Melbourne Zoo
Elliott Avenue, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
Zoo
•Why you'll love Melbourne Zoo
- Be amongst the Animals and enjoy nature and natural surroundings.
- Unique location with outdoor spaces that can host a large number of different types of functions.
- Offers exceptional cuisine and a beautiful setting.
About the venue
As a function venue, Melbourne Zoo stands alone. Seriously - are there many venues that can boast the things the Zoo holds in its grasp? First off, it’s a zoo. With real live animals. Secondly, as a function space, the Zoo can accommodate groups numbering between 10 and 3000. Thirdly, it’s a zoo. Aside from the obvious fact that Melbourne Zoo is a veritable wonderland of animals like lions and gorillas and bears and snakes, our city’s zoo also sports a number of function spaces for events that range from the end-of-year party time variety to the kid's birthday kind, or the breed of event more conducive to fostering business relationships with clients (in a unique setting). There’s the Lakeside Room, overlooking the zoo’s award-winning Japanese gardens. Then there’s the Leopard Lodge, located a lion’s roar from the big cats and fitting up to 500 guests. Then there’s the Bong Su Room with its own private tree kangaroo exhibit, found in the heart of the Elephant Trail. Also the Rainforest Room with its own tamarin monkey enclosure. Melbourne Zoo is (in case you live under a rock, and are in desperate need of a reconnection with your childhood) found along Elliott Avenue in Parkville. That’s just off Royal Parade, surprisingly close to Melbourne University, and a veritable stone’s throw (train ride) from the city and Citylink.
Melbourne Zoo Function Rooms
Bong Su Room
At the heart of the Elephant Trail lies the Bong Su Room. With its indoor and outdoor spaces, floor to ceiling windows, bold dark timber panelling, private views over our animal exhibit, and hidden location among the bamboo forest, the Bon...
Lakeside Room
With picturesque views over the award-winning Japanese Garden and lake, the Lakeside Café is an evening-only venue to enjoy that features an outdoor terrace connecting to the main function room. Room for a spacious dancefloor, makes this ve...
Leopard Lodge
Situated close to both the big cat’s habitat and the beloved Carnivores’ Trail, the Leopard Lodge is the largest and most versatile of the four function rooms. You and your guests can share a toast to the sound of lions roaring against a ba...
Rainforest Room
The Rainforest Room is a location of pure beauty. With views over the award-winning Japanese Garden and Lake, the outside terrace is an ideal place to sample a glass of sparkling while savouring the tranquil surrounds. The inside of this li...
Reviews for Melbourne Zoo
Mr Smith
A bit like sealife we were underwhelmed. Im not sure Melbourne Zoo lives up to its expectations of a world class Zoo. It had so much potential. Now we are spoilt!! San Diego Zoo for example, and even Singapore. Personally I preferred Perth Zoo. I think the big thing for us was what appeared to be the lack of animals. Yes I know they could be sleeping but it felt like there was mostly only one of everything and you had buckleys chance seeing it. Funny enough you actually go to a zoo to see animals. Some of the enclosures felt small and not really good enough. There were also no shows like most other zoos, normally a daily programme. Also a lot of sections were closed either for a private function (not acceptable) or i don't know what. As with every entertainment event Food and Beverages are always a rip off but the quality, variety and costs here were terrible, again compared to other zoos. To be totally honest for the cost it's not really worth it. Fantastic for tiny kids otherwise forget it.
B L
Had a really great time at Melbourne Zoo, the weather was a little crazy so not all the animals were out but it was still okay. the meerkats are so adorable, they are definitely used to people. Few food places within the zoo out didn’t get the opportunity to eat at them. Found a couple of gift shops with a huge range of memorabilia. You get to walk inside a cage with lemurs in it which was really cool. zoo is open from 9am onwards. I suggest bringing an umbrella because the ones in the gift shop are $40. There is also a beautiful Japanese garden and a koi fish pond. Great function rooms.
Aimee Engel
A great day out for the whole family. So many gorgeous animals to see. Our family favourites are the lemurs, meerkats, butterflies, giraffes and penguins. The staff are always friendly and they are happy to share their knowledge of the animals. My kids love the main play area near the carousel. A fun place for them to run around or sit down to eat.
Tadas Gapsys
Melbourne Zoo is an amazing place to spend a day. The grounds are beautifully kept, and the habitats feel natural and spacious, giving you the sense that the animals are truly cared for. Don't expect to see all the animals. Some of them are sleeping or just hiding from the public. Not all of us like cameras and lots of attention. Hahaha 😁 There’s a fantastic variety of wildlife — from lions and gorillas to playful lemurs and the always-fascinating butterfly house. It’s also very family-friendly, with plenty of activities and areas for kids to learn and explore.
Nick
We had a fantastic day out! The zoo was huge and had so many animals to see. The food was yummy and prices were super affordable. Only bummer was the butterfly garden was closed when we visited. Would definitely come back, there's just so much to see and enjoy!
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