Giraffe Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo – excl. entry

Introduction: A Unique Giraffe Encounter at Werribee Open Range Zoo

If you’re looking for a way to get up close with some of Australia’s most gentle giants, the Giraffe Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo might be just the ticket. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of an engaging, well-organized, and memorable adventure.

What makes this experience stand out? For starters, it offers behind-the-scenes access to giraffe enclosures, giving you a rare glimpse into how these magnificent animals are cared for. Plus, the tour includes a safari-style ride through the savannah, making it both educational and fun. Lastly, the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, which adds a genuine warmth to the experience.

Of course, it’s not without a small consideration: as a 90-minute tour, it’s a fairly focused experience, so if you’re after a full day of zoo exploration, you’ll need to plan separately for general admission. But for those craving an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at giraffes, this tour offers fantastic value.

This tour is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a practical yet unique animal encounter in Melbourne. It’s perfect if you want a guided experience that balances education and fun without the hassle of full zoo entry.

Key Points

• Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Access: Visit the giraffe night quarters and see how these animals are cared for.
• Educational and Interactive: Learn about the giraffe herd from knowledgeable guides and zookeepers.
• Open-Air Safari Ride: Explore the savannah on an open-air vehicle, spotting other animals along the way.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most ages, with special supervision rules for children.
• Value for Money: At $60.18 per person, it offers a focused, high-quality experience without including general entry.
• Booking in Advance: Typically booked 9 days ahead, so plan early to secure your spot.

What You Can Expect from the Giraffe Experience

The Start and Meeting Point

The tour begins at 11:00 am at the Werribee Open Range Zoo entrance, with the meeting point clearly marked. Check-in is straightforward, and the use of mobile tickets makes access simple and contactless. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized feel.

Behind-the-Scenes Access and Care Insights

The core of this tour is the behind-the-scenes visit to the giraffe night quarters. Here, you get an intimate look at how the zookeepers look after the bachelor herd of giraffes. Reviewers mention that guides like Sarah and Mark are particularly helpful and passionate, sharing stories about each individual giraffe—such as the cheeky George and the regal Maggie—making the experience feel personal and engaging.

Visitors have found this part of the tour to be fascinating, with one reviewer noting how they felt “dwarfed” visiting the giraffes in their quarters. The guides also share insights into the animals’ diets, health, and daily routines, which adds depth beyond just observing.

Exploring the Savannah

After the behind-the-scenes segment, the tour takes you on a safari-style ride through the open savannah enclosure. The open-air vehicle allows for unobstructed views and a feeling of adventure. Expect to see other animals like rhinos, as the safari bus sometimes features additional species, making the trip varied and lively.

This part of the tour is not only about spotting animals but also understanding their environment and behaviors. Reviewers mention that the safari ride is worth the extra effort, especially for families who enjoy seeing multiple animals in a naturalistic setting.

The Guide and Overall Atmosphere

Feedback consistently highlights the knowledgeable, friendly guides and staff. They are adept at answering questions and weaving in interesting stories, making the experience more than just a walk-and-see. Participants particularly appreciate that the guides are enthusiastic and genuinely passionate, which enhances the sense of connection with the animals.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Duration: Roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, a perfect length to keep kids engaged without feeling rushed.
• Price: $60.18 per person, which many reviewers say offers good value, considering the behind-the-scenes access and guided nature.
• Booking: Recommended to book about 9 days in advance; tickets are secured via mobile, simplifying planning.
• Children and Accessibility: The tour is open to most travelers, but children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult, with specific supervision ratios for younger children.

The Experience’s Strengths and Limitations

What We Loved

Knowledgeable Guides: As one reviewer shared, the guides were “very helpful, kind, and in good spirited,” making the experience enjoyable and informative. Their stories about the giraffes and other animals added a layer of authenticity.

Well-Organized Tour: The tour runs smoothly, with clear instructions and a relaxed pace. The small group size enhances the feeling of intimacy and allows for more personal questions.

Unique Behind-the-Scenes Access: Visiting the giraffe night quarters is a highlight, providing a rare glimpse into the daily care routine that most visitors don’t see.

Additional Safari Ride: The open-air vehicle is a fun way to see other animals, with some reviewers indicating it’s preferable over the full safari bus experience.

Possible Drawbacks

Limited to Giraffe Focus: Since the tour is specifically about giraffes and doesn’t include general zoo entry, visitors will need to pay separately if they want to explore other parts of the zoo extensively.

Time Constraints: For those wanting a full day of zoo exploring, this experience is a focused snapshot rather than a comprehensive visit.

Weather Dependence: Outdoor elements make this tour susceptible to weather conditions, so it’s worth checking the forecast.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a family eager for a memorable animal encounter, this tour hits many right notes. The behind-the-scenes access provides an authentic look into giraffe care, while the safari ride adds an element of adventure. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make it both educational and fun.

The value for money is strong, especially given the exclusive access and the small-group feel. It’s ideal for those who want a focused, guided experience rather than a full zoo day, making it perfect for a half-day outing.

In short, the Giraffe Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a genuine, engaging, and educational encounter with some of the world’s most graceful animals. Whether in a family setting or as a wildlife enthusiast, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for giraffes—and perhaps a few new fun facts to impress your friends.

The Sum Up: Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is best suited for families with children, thanks to its guided, interactive nature and manageable duration. Wildlife lovers who appreciate behind-the-scenes access will find it particularly rewarding. It’s also great for visitors seeking a more intimate look at giraffes without the crowds typically associated with larger zoo tours.

While it’s a focused experience, the quality of the guides and the exclusivity of the access make it a worthwhile addition to your Melbourne itinerary. If you’re happy to plan separately for general zoo exploration, this tour provides a meaningful and memorable encounter.

For those searching for a balance of education, fun, and authentic animal care insights—all delivered with a friendly touch—this giraffe experience is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most children can participate, but children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult, with supervision ratios depending on age.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable outing for most families.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 9 days ahead, as the tour is popular and limited to 20 travelers per session.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the Giraffe Experience itself. General admission to the zoo is not included.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are there any weather considerations?
Yes, since the tour involves outdoor activities, it’s best to check the weather forecast ahead of time.

Is the safari ride part of the tour?
Yes, the safari-style vehicle takes you around the savannah to spot other animals, adding a fun element to the experience.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their helpfulness, stories, and genuine enthusiasm.

Would this experience suit a full-day zoo visit?
No. It’s designed as a focused, half-day tour. For full zoo exploration, plan additional time for general admission.

This comprehensive review aims to help you decide whether the Giraffe Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo fits your travel style and expectations. It’s a thoughtfully crafted, genuine wildlife encounter that offers memorable moments for animal lovers and families alike.