Melbourne Zoo is the oldest zoo in Australia, established in 1861 and still occupying its original site inside Royal Park. The zoo covers 22 hectares and houses around 320 species, with some of the best enclosures in the country for gorillas, elephants, and the Trail of the Elephants exhibit. The Australian native section, with wombats, echidnas, and Tasmanian devils alongside the more accessible kangaroos and koalas, is well designed and worth time.
The zoo has invested seriously in animal welfare over the past two decades, and the enclosures for large mammals are notably more spacious than older city zoos. The gorilla enclosure, with a family group visible at close range through large glass panels, is consistently the most popular area. Tram route 57 runs along Royal Parade past the main entrance; it is a short ride from the CBD.