Expanding Werribee Open Range Zoo into a world-class destination in the heart of Melbourne’s west.
ARM and landscape architects TCL are designing and delivering new spaces for animals, staff and visitors.
There will be a purpose-built elephant habitat, gondola, habitats for Southern white rhino, Asian wild horse and American bison, and a waterhole precinct, with places to view animals, places to rest, and amenities for visitors.
Masterplan aerial: the circle is the proposed Waterhole Café with the zigzagging elephant viewing trail to the east.
The 21-hectare elephant habitat will be of world-leading standard in animal welfare and research – a place of distinction and public pride.
Zoos Victoria’s growing Asian elephant herd will be relocated from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo in 2024.
Image: Zoos Victoria
“No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
—Sir David Attenborough
The gondola will be the most exciting way to experience the true expanse of Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Werribee surrounds.
It will glide silently above animals roaming the savannah landscape, making places way beyond walking distance accessible to visitors.
Waterhole Sky Safari Station
From early childhood, Australians learn about magnificent African animals, although their home is far from ours. Werribee Open Range Zoo brings them up close in a savannah setting that replicates native habitat. Across the Zoo, African design, art, and landscape enrich that experience.
The design development phase is complete.
A memorable zoo experience will fascinate you, touch you, surprise you, make you laugh, make you curious to learn more. Above all, it will bring you back.