Australia's oldest zoo is set in lovely botanic gardens just a short trip from the centre of the city. Because its design is sympathetic to the natural environments of the animals who live here, your exploration will take you through diverse habitats from tropical rainforest to ‘African' grasslands.

Highlights include the Australian bush setting (where you can meet some remarkable indigenous animals), African and Asian rainforests (the former is home to gorillas and Mandrills, the latter to the magnificent Trail of the Elephants' exhibit). On summer evenings the zoo puts on even more of a show with live bands (Zoo Twilights) and special seasonal events. No wonder this is one of Melbourne's most popular attractions.