Huge News: Werribee Elephant Trail Open For Visitors
The Werribee Open Range Zoo just got even better, with the opening of the brand-new Elephant Trail giving families another reason to enjoy a day out at the zoo when kids go free these school holidays.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos today opened the 21-hectare Elephant Trail, a world-class habitat for the nine Asian elephants.
The new habitat is the size of the entire Melbourne Zoo, giving the herd plenty of room to roam. It includes two mega pools to keep the elephants cool – connected to the Werribee Recycled Water Plant by a 2.5 kilometre pipeline that delivers 150 million litres of recycled water to the habitat.
The new Elephant Trail was made possible by an $88 million investment from the Labor Government to create an even better experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo. A walking trail connects the elephant’s open space, barns, mega pools and a café – so even in their spacious new environment, families can still see the animals up close.
The elephants have spent the past few weeks settling into their new home after making the move to the west. But now they’re ready to welcome visitors – just in time for the school holidays.
Kids under 16 have free entry to all four zoos on school holidays – and every weekend and public holiday. The Labor Government’s Kids Go Free program is making a trip to the zoo a more affordable day out for families, whether at Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Kyabram Fauna Park or Healesville Sanctuary.
For more information on new Elephant Trail and to buy tickets, visit zoo.org.au/werribee.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
“The beautiful new Elephant Trail makes the Werribee Open Range Zoo even better, and it’s open just in time for kids to visit free these school holidays.”
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
“Kids, parents and animal lovers alike will go wild for this new experience and will travel from all over to see our incredible Asian Elephant family in their world-class habitat.”
As stated by Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing
“This is an exciting new attraction for Melbourne, that will draw new visitors out to Werribee Zoo and get them exploring the surrounding areas.”
As stated by Member for Point Cook Mathew Hilakari
“It’s super exciting to welcome the new Asian Elephant herd to their new home in Werribee, their habitat is a great new feature to add to an already great zoo.”
As stated by Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray
“The Elephant Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo has been years in the making and is world-leading in terms of animal welfare and visitor experience.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-03/250323-Huge-News-Werribee-Elephant-Trail-Open-For-Visitors.pdf