Accessibility
Zoos Victoria is committed to creating an accessible environment for all our visitors. Here's how we go about it.
Discounts for Carer and Companion Card holders
We have free entry at our zoos for all carers accompanying a person with a disability who is a holder of a Child Disability Allowance Health Care Card, a Disability Pension Card or a Companion Card.
We also have a 10% discount for a holder of a WeCare Card who is not accompanying a person with a disability.
Accessible parking and bus access
There are six accessible parking bays near the main entrance of Melbourne Zoo. Seven accessible parking bays are located near the rail gate entrance.
There is a bus drop-off point at the main gate and all-day bus parking on the rail gate side of the Zoo (except school and public holidays, where it's open to all vehicles).
Accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers
Melbourne Zoo has an easy-to-follow path system, with access for people using wheelchairs and strollers.
Hiring wheelchairs and strollers
Stroller hire
A limited number of Baby Jogger strollers are available to hire.
Single strollers
- $17 for Zoo members
- $20 for non-members
Double strollers
- $29.75 for Zoo members
- $35 for non-members
Stroller hire is kindly supplied by our partner Baby Jogger.
Photographic identification and a credit card are required.
Wheelchair hire
Wheelchairs are also available for hire. Photographic identification is required.
We recommend you book in advance for wheelchairs and strollers, you can request a wheelchair booking here >>
Accessible toilets
Melbourne Zoo has a Changing Places facility equipped with extra features such as a tracking hoist, full-sized change table, larger-than-standard accessible toilets and more space to meet the needs of people with a disability. This can be accessed with a Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) which is held at Melbourne Zoo reception.
MLAKs can also be ordered from the Master Locksmiths Association Ltd by completing the MLAK Order Form. The key can be purchased by people with disabilities, their carers, assistants and support workers to provide access to a network of facilities, including many Changing Places: changingplaces.org.au/build-a-facility/mlak-key/
Our accessible toilets are located at:
- Our main entrance on the way to the Gorilla Rainforest
- The Lakeside Café
- Near the rail gate entrance close to the Picnic Pavilion
- Along the main drive near the Orang-utans
- Elephant Village, near the Bong Su Room
Locker storage
Melbourne Zoo has small, medium and large lockers available for you to hire, ranging from approximately 970mm x 440mm down to 480mm x 300mm, so will fit most luggage. You’ll need a credit card to scan at the locker to hire it out, depending on what size locker you choose they cost:
- Large - $10 for the first 4 hours and $3 per hour thereafter
- Medium - $7 for the first 4 hours and $2 per hour thereafter
- Small - $5 for the first 4 hours and $1 per hour thereafter
The lockers are located to the right of the main gate, just past the retail shop and opposite the meerkats. If the lockers you need are full, please let the team know at reception and they’ll be able to help you out with additional storage.
Access for assistance animals
Zoos Victoria welcomes visitors with assistance animals (such as guide dogs) that have completed their training and are certified by a registered authority. Please bring your certification ID with you.
At each Zoo there are identified exhibits and areas where assistance animals will not be permitted. This is due to quarantine restrictions and safety risks to zoo animals and staff, assistance animals and their handlers. Admission staff can provide you with information about these areas when you arrive at the zoo.
If you would like to be part of these experiences, we can organise a staff member or volunteer guide to help you.
Please call 1300 966 784 to arrange this.
Melbourne Zoo Sensory map
Download the Melbourne Zoo Sensory Map to plan around high and low sensory areas of the zoo.
Melbourne Zoo Social Script
Social Scripts include a range of photographs to show children what they may experience and encounter during their visit to Melbourne Zoo. Melbourne Zoo's Social Scripts were created in consultation with Amaze.