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Things To Do in Werribee With Kids: Family Activities Guide 2026
Things To Do in Werribee With Kids: Family Activities Guide 2026
Werribee and the wider Wyndham area in Melbourne's west have far more to offer families than many people realise. Anchored by the outstanding Werribee Open Range Zoo — one of Melbourne's best family attractions — the area also boasts the grand Werribee Park Mansion and gardens, a beautiful state rose garden, a quiet bay beach, excellent playgrounds, river trails, and a growing food and cafe scene. Whether you live locally or are visiting from elsewhere in Melbourne, this guide covers the best family activities in Werribee for 2026.
By VicBuzz Editorial Team | Last updated April 2026
Table of Contents
Getting to Werribee
By Car
Werribee is approximately 32 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD via the Princes Freeway (M1). The drive takes about 30–40 minutes in normal traffic, though the freeway can be busy during peak times.
The Werribee Open Range Zoo and Werribee Park are located at K Road, Werribee South, about 10 minutes south of the Werribee town centre. Werribee South Beach is in the same area.
By Train
Metro Trains operates the Werribee line from Flinders Street Station to Werribee Station, with the journey taking approximately 35 minutes. From Werribee Station, bus route 439 connects to Werribee Open Range Zoo (about 15 minutes), though frequency is limited — driving or a taxi/rideshare from the station is more practical for families.
Driving Times From Key Locations
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is the headline attraction and one of the best zoos in Victoria. Unlike the Melbourne Zoo in Parkville, Werribee is set on open grasslands that allow animals to roam in large, naturalistic spaces — particularly the African savannah section.
The Safari Bus Tour
The signature experience is the guided safari bus tour through the African savannah section. The open-sided bus drives through the paddocks where giraffes, zebras, ostriches, antelope, rhinoceros, and hippos live in a landscape that genuinely evokes the African plains. Guides provide commentary on the animals and conservation.
The safari tour takes about 40 minutes and is included in your entry ticket. It runs multiple times daily and is a must-do.
Australian Trail
The Australian Trail is a walking path through native animal enclosures featuring kangaroos, wallabies, emus, koalas, and wombats. The path is pram-friendly and shaded.
Other Highlights
Practical Information
Cost: Adults approximately $38–44, children (4–15) approximately $19–22, family passes available. Under 4s free.
Hours: Open daily. Safari tours run at set times — check the daily schedule on arrival.
Allow: Minimum 3 hours, ideally half a day.
Tip: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water — much of the zoo is open and exposed. Pack lunch or eat at the on-site cafe.
Werribee Park Mansion and Gardens
Adjacent to the zoo (and included in a combined ticket), Werribee Park is a grand Italianate mansion built in the 1870s by the Chirnside pastoral family. The mansion is set in formal gardens, sweeping lawns, and parkland along the Werribee River.
What to See
Cost: Mansion entry — adults approximately $10–15, children approximately $8. Gardens and parkland are free.
Hours: Open daily. Mansion has set opening hours.
Best Playgrounds in Werribee
Shadow of the Tower Playground (K Road)
The Shadow of the Tower playground at the Werribee Park precinct (near the Open Range Zoo entrance) is one of the best playgrounds in Melbourne's west. It features a multi-level tower structure with slides, climbing walls, rope bridges, a flying fox, a sandpit, and a water play area (seasonal).
The playground is named for its proximity to the shadow cast by the adjacent historic tower. It has shaded seating for parents, barbecue facilities, and is well-maintained. Free to visit.
Best for: Ages 2–12
Facilities: Toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, parking
Presidents Park Playground (Wyndham Vale)
A large regional playground in Wyndham Vale with an adventure theme, climbing structures, a zip line, and nature play elements. The surrounding park is spacious with walking paths and open areas.
Riverwalk Estate Playground (Werribee)
A newer playground in the Riverwalk residential estate with modern equipment and good fencing for toddlers.
Kelly Park Playground (Werribee)
A community playground with climbing equipment and a basketball court nearby. Popular with local families.
Werribee South Beach
Werribee South Beach is one of Melbourne's hidden gems — a quiet, calm bay beach on Port Phillip Bay, about 10 minutes south of the Werribee town centre. The beach has shallow, calm water that is ideal for young children, a sandy foreshore, and picnic areas with some shade.
The beach is far less crowded than Melbourne's popular bayside beaches (St Kilda, Brighton, Williamstown) and has a relaxed, community feel. The water is clean and calm — suitable for paddling, sandcastle building, and gentle swimming.
Facilities: Basic — toilets and a small car park. Bring everything you need.
Tip: Combine with a visit to the nearby Werribee Open Range Zoo or Werribee Park for a full day out.
For other family beaches in the area, see our guide to family beaches in Victoria.
Parks, Trails and Nature
Werribee River Trail
The Werribee River trail follows the river through parkland in central Werribee. The path is sealed and flat, suitable for cycling, scooting, and walking with prams. The trail passes through shady river red gum bushland and is a pleasant escape from the suburban surroundings.
Wyndham Park
Wyndham Park on the Werribee River is a large green space with barbecue facilities, a playground, and river access. Popular for picnics and casual ball games.
Werribee Gorge State Park
About 20 minutes north of Werribee (between Werribee and Bacchus Marsh), Werribee Gorge State Park is a dramatic river gorge with bushwalking trails. The short walk to the lookout is manageable for families with older children (some steep sections). The gorge itself is impressive — sheer rock walls and a winding river below.
Note: The gorge tracks are uneven and steep in places. Suitable for active families with children aged about 8+. Not pram-accessible.
Point Cook Coastal Park
About 15 minutes east of Werribee, Point Cook Coastal Park is a Parks Victoria reserve on the bay with wetlands, coastal walking trails, and birdwatching. The park is free and offers easy flat walks with views across Port Phillip Bay. RAAF Museum at Point Cook (adjacent) has free entry and is interesting for children who like aircraft.
Indoor Activities and Rainy Days
Werribee and the wider Wyndham area have several indoor options:
For more indoor ideas, see our guide to indoor activities for Melbourne school holidays.
Where to Eat With Kids
Having easy family dinner ideas ready for after a big day out means one less thing to think about.
Werribee's dining scene has improved significantly as the area has grown:
Nearby Attractions
Point Cook
Bacchus Marsh
You Yangs Regional Park
About 25 minutes west of Werribee (towards Geelong), the You Yangs offer bushwalking, mountain biking, and koala spotting. Free entry. See our school holiday activities Geelong guide for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Werribee with kids?
The best things to do in Werribee with kids include the Werribee Open Range Zoo (safari-style Australian and African animal encounters), Werribee Park Mansion and gardens, the Shadow of the Tower adventure playground, Werribee South Beach, the State Rose Garden, and the Werribee River trail.
Is Werribee Open Range Zoo good for kids?
Yes. Werribee Open Range Zoo is one of Melbourne's best family attractions. The safari bus tour through the African savannah area is a highlight — children see giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and hippos from close range. The zoo also has an Australian trail with kangaroos and koalas, a playground, and school holiday programs.
How far is Werribee from Melbourne CBD?
Werribee is approximately 32 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, about 30 to 40 minutes by car via the Princes Freeway (M1). Metro trains run from Melbourne to Werribee Station, taking about 35 minutes from Flinders Street Station.
Is there a beach at Werribee?
Yes. Werribee South Beach is a quiet, calm bay beach on Port Phillip Bay, about 10 minutes south of the Werribee town centre. The beach has calm, shallow water suitable for young children, picnic areas, and a small foreshore reserve.
Are Werribee activities suitable for toddlers?
Yes. The zoo, playgrounds, Werribee South Beach, and the rose garden are all toddler-friendly. The safari bus tour is suitable for all ages including babies in prams.
Sources
Information in this guide is based on published 2025–2026 data and is subject to change. We recommend confirming details directly with each venue before visiting. Pricing is in Australian dollars and is indicative only.
Written by the VicBuzz Editorial Team. For more family activities across Melbourne's west and beyond, see our family days out in Melbourne guide and our school holiday activities across Victoria pillar guide.
Author: VicBuzz Editorial Team — local parents and community contributors covering family life across Victoria. We research, visit, and review family venues and programs across Melbourne and regional Victoria to help parents make informed decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Werribee with kids?
The best things to do in Werribee with kids include the Werribee Open Range Zoo (safari-style Australian and African animal encounters), Werribee Park Mansion and gardens, the Shadow of the Tower adventure playground, Werribee South Beach, the State Rose Garden, and the Werribee River trail. The area also has good indoor play centres, swimming pools, and cafes.
Is Werribee Open Range Zoo good for kids?
Yes. Werribee Open Range Zoo is one of Melbourne's best family attractions. The safari bus tour through the African savannah area is a highlight — children see giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and hippos from close range. The zoo also has an Australian trail with kangaroos and koalas, a playground, and school holiday programs.
How far is Werribee from Melbourne CBD?
Werribee is approximately 32 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, about 30 to 40 minutes by car via the Princes Freeway (M1). Metro trains run from Melbourne to Werribee Station, taking about 35 minutes from Flinders Street Station.
Is there a beach at Werribee?
Yes. Werribee South Beach is a quiet, calm bay beach on Port Phillip Bay, about 10 minutes south of the Werribee town centre. The beach has calm, shallow water suitable for young children, picnic areas, and a small foreshore reserve. It is less crowded than many Melbourne beaches.
Are Werribee activities suitable for toddlers?
Yes. The zoo, playgrounds, Werribee South Beach, and the rose garden are all toddler-friendly. The safari bus tour is suitable for all ages including babies in prams.