THERE is so much going on at all three Zoo Victoria locations this summer.
Grab the family and enjoy some Creek Play at Healesville Sanctuary. Spot true-blue kangaroos hopping around their home, catch platypus keeping cool and see the koala family settled in the new Koala Forest treetops boardwalk.
It’s an all Aussie adventure and a must-see destination for visiting friends and family wanting to experience the real Australian bush. The best part is it’s just an hour from Melbourne’s CBD.
Don’t forget to pack a picnic and your togs to cool off by Badger Creek.
At Werribee Open Range Zoo, Rhythm of Africa returns with a fantastic program for families with live African music and kids activities.
Now in its 20th year, Rhythm of Africa has become a must-do summer tradition, bringing together families and friends for a magic mix of warm summer nights, African beats and picnics on the grass. This year’s concert series will run every Saturday night from 7 January to 25 February.
The program will feature live contemporary and traditional African bands and a range of special activities for the kids including drumming workshops, hair-braiding and face-painting.
Safari Tours through the savannah will run until 6pm and the African Pula Trail will remain open until 8pm, allowing you to explore the zoo as dusk falls, spotting lions, wild dogs and cheetah on the prowl and hippos grazing on the beach.
If the weather’s warm don’t forget to bring the kids’ bathers and watch the sun set from Hippo Beach. While you relax beneath the thatched umbrellas the kids will love playing in the sand and cooling off under the fountains.
During the night you can purchase African-inspired dishes, but visitors are also welcome to bring their own blankets, hampers and beverages for a relaxed picnic on the lawn.
If you feel like venturing to the city, head to Melbourne Zoo to help Australia’s favourite elephant celebrate its birthday, or enjoy some great music at the Zoo Twilights.
Asian Elephant calf Mali made history in 2010 as the first female elephant calf born in Australia, and ever since she has captured the hearts of Melburnians. The little darling will be celebrating her seventh birthday in January, so be sure to pay her a visit.
The Melbourne Zoo Twilights is the perfect place to enjoy the warm summer evenings in the heart of the city’s inner-north. Stroll through the gardens and visit the animals before settling down with your mates on the zoo’s fully-licensed picturesque lawns to a picnic, a gourmet hamper or delights from the new food trucks at Taste of Twilights.
All proceeds from the Melbourne Zoo Twilights series support the recovery of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.
Proceeds from the concert series help Zoos Victoria fight wildlife extinction. Zoos Victoria’s three zoos are open 365 days between 9am and 5pm. For more information visit zoo.org.au, zoo.org.au/rhythm or zootwilights.org.au. Remember, kids under 16 years old receive free entry every day of the summer school holidays.
