You choose whether to go with a safari to some woods or to a zoo, or a national park or spending some time in the wild, with the animals in their natural environment is somehow amazingly relaxing We believe that safaris in Melbourne will bring the excitement in you with such a trip.
Apart from this, Safari today has become more enjoyable with advanced vehicles, enhanced technology, and increased security.
Before that, they mostly got over before sunset. But today, Safari has changed the meaning on a large scale.
5 Best Safaris In Melbourne
In this section, we have shown to you some of the best safaris in Melbourne. While there are various types of safaris in Melbourne, we have a list of safari in zoos, in sanctuaries, and even safari organized in the nighttime.
1. The Philip Island
Without a doubt, Penguins are the most lovable and innocent little creatures. Seeing them walking across will excite the thriller in you.
While the little penguins are the prime attraction of this tour, you will see fewer known, yet adorable and endangered animal species; I.e. Southern Bettong, Eastern Quolls, and extremely rare Fluffy Gliders.
It’s a 12-hour long tour of Philip Island in Victoria. Beginning with the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, this tour will show you some of the finest natural and wildlife reserves of Victoria, Australia, ending with a penguin parade at Summerland beach.
Moonlight Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park gives shelter to some very friendly animal species, and this place is highly interactive. After this, head towards Churchill island to see the sheeps grazing.
And then, finally at Summerland Beach, when you made it through Cape Woolamai surf beach, and Noobies, you get to see the adorable little penguins, because they go home through the beach to retire for the night.
The safari rent takes care of your entry fee in all the three parks and also offers you tea or coffee and biscuits, and a special Australian lunch too.
If your prime reason to visit Philip Island is to witness the Penguin Parade then the little penguins may arrive at around 8:45 PM or as early as 5:15 PM. Places like the Koala Conservation Centre and the Nobbies Antarctic Journey will shut down an hour or two before the penguins arrive.
Charges: The prices of general viewing of Penguin Parade, Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm starts at just $58.80 per adult.
Timings: 10 am–4:30 pm daily
2. Werribee Zoo Night Safari
Now we hope on to terrific safari zoo in Melbourne; the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Believe us, and it will be the most memorable night out of your life.
You can choose to spend the night time with these animals and a part of your proceedings is presented to international conservation agencies like Rhino Fund Uganda.
You will be with an expert guide on your past sunset safari. You will be very close to some of the most influential and majestic animals.
You will be able to study each move and closely monitor the herds of zebras, and giraffes. And you know what’s the amazing thing is? Well, you will be given a complimentary drink at the beginning of the safari!
But Safari does not end here. After you’re done, you will be taken to the Meerkat Bistro. Here you will be given a North Africa-inspired dinner, which includes items like tagine, with dips, and bread, and salads.
After you finish your dinner, you escape into the world of dance and music, with African drums, inspired songs and dance.
Charges:
- Adults – $105
- Child (1-15) – $70
- Family (2 Adults and 2 Children) – $299.00
- Member Adult – $94.50
- Member Child 1-15 years – $63.00
- Member Family (2 Adults and 2 Children) – $269
Timings: Open all days from 9 am–5 pm.
3. Off-Road At Werribee Zoo
We spoke to you about the night out at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. But we will now take you off-road during the day.
The Off Road Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo takes around 75 minutes in total. Although you will meet most of the animals that are found at night, with antelopes added to the list, the safari will take you through a much-varied terrain.
Here at Werribee Zoo, the night safari takes you to the open fields of the zoo, but it will take you away from the sights, smells, and sounds of Scenic Savanna in Australia. That too, you will be on a custom designed open vehicle, which will allow you to see 3600 views of the surroundings at all times.
Besides that, you are guaranteed a pleasant experience, because you will travel in small groups with a maximum of 12 people on the same vehicle.
In addition, each vehicle comes with an expert guide, and a highly knowledgeable driver, who will accompany you and find animals for you to see as well as provide important information on them.
4. Dandenong Ranges
Also Read: Enjoy 11 Thrilling Wildlife Safari Experiences In South Africa
The Dandenong Ranges National Park consists of five main sections namely, Doongalla Forest, Ferntree Gully, Sherbrooke Forest, Olinda Forest, and Mt Evelyn Forest.
With the view of Dandenong Ranges, you will be taken back to the 1900s, where you’ll be witnessing immense power of steam-powered rail engines.
The Puffing Billy is Australia’s oldest Steam Railway, which takes you from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges, and back.
The body of the train has been modified in such a way that the visitors can sit in a traditional way or sideways with the legs hanging over the rails.
Most of this park is covered by rolling hills, gullies covered in dense rainforests, and steeply dried up valleys.
On your return trip to Melbourne, the train will stop either at Sassafras or at Olinda. These are small craft villages of the area. In the return trip, you will get a chance to feed the Crimson Rosella Parrots.
You will be served hot Devonshire tea at noon time. Take a small sip of tea as you look at the beautiful Victorian countryside.
Charges: Free
Timings: Timings differ depending on the spot you’re visiting.
- Doongalla Picnic Ground: Daylight Time 9 am to 6 pm and Non-daylight Time – 9 am to 3:30 pm
- Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (including 1000 Steps): 6 am to 9 pm
- One Tree Hill Picnic Ground: 7:30 am to 6 pm
- Valley and Eagles Nest picnic grounds: Daylight Time – 9 am to 6 pm and Non-daylight Time – 9 am to 4 pm.
5. Ocean Road Tour
Also Read: 13 World Class Walks Will Make You Feel, You Are In The Laps Of Nature
Ocean Road Tour is one of the amazing and world-class walks you will ever witness while you’re in Melbourne.
You will take a part of the tour on a minibus, while you will also walk a great deal. Though walking is only optional, and you would rather prefer the bus. But you will miss a great deal if you do so.
By any means, the 13 hour-long safaris will start in the Melbourne city center, in which you will get on a tour minibus that will take a maximum of 24 passengers. After this bus will run on the Great Ocean Road.
Here, you will get to see some of the most beautiful sceneries in the world. The drivers of these buses are locals and are very proud of the beauty of these parts.
They will surely take you to, and tell you about the beautiful places along the coast.
Charges: Free
Timings: Open all day from 9 am–5 pm. And the hours might differ on Good Friday and Easter Day.