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13 places kids can see animals in Melbourne
Spending time with animals is a fun and valuable way for kids to build confidence, empathy and lasting memories. There are many fabulous places both on land and in water where kids can see animals in Melbourne.
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The Big Goose
The Big Goose is a working farm an hour south of Melbourne in the Mornington Peninsula, where families can have a relaxed day exploring and learning about a variety of different animals. As a working farm, there are often baby animals to meet, including lambs, piglets, chicks and calves.
A tractor ride, sheepdog and reptile shows are included with entry. There is also a wildlife walk where you can see kangaroos, wallabies and emus.
On hot days the splash park is open to keep you cool, so be sure to pack your bathers or a change of clothes.
Location: 233 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Moorooduc, Victoria
Collingwood Children Farm
Collingwood Children’s Farm is a not-for-profit community farm located in Collingwood near the centre of Melbourne. Families can walk around the heritage farm and explore at their leisure, enjoying the animals and gardens.
Entry fees support the animals, land, and community programs.
Location: 18 St Heliers Street, Melbourne, Victoria
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Moonraker Dolphin Swims
Moonraker Dolphin Swims is a multi-award winning aquatic experience that offers a range of swimming and sightseeing tours in Port Phillip Bay.
This family-owned business has been operating for 30 years. Tours available include 3-hour Seal and Dolphin Swims to 90-minute wildlife sightseeing Adventure cruises. Each encounter is unique.
Location: Sorrento Pier, Esplanade road, Sorrento, Victoria
Myuna Farm
Myuna Farm, a 30 min drive east of Melbourne CBD, is a working community and children’s farm. Kids can learn about Australian farming and sustainability. Get up close to kangaroos, native animals and farm animals. Visit the reptile displays to see snakes, turtles and lizards.
Location: 182 Kidds Road, Doveton, Victoria
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Bundoora Park Farm
Bundoora Park Farm is 17km northeast of the centre of Melbourne. Families can take a tractor ride to see kangaroos and emus or get up close to the farm animals; guinea pigs, rabbits, Clydesdale horses, cows, sheep and more. Learn about farm life and the rich history of the Heritage Village.
Location: 1069 Plenty Road, Bundoora, Victoria
Animal Land Children’s Farm
Animal Land Children’s Farm is family-owned and operated. Kids can get real, hands-on farming experience with their favourite farmyard animals; cows, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, chickens, ponies, alpacas, donkeys, deer, turkeys, peacocks, cockatoos, rabbits, guinea pigs and more.
Location: 90 Duncans Lane, Gate 2, Diggers Rest, Victoria
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo has over 320 animal species from around the world, including many endangered species. Melbourne Zoo has multiple animal trails including, Lion Gorge, Trails of the Elephants, Main Trail, Growing Wild, Gorilla Rainforest, Wild Sea and Australian Bush.
Location: Elliott Avenue, Melbourne, Victoria
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Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is situated 30 minutes southwest of Melbournes CBD. The open range zoo offers an African adventure on more than 200 hectares. Families can enjoy a 40-minute Safari bus tour that drives slowly through the grassy African Savannah area. A variety of wildlife including bison, rhino, zebra and emus can be seen.
Location: K road, Werribee South, Victoria
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is 1 hour from the Melbourne CBD, passing through the Yarra Valley. Housing over 200 species of Australian animals; kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, wombats and endangered animals like the Orange-bellied Parrot & Guthega Skink. The sanctuary is actively working to protect 27 threatened native species through its breeding program and environmental work.
Location: Badger Creek Road, Healesville, Victoria
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SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium offers a marine adventure through the depths of the ocean to Antarctica. Explore the world of jellyfish, sharks, rays, penguins and more. Encounter an enormous 5-metre-long saltwater crocodile, meet turtles and get up close with colonies of seahorses and sea dragons.
Location: Corner of King and Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria
Chesterfield Farm
Chesterfield Farm is a historical farm offering hands-on experience of farm life. Milking cows, watching the working dogs, holding baby animals, feeding the deer, goats, camels and emus. There is a tractor ride the kids will love.
Location: 1221 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby, Victoria
30 min drive east of Melbourne CBD.
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Rain Hayne & Shine Farmyard
Rain Hayne & Shine Farmyard offers hands-on experiences with a large variety of farm animals; sheep, goats, calves, chickens, pigs, emus, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, ponies, donkeys, a mule and dingoes. Feed is available for the animals, and sometimes a baby animal requires a bottle.
Location: 490 Stumpy Gully Road, Balnarring, Victoria
1hr south of Melbourne CBD
Gumbuya World Wildlife Park
Gumbuya World features 52 species of animals in their Wildlife Park. Families can explore the Wildlife Trail, get up close to koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and dingos. There are many endangered animals to see; tiger quoll, cockatoos, galahs, parrots and owls.
The Critter Cave has bearded dragons, crocodiles and snakes. The Animal Farm has all the favourite farm animals kids love.
Location: 2705 Princes Highway, Tynong, Victoria
1 hour south-west from Melbourne CBD
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
