Social Day Out at Melbourne Zoo

Join me for a relaxed Saturday at Melbourne Zoo! We'll wander the grounds, catch some of the keeper talks, and spend the day with everything from gorillas and orangutans to snow leopards, seals and penguins.

We'll meet at Royal Park train station (Platform 2) at 10:15am, then head over to the zoo together at 10:30am. The zoo's rail gate entrance is just across the road from the station. From there we'll explore at an easy pace, stop for lunch, and wrap up around 4:30pm.

This is a casual social meetup so we can visit the zoo together. It isn't run by or affiliated with Melbourne Zoo or Zoos Victoria. Please book your own entry directly with the zoo, because a Meetup RSVP doesn't include entry.

Who this is for

• Animal lovers and anyone who enjoys a relaxed day outdoors
• People keen to meet new friends in a low-key setting
• First-time visitors and zoo members alike
• Solo attendees are very welcome

Links

• Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3utrdcTbFEqngPuR6
• Melbourne Zoo: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/
• Tickets and membership: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/whats-on/events/entry/
• Animal and keeper talks: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/animal-talks/
• Interactive map of Melbourne Zoo: https://melbournezoo.maptivateapp.com.au/
• Cafés and where to eat: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/food-and-facilities/

Timeline

• 10:15am – Meet at Royal Park train station (Platform 2) and say hi
• 10:30am – Walk over to Melbourne Zoo together
• Through the day – Animal and keeper talks and a wander around the grounds
• Lunch – Grab something at one of the on-site cafés or eat the lunch you've brought
• 4:30pm – Meetup ends

Tickets / cost

• Zoo entry isn't included. Please buy your own ticket, or bring your membership, directly through Melbourne Zoo.
• Melbourne Zoo recommends that you book online in advance, so it's best to book before the day.

Transport

• Royal Park station is on the Upfield line, with trains from Flinders Street.
• Melbourne Zoo says the station is just across the road from its rail gate entrance.
• Check for any planned train disruptions before you head out.

Bring

• Your zoo ticket or membership
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
• A water bottle
• A packed lunch and snacks, if you're not buying food there
• A light jacket or umbrella in case the weather turns

Expect

• Difficulty: Easy. There's a fair bit of walking, but at a gentle pace with plenty of breaks.
• Pace: Relaxed, with stops for talks, photos and lunch
• Vibe: Friendly, chatty and low-key
• Group style: We'll start together. Feel free to drift between groups, and it's fine to head off early if you need to.

Important notes

• This meetup is organized independently. It isn't affiliated with, endorsed by or run by Melbourne Zoo or Zoos Victoria.
• A Meetup RSVP isn't a ticket, so please book your own entry with the zoo.
• Keeper talk times are set by the zoo and can change, so check the talks page on the day.
• We'll be outdoors most of the day, so dress for the weather and stay sun-smart.
• Please follow zoo rules and staff instructions, and look after your own safety and wellbeing on the day.
• If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear.