What to do and see in Victoria, Australia: The Best Zoos & Aquariums

We are a family run boutique zoo on the Mornington Peninsula, where you can get up-close and personal for an unbelievable hands on experience with our family of Australian Native animals.We are Bookings Only. We can also come to you too.

Journey through a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne. Over 250 species from around the world can be found in the beautiful setting of Melbourne Zoo, just five minutes from the city centre. Stroll through the lush Asian and African rainforests, Australian bushland and even underwater! Walk where tigers roam and monkeys swing from tree to tree. See eye-to-eye with the Orang-utans in their special elevated exhibit, explore the Trail of Elephants and then head down the bush track to see unique Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wombats and emus. Submerge yourself in our underwater world to see Victoria's iconic Little Penguins, Australian Fur Seals and more! Meet the Keeper: Hear our expert keepers give daily talks about the animals in their care. Close-up Encounters: Book a close-up encounter with one of our animals for a great photo opportunity. Melbourne Zoo is also the proud winner of the Victoria Tourism Awards RACV People’s Choice category, voted by Victorians as their Favourite Metro Attraction in both 2015 and 2016!

Experience an African adventure just 30 minutes from Melbourne. You'll find an amazing array of animals living on 225 hectares of wide, open savannah. On the Pula Reserve Walking Trail, come face-to-face with amazing gorillas, a pride of lions, see monkeys and cheetahs at play and feel the sand between your toes at the new Hippo Beach! Included in your admission price is a 40 minute safari tour where you will find rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing together on the picturesque savannah. Don't miss: Wild Encounters: Feed a giraffe, stroke a serval, see amazing animals on the savannah from an open vehicle and, in the new Gorilla Behind the Scenes encounter, get up close and personal with three gorilla bachelors! Slumber Safari: Stay overnight in our luxury safari tents overlooking the savannah. Your stay includes amazing close-up animal encounters, drinks and dips at sunset, and a sumptuous African feast.

Healesville Sanctuary, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, is world-renowned as the best place to see Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Set in a beautiful natural environment, the Sanctuary offers a place for people and animals to reconnect with nature from creek to canopy, and plays a critical role in saving some of the world's most endangered animals. Explore the 70 acre bushland haven to experience close-up encounters with some of Australia's unique and endearing wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, birds of prey and platypus. Visitors are also free to explore the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, a working vetinary hospital treating over 1500 orphaned, ill or injured wildlife every year. The expert team shares the journey of animal rescue, rehabilitation and release with the Sanctuary's visitors. Don't miss: Spirits of the Sky: A free flight presentation featuring Australian raptors such as the Wedge Tailed Eagle, and colourful parrot species. Tales from Platypus Creek: Come face-to-face with Healesville Sanctuary's most iconic species in a world-first interactive Platypus show. Observe Platypus as they interact with keepers, play in the water and even enjoy having their tummies tickled! Wade with the Platypus: In this world-first, hands-on experience it will be your turn to be the Platypus keeper. You will have the opportunity to step into the shallow water of the 'Platypus play pool' where it's normally the keeper's job to play, frolic, tickle and feed our little furry friends.

Halls Gap Zoo is Victoria's largest regional privately-owned zoo. View over 160 different species, including Giraffes, Cheetahs, Monkeys, Crocodiles, Kangaroos and Koalas along a 2.5Km wheelchair friendly path. Halls Gap Zoo is involved in several captive breeding programs for endangered species. Enjoy one of our animal encounters hand feeding the meerkats, playing with dingoes or holding an alligator or snake. Facilities include kiosk for snack food and souvenirs, a playground, toilets and an all-weather picnic area with free use of BBQ's. Bus tours, school groups, corporate events and family gatherings welcome

Animal Land was originally established on 15th October 1985. Our Goals are to provide children a wonderful place to learn about farm animals. Animal land has been specifically set up to give children that real hands on farming experience. Children can only learn so much in the class room. Here they get to scratch, feel, smell and hear all the experiences of life on a farm. From the moment you arrive, you will be treated with that friendly country welcome. We started opening only in the last term of the year with a couple of kinders and schools. Now we have over 7500 visitors per annum. These include schools, kinders, playgoups, social groups, birthday parties, Christmas break ups and open days to the general public. Over the years there has been a lot of changes and we have plans for more. Check out some of the old and new photos we have found in the photo gallery. If you have any old animal land photos you would like to share with us drop us an email and we will include them.

Discover creatures of the Southern Ocean in the 2-million-litre oceanarium. Melbourne SEA LIFE aquarium is home to King and Gentoo penguins, nurse sharks and a mega croc.