Featuring a state-of-the-art aquarium and award-winning zoos along with abundant parklands teeming with native wildlife, you don't have to go far in Melbourne to experience the wonders of the natural world.

Animals from around the world

Stroll down Melbourne Zoo's bush track to see kangaroos, koalas, wombats and emus, and see Little Penguins and Australian fur seals making a splash at their own beach. There are, of course, elephants, lions and orangutans, too, among more than 300 species at the zoo – so allow plenty of time.

Delve deeper into the underwater world at the Melbourne Aquarium or go on a wildlife adventure at Werribee Open Range Zoo to see rhinos, giraffes, zebras and hippos on grassy plains.

Native wildlife

The city’s parks and gardens are home to a wide range of wildlife. Spot brush-tailed and ringtail possums in the Fitzroy and Treasury gardens on winter evenings, and admire the abundant birdlife including rosellas and lorikeets. Spend a day at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a natural sanctuary for native wildlife including black swans, cockatoos and kookaburras.

}

Unable to get data