Wild Nights - Werribee Zoo - Melbourne - Review
Kate and her little ones headed to Wild Nights last Sunday and had an amazing time! Don’t miss out on a great evening packed with lots of activities and fun at the Werribee Zoo. Thank you to Zoos Victoria for inviting us and for Kate for her great review and pics. Xo Catherine
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
For eight nights only, zoo-lovers can visit Werribee Open Range Zoo after dark as it lights up with all the action of Wild Nights! Plus this year, for the first time, see the amazing life-size animatronic dinosaurs at Zoorassic: Dinos After Dark!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
This was our first experience of Wild Nights, and most definitely will not be our last. The poppets loved exploring the African Trail by torchlight and seeing what animals they could spot along the way. The event program is full of awesome activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Here are our highlights.
Zoorasic: Dinos After Dark
Explore the Werribee River Trail like never before as you come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs that will be brought to life for Dinos After Dark with dazzling lights, animatronics and an extraordinary soundscape.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Fire Performers
Be captivated by dazzling fire performers as they wow audiences just inside the main entry gate using a variety of different objects in their high energy, theatrical show.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Lantern Parade
Between 7.00-8.00pm, make your way over towards the Safari Station to see the gorgeous Eastern Barred Bandicoot lantern parade. Children can also decorate their own paper lantern to place over torches from home to join the parade. Be sure to check out the Secret Garden close by too.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Glow Zone
Head over to the Africa Village to get your face painted with special glow in the dark paint before joining in the circus fun in the Glow Zone.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Marshmallow Toasting
As the temperatures drops, keep warm up around a flickering camp fire and toast yummy, gooey marshmallows. There are two marshmallow camp fires for your toasting pleasure - one near the Hippo Play Trail and the other near the Cheetah BBQ area. We highly recommend a hot chocolate or cup of mulled wine too!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Bandicoot Hideout
Head into the Bandicoot Hideout to introduce yourself to the critically-endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot and learn about the conservation work that’s bringing this native animal back from the brink of extinction.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Seeing the Jurassic creatures after dark definitely added to this already spectacular event and the best part, all proceeds from Wild Nights contribute to Zoos Victoria’s fight against wildlife extinction. Highly recommended for the whole family.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Tip - Remember to dress for all weather conditions (especially gumboots if it’s wet as the dinosaur trail can get quite muddy) and bring your own torch to help navigate around the zoo in the dark.
For more ideas of what to do with the kids in Melbourne, checkout our Website, our Daily Spots List, CBD Spots or Blog.