Werribee Open Range Zoo
K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030, Australia
Is there anything that captures the imagination of young and old alike quite like the zoo? The animals, the exploring, the wide-eyed exclamations when someone spots a lion, or an elephant (or a meerkat, but maybe that’s just us) … it’s pretty gosh darn delightful. It’s with wild, excited gesticulations then, that we present Werribee Open Range Zoo by Zoos Victoria as a function venue.
Melbourne’s legendary open range zoo (that means the animals scamper and roam and trundle around without cages) regularly plays host to all manner of functions, be they unique corporate events, milestone birthdays, launch parties, or university functions. The function rooms available range from the intimate Secret Garden, to the sprawling and spacious Meerkat Room, or the 1000-person Africa Kia space. And before you ask, yes. Yes, interactive animal encounters can be organised. Instantly memorable function. Visitors can also book various 'specialty' tours, including the Off-Road Safari, or close encounters with gorillas, servals or giraffes.
Worrying about accessibility? Not to worry as the safari bus is wheelchair accessible. Surfaces in the zoo are also wheelchair accessible. So queue at the safari bus station ASAP!
Werribee Open Range Zoo is found along the very mysterious-sounding K Road in Werribee South. In reality, it’s very easy to find - just head down Princes Highway, about half an hour out of Melbourne and keep an eye out for the signs. Who’d have thought that 30 minutes out of the city one could find such a wondrous wilderness of animals?
Werribee Open Range Zoo Function Rooms
Slumber Dining Hut
Escape within our unique wildlife habitat and into our Slumber Dining Hut for a seriously exclusive conference setting. This room features picturesque views of the safari with the capacity to seat 34 guests comfortably.
Chongola Hut
The Chongola Hut is our most popular outdoor venue. The space is fully equipped with undercover seating and BBQ facilities, where guests can simply turn up and have a BBQ cooked and served without lifting a finger. Conveniently locate...
Secret Garden
A smaller scale lawn space, perfect for your mid-sized outdoor events. Located directly opposite the Safari Bus pick up and drop off and metres from the Pula trail guests can plan easily navigate their way around and simply plan...
African Kia
The African Kia is where the annual Rhythm of Africa concerts are held, so the space is perfectly designed to host large scale outdoor concerts and events. The small huts work in perfectly when mapping out a large event along with the...
Meerkat Room
A perfect venue for seated and cocktail functions. With the option endless theming opportunities or keeping to the traditional timber style this venue is truly magical. The wide deck that wraps around the venue allows for perfect views of t...
Gorilla Viewing Platform
A smaller-scale lawn space, perfect for your mid-sized outdoor events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps are involved in booking an event at Werribee Open Range Zoo?
There are a few steps involved in booking an event at Werribee Open Range Zoo and the VenueNow team are here to do the heavy lifting for you.
Firstly, contact the VenueNow team by submitting an enquiry or speaking to one of our team members online or over the phone. We'll need to collect a few details from you, such as your:
- Event type
- Number of people attending
- Preferred event date & time (and if this is flexible)
- Budget (per person or total)
- Room layout
- Food and beverage / catering requirements
- Any other requirements
Once we've gathered these details, the VenueNow team will contact the team at Werribee Open Range Zoo to check:
1) Can they host the event on your preferred date / time? If not, what are some alternate dates / times?
2) What is the estimated cost based on your event requirements?
This process tends to take around 1 business day on average to receive a response from the venue. Once we've received a response, the VenueNow team will contact you as soon as possible.
If you're happy with the proposed price and dates / times, the VenueNow team will connect you with Werribee Open Range Zoo to finalise your booking (which may include a site visit if you choose to do so).
VenueNow provides this service free of charge to you as we are paid a small fee by Werribee Zoo if you book via us.
How much does an event cost at Werribee Open Range Zoo?
Please enquire for pricing and availability.
This may be subject to change due to seasonality, day of the week, duration and your specific requirements. For an accurate quote for your event please send an enquiry or contact one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts.
What type of events can be hosted at Werribee Open Range Zoo?
The following types of events can be held at Werribee Open Range Zoo:
- 30th Birthday Party
- 50th Birthday Party
- Seminar
- Product Launch
- Trade Show
- Wedding
- Meeting
- Function
- Bar Mitzvah
- Christening
- Christmas Party
- Cocktail Party
- Conference
- Corporate Function
- Corporate Offsite
- End of Financial Year Party
- Engagement Party
- Workshop
- 18th Birthday Party
- Birthday Party
- 21st Birthday Party
- Trivia Night
- Hens Night
- 40th Birthday Party
- Networking Event
- Training
- Ceremony
- Bat Mitzvah
- Awards Dinner
- AGM
- Gala Dinner
- School Formal
- University Ball
If your specific event type is not on the list, contact one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts and they will check if Werribee Zoo is able to facilitate your event or will help you find an alternate venue.
How do I find out if Werribee Open Range Zoo is available for my event date?
The best way to find out if Werribee Zoo is available for your event date is to send an enquiry through or get in contact with one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts.
Availability at many venues around the country is limited so if your date is flexible, please let the VenueNow team know and the venue may be able to provide a range of dates that suit your needs.
What catering / food and beverage options are available at Werribee Open Range Zoo?
The following food and beverage / catering options are available for guests at Werribee Zoo:
- Filtered Water
- Coffee / Tea
- Inhouse Catering
- Bar Tab
For more information regarding food and beverage / catering options, please contact a VenueNow Event Booking Expert.
I have more questions. How do I get in contact?
There are a number of ways you can get in contact:
1) Call the VenueNow team on 1300 647 488 during business hours AEST
2) Contact the VenueNow team via our online chat in the bottom right of the screen
3) Submit an enquiry via the form on the page
The VenueNow team usually reply within a few hours during Australian business.
What are the Werribee Open Range Zoo function spaces?
There are five stunning function spaces at Werribee Zoo - the Meerkat Room, the Slumber Dining Hut, the Chongola Hut, African Kia, and the Secret Garden. Whichever you choose, you’ll be guaranteed a memorable day for your guests.
Meerkat Room
The Meerkat Room is a unique venue for any occasion. Surrounded by floor to ceiling windows and overlooking the playful meerkats, your guests will be sure not to want to leave! With a seating capacity of 160 people at dinner time or 300 standing drinks with canapés, it's no wonder this space has become so popular among parties in Melbourne CBD.
Slumber Dining Hut
Escape within our Slumber Dining Hut for a seriously exclusive conference setting. This room features picturesque views of the safari and can seat 34 guests comfortably, making it perfect if you're looking to host your next meeting or event with us!
Chongola Hut
Get cozy in the Chongola Hut with your friends and family! With space for up to 60 guests, this venue creates an environment that is both relaxed and fun.
African Kia
The African Kia provides a large manicured lawn surrounded by authentic African styled huts that can hold up 1,500 guests - perfect for family days with kids to play! We also offer catering options and entertainment galore (think team-building games) so you and your guests will be happy as pie in our capable hands.
Secret Garden
The small and customizable lawn space is perfect for your next event. It's located near the Safari Bus pick up, in close proximity to the Pula trail where guests can easily navigate their way around or simply plan out what they want from this outdoor escape!
What can I do at the Werribee Open Range Zoo?
Experience an African adventure just 30 minutes from Melbourne! Get onboard a guided safari across the unique open range savannah and spot rhinos, giraffes and zebras at the Werribee Zoo. This is included with general admission.
For those looking for even more adventure, book into an encounter: feed a giraffe; stroke lion cubs or serval cats (the smallest member of its family); see all the animals in their natural habitats from the safari bus that move freely around the park - all at your own pace!
There are also two independent walking trails that visitors may follow: the Pula Reserve Walking Trail which focuses on African animals, including lions, vervet monkeys and cheetahs as well as meerkats. Visitors can also experience an Australian Journey Walk where they will be able to see Australian animals, like the koala, emu and kangaroo as well as the cassowary.
The perfect day is not complete without a night under the stars. The Sunset Safari offers three hours of activities, including dinner and entertainment or those looking for something more unique, can enjoy an overnight glamping experience at Slumber Safari!
Where is Werribee Zoo located?
Werribee Zoo is located 35 kilometres west of Melbourne's city centre, at K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030, Australia.
What should I keep in mind when planning my African-Adventure birthday at Open Range Zoo Werribee?
When planning Werribee Open Range Zoo birthday parties, there are a few things to remember and a couple of key questions to ask. Firstly, where will the party be held? Will it be in specialised function spaces, such as Meerkat Room or the Slumber Dining Hut? Or will it be an open-air function with no walls and no doors? If so, how many guests can expect to attend? What dietary needs can they be catered to? Finally, who will lead the party and how long should it last?
For your next birthday party with us, we offer various options. If you're looking for a truly meaningful experience and an opportunity to meet our animals, choose from one of our many Zoo encounters. Enjoy your wonderful sunny day by looking at the amazing animals during a safari tour. Come face to face with the pride of lions, visit one of the worlds largest gorilla exhibits, see cheeky monkeys at play and discover a family of hippos in their wetland home. Remember that these experiences are so popular they book out months in advance, so get in quick to start your African adventure!