Getting here
Getting to Melbourne Zoo by public transport is the easiest, most convenient and eco-friendly way to go!
Travelling by car and parking
Melbourne Zoo is located only minutes north of the city centre at Royal Park and is 20 minutes from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine).
Car parking is $2 for a five hour ticket and is run by Melbourne City Council.
To use a parking bay reserved for people with disabilities, you will need to display a valid parking permit for people with a disability. Don't forget to display your parking ticket on your dashboard, as the area is regularly monitored by parking officers. Download the EasyPark App from the App Store or Google Play in advance to skip the queue and pay for parking from your phone.
During peak times, like school and public holidays, we do our best try to get you parked and into the zoo as quickly as possible. Please follow instructions from our parking attendants when it's busy.
Travelling by public transport
By Tram
Route 58 between West Coburg and Toorak runs via William Street in the city centre every day, with services as often as every 6 minutes, stopping directly outside Melbourne Zoo at Stop 26. Make sure you travel safely on board.
By Train
Trains run from Flinders Street Station on the Upfield line every day, stopping at Royal Park Station - just across the road from Melbourne Zoo's rail gate entrance. Please see above advice about planned disruptions on the Upfield line due to the Level Crossing Removal Project.
By Bus
Bus route 505 from Moonee Ponds to Melbourne University stops outside Melbourne Zoo.
Travelling from Regional Victoria
V/Line trains run from Geelong, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Maryborough, Ararat, Bendigo, Swan Hill, Echuca, Seymour, Shepparton and Albury, Traralgon, Sale, and many other rural destinations, into the CBD.
The V/Line Family Traveller ticket allows each adult to take up to two children aged between five and 18 at no extra cost.
Timetable information
Visit PTV for up-to-date tram, train and bus times. (Tip: Use their Journey Planner for public transport directions from anywhere in Victoria. Enter your starting address in the “From” box and enter “Melbourne Zoo” as a landmark in the “To” box).
Other parking options
If needed, there are other parking options within walking distance to the zoo.
- Melbourne Sport Centre, Parkville
Located at 10 Brens Drive, Parkville VIC 3052. Access to Brens Drive via Elliot Avenue. Parking subject to availability.
Approximately an 8 minute walk to Melbourne Zoo's Rail Gate entrance. - Local street parking
Several local streets surrounding Melbourne Zoo have on-street parking; most are located on The Avenue and Royal Parade. - Ikon Park
Located at 400 Royal Parade, Carlton North VIC 3054. Limited parking, subject to availability.
Approximately a 15 minute walk to Melbourne Zoo's Main Gate entrance.
Visitor advice
Sikh Games at Royal Park, April 3-5
Royal Park welcomes the Sikh Games over the Easter weekend, from Friday April 3 to Sunday April 5. The event is expected to attract 100,000 people across three days.
- You may notice increased traffic and reduced parking availability around the Zoo.
- Where possible, we recommend catching public transport.
- Shuttle buses for the event will use the front roundabout, so the entrance may be busier than usual.
- We’re working closely with event organisers to minimise disruption and keep your visit running smoothly.
Will parking be available at the Zoo?
Parking is available, but spaces may be limited due to a nearby event. Overflow parking is reserved for Zoo patrons, but this cannot be enforced.
Why is the entrance busier than usual?
Event shuttle buses are using the Zoo’s front roundabout for pick‑up and drop‑off. We’re managing this closely to reduce delays.
Is the event happening inside the Zoo?
No. The event is taking place in and around Royal Park, not within Zoo grounds.
Will this affect my Zoo visit?
You may experience extra traffic or slower entry, but the Zoo remains fully open and operating as normal, and we look forward to welcoming visitors as usual.
What’s the best way to get to the Zoo this Easter weekend?
Public transport is strongly recommended. Catch the Route 58 tram, Route 505 bus or use Royal Park Station on the Upfield line.
Are event attendees allowed to park in Zoo car parks?
These are public car parks, signage will indicate “Zoo Patron Parking Only” but this cannot be enforced.