I was a little slow off the mark discovering the great new waterplay attraction at Werribee Open Range Zoo this summer – Hippo Beach.  So I am pumping this post out so that families can enjoy it before the weather cools.

Hippo Beach, which is included in the general admission price at Werribee Zoo encourages kids to frolic with hippo themed water play right next to the Hippo exhibit.  Resident hippos Primrose, Brindabella, Tulip, Lotus and baby Pansy enjoy each others company in good view of visitors, particularly during the 3.45pm ranger hippo talk when they all came out of the water to say hello. As for my own kids – they loved climbing over the hippo statues, digging for hidden treasure in the giant sandpit and getting wet in the water play area.

There are hammocks and a cafe adjacent to Hippo Beach to allow parents to relax in the shade if you are one of those fortunate parents that have children that sit and play nicely without harassing other children/each other, running away or finding dangerous activities to engage in in the most safe of environs.

We are Zoo Victoria members so headed out to the zoo just to enjoy Hippo Beach during summer – and the kid’s played there happily for a good ninety minutes.  Those visiting Werribee Zoo to enjoy a full day including trail walks and animal safari should pack the kid’s bathers to allow them to experience Hippo Beach.

Tips:

• Zoos Victoria membership entitles members to access The Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary as well as a number of partner zoos (including Taronga) around Australia for a full year.  This is great bang for your buck whether you plan to stay in Melbourne or use it outside of Melbourne.

• Hippo Beach is a lovely area for crawling babies to play in too.  Remember to pack a water nappy if your child is not toilet trained.

• On weekdays Werribee Zoo runs amazing programs for under fives that are included in the general entry price and incorporate play, music and imagination.

• The water was turned off a half hour before closing (4.30pm) to encourage folk to exit.  Don’t leave it too late in the day to get to Hippo Beach.

Little Lady Bub at Hippo Beach

Hippos come out of the water for the Hippo talk at 3.45

Opening Hours:  The Werribee Open Range Zoo is open 9am-5pm every day of the year.  Last entry is at 3.30pm

Cost:  General admission is FREE for children aged under 4.

General admission is FREE for children aged 4-15 on weekends, school holidays and Victorian public holidays.  On other days it is $13.60

Adult entry is $30.80 and a number of different family packages are for sale depending on your number of kids.

Werribee zoo is a half an hour drive from Melbourne over the Westgate Bridge on the Princes Freeway or via Geelong Road.

Bubs on the Move provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews. I’d love for ya’ll to join us on our adventures by either signing up for the newsletter, joining us on Facebook,  Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to receive updates.

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