Best Things To Do In Werribee, Australia

1. Experience wildlife at the Werribee Open Range Zoo

This 225 hectare (556 acre) zoo is home to an amazing array of animals living in wide and open savannah. You will experience a real African adventure here at Werribee Open Range Zoo!

See gorillas, lions, monkeys and cheetahs at close range on the Pula Reserve Walking Trail and visit the Hippo Beach. No trip to the zoo is complete without taking part in a safari during which you will be able to watch rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and antelopes grazing in picturesque surroundings. The 40-minute safari is included in the admission price.

There are also many deer, bison, camels, kangaroos, wallabies and emus.

For those wanting to get even closer to the wildlife, take part in a behind-the-scenes wildlife encounter and get the opportunity to feed a giraffe, pet a serval and get up close with gorillas.

The guided tours take place on a bus that operates between 10:30am and 3:40pm, but there are also two walking trails.

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Address: K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030, Australia

Price: from 12 USD

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm

Duration: around 3 hours required

Contact: +61 1300 966 784

Website: Werribee Open Range Zoo

2. Visit the Mansion at Werribee Park

Enjoy a beautiful day out at Werribee Park and relax with family and friends on the lawn, surrounded by pretty gardens.

Werribee Park Mansion is known as Victoria’s finest rural colonial homestead. The mansion was finished in 1877 and is still a private residence - the largest in the state. The mansion was built in the Classical Revival style and consists of 60 rooms and a tower. It is seen as a symbol of Australia’s pastoral elite during the colonial era.

The driveway boasts an ornamental arrangement of flower beds which are in full bloom in February and march. Guided tours of the mansion, garden and towers are available for a fee. Apart from this, a vehicle departs every 30 minutes on which you can take an audio tour of the property. There are several events held here, throughout the year, such as the Spring Harvest Festival.

There is a cafe in the park which is open daily, and a gift shop. Barbecues are not allowed, however, there are several picnic areas.

Mansion at Werribee Park

Address: Gate 2, K Rd, Werribee VIC 3030, Australia

Price: from 5 USD

Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm. Closed on public holidays.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Website: Mansion at Werribee Park

3. Learn about history and culture at the Point Cook RAAF museum

The Point Cook RAAF museum opened in 1921 and is the country’s first such institution. It claims to be the oldest military base in the world, in continuous operation. The attached aviation museum is one of the best of its kind, in Australia. It houses the biggest collection of military aircraft in the southern hemisphere - with some items from 1916! Some of the aircraft are still in operating condition and are flown as a visitor attraction.

A lot of information and artifacts can be found related to the history of the RAAF and Point Cook and also about the role of women in Australia in the military conflicts of the 1900s.

The museum is on Point Cook Road. Guided tours are available on weekdays.

Point Cook RAAF Museum

Address: RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook Rd, Point Cook VIC 3030, Australia

Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Contact: +61 3 8348 6040

Website: Point Cook RAAF Museum

4. Explore the Point Cook Coastal Park

Just a few hundred meters before the RAAF museum, you can turn left to get to Point Cook Coastal Park. This well-maintained wetland park is a great place to spend a few hours. The park is home to one of the last unspoiled reef ecosystems in the area.

There is a lookout tower and a few picnic shelters, as well as gas barbecues, a childrens’ playground and toilets. Many paved walks lead the visitors to the shore, where they can discover beaches and observe rich flora and fauna. The Cheetham Wetlands Tower provides spectacular views of several ponds that are inhabited by many birds.

There is also an information centre at the beach area, where visitors can learn more about the area and local marine life. The park is protected and fishing is prohibited.

Point Cook Coastal Park

Address: Point Cook Homestead Rd, Point Cook VIC 3030, Australia

Price: free

Opening Hours: 8:30am - 7pm

Duration: around 2 hours required

Website: Point Cook Coastal Park

A place for the whole family

Werribee is a nice getaway for the whole family, especially if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city for a few days. It is conveniently located between Melbourne and Geelong and is home to quite a few very interesting attractions. A favourite with kids - the open range zoo - is home to a lot of different animals and you have the opportunity to come close to the wildlife.

Werribee Park and Point Cook Park are a great place for a few relaxing hours. In the latter, you have access to beaches, and can watch many birds that inhabit the area.

The mansion in Werribee is an impressive architectural piece and worth a visit. For travellers interested in learning more about the region’s history, the Point Cook RAAF museum is a must see.