the zoo – little Obi the pygmy hippo was super playful and very inquisitive!  And we did get a glimpse at the baby gorilla Kanzi before her mum decided it was time to head off for a nap.

Have you been to Melbourne Zoo lately?  What was your favourite bit?