Accessibility
We are committed to creating an accessible environment for all our visitors. Here's how we go about it.
Quiet times at Zoos Victoria: All four of our zoos will typically be the quietest between 3:00pm-4:30pm on Monday to Friday. During these times Zoos Victoria will endeavour to minimise high sensory auditory experiences such as vehicle movement, PA announcements and maintenance works.
Discounts for carer and companion card-holders
We have free entry at our zoos for all carers accompanying a person with a disability who is a holder of a Child Disability Allowance Health Care Card, a Disability Pension Card or a Companion Card.
We also have a 10% discount for a holder of a WeCare Card who is not accompanying a person with a disability.
Accessible parking
There are accessible parking bays near the main entrance of the Zoo.
Accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers
Our easy-to-follow pathway system provides easy access for people using wheelchairs and strollers.
Stroller hire
A limited number of Baby Jogger strollers are available to hire.
Single strollers:
- $17 for Zoo members
- $20 for non-members.
Double strollers:
- $29.75 for Zoo members
- $35 for non-members.
Stroller hire is kindly supplied by our partner Baby Jogger.
Photographic identification and a credit card are required.
Advance bookings can be made by calling 1300 966 784.
Wheelchair hire
Wheelchairs are available for hire. You can request a wheelchair booking here >>
A $20 fully refundable deposit and photographic identification are required.
Accessible toilets
Werribee Open Range Zoo has a Changing Places facility equipped with extra features such as a tracking hoist, full-sized change table, larger-than-standard accessible toilets and more space to meet the needs of people with a disability. This can be accessed with a Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK).
Our accessible toilets are located at:
- the main entrance (near Ranger Kids)
- Meerkat Bistro
- Safari Station
Accessible vehicle tours
We have four wheelchair-accessible Safari buses.
Our Safari buses can accommodate two standard wheelchairs, or one electric wheelchair per vehicle. The wheelchairs are safely strapped in alongside the driver.
Our Deluxe Safari Adventure use a 16 to 20-seater vehicle that can accommodate a person in a wheelchair who can transfer across to a seat.
Ramp access to our buses is available.
Please make yourself known to staff when you arrive at the safari bus station if you require an accessible seat.
Access for Assistance Animals
Assistance animals that are certified by a registered authority are welcome at the Zoo. However, for the safety of all animals, assistance animals are not permitted at:
- Deluxe Safari Adventure
- Australian Experience
- Australian Trail
- Lion Viewing Area
- Lion Encounter
- African Cat Encounter
- Gorilla Behind the Scenes
- Giraffe Encounter
- Cheetah Encounter
- Slumber Safari
If you would like to be part of these experiences, a staff member or volunteer guide would be happy to escort you. Your assistance animal will be cared for while you enjoy these experiences.
Our admissions staff can help you with any queries. Just ask us when you arrive.
Mobile guided tours
Zoo volunteers offer free tours in an electric golf cart designed to assist with accessibility through the zoo grounds. Our vehicles can carry up to three passengers at a time.
We travel at a slow pace so that carers, families and friends can walk alongside the cart. Tours run for approximately 60 minutes.
Guided mobile tours run in the mornings but unfortunately do not run every day so we recommend booking in advance by calling 9731 9610.
Sensory map
Download the Werribee Open Range Zoo Sensory Map to plan around high and low sensory areas of the zoo.
Werribee Open Range Zoo Social Script
Social Scripts include a range of photographs to show children what they may experience and encounter during their visit to Werribee Open Range Zoo. Werribee Open Range Zoo's Social Scripts were created in consultation with Amaze.
Download the Werribee Open Range Zoo Social Script here. (PDF - 7MB)
Werribee Open Range Zoo Access Key
Our Access Key has all the information you need to give you confidence to visit us knowing that our venue suits your individual needs. The Access Key features our parking location, access in and round our venue, as well as public amenities.
Access Keys are universally designed to suit people of all abilities and ages. Featuring professional photographs, supportive text, a customised easy to follow venue map, a visual communication board as well as sensory guides that will outline the sensory elements of experiences with us.
Download the Werribee Open Range Zoo Access Key (PDF) to plan your next visit to the zoo.