the new elephant trail at werribee zoo – now open!
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Melbourne’s largest residents have officially moved into the West!
The long-awaited Elephant Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo is now open, giving the herd a massive new habitat to roam, splash, and play.
A Bigger, Better Home for the Herd
Werribee Zoo’s new elephant habitat spans 21 hectares (bigger than the entire Melbourne Zoo) and is designed to replicate the wild as much as possible. With sprawling grasslands, deep pools for splashing and swimming, and plenty of space to explore, it’s the perfect home for these absolutely beautiful gentle giants.
The move is part of Zoos Victoria’s plan to give the growing Asian elephant herd more room, shifting them from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee.
Meet the Elephants!
Dokkoon – The matriarch of the herd
Num-Oi – A relaxed and gentle soul
Mali – The first elephant born at Melbourne Zoo
Luk Chai – A social and curious young male
Mek Kepah - Oldest member of the herd
Kulab - She has a shaggy coat
Kati - A quiet little calf
Aiyara - Has a quirky personality and an independent little miss
Roi-Yim - The only male calf in the herd and has cute curly ears
Up Close with Elephants
Now we can now see the Werribee Zoo elephants in a more natural setting, with viewing areas designed to give great sightlines without barriers disrupting the experience. There’s also a new learning space where keepers share insights into elephant conservation and what’s being done to protect these incredible animals in the wild.
Plan Your Visit to the Werribee Open Range Zoo
Getting to the elephants on the Elephant Trail is an adventure in itself! The path to get to the Waterhole area is about 1km and then there is a 750-metre loop around the habitats – but it doesn’t feel that long. The paths are flat, spacious enough for prams, and there’s plenty to see along the way. You’ll pass a playground, viewing spots for zebras, ostriches, and camels which is very special as you have not been able to access these guys on foot before!
Plus there are shelters, park benches, and seating areas too!
When you reach The Waterhole, you’ll find a café, toilets, and of course – the elephants!
📍 Where: Werribee Open Range Zoo
🕒 When: Open daily
🎟 Tickets: Included with general zoo admission
This is a huge moment for Werribee Zoo and a must-see for animal lovers. It is an amazing experience and a big congratulations to everyone who made this happen. The whole herd seem so happy! We suggest getting here around 10am when the barn doors are open!
Head down and watch the elephants settle into their new home on the Elephant Trail!
the nitty gritty
K Rd, Werribee South
9am - 5pm every day of the year.
Last entry (and safari bus) at 3.30pm - the Elephant Trail closes at 4:30pm
kids are free during school holidays and weekends
Mamma's special mention:
Of course you have the WHOLE Zoo to explore too.
This is the perfect School Holiday Adventure - check out some more ideas for Autumn here
