In a savannah just 30 minutes from Melbourne's CBD, a five-month-old southern white rhino is about to become the city's newest nocturnal celebrity.
Werribee Open Range Zoo‘s Sunset Safari has returned for 2025, transforming weekend evenings into an African wildlife spectacular – with their precious new addition taking centre stage.
As the summer sun dips below the horizon, visitors are whisked away on a guided safari through the zoo’s sprawling African plains. The real scene-stealer? A baby rhino, whose arrival marks a significant moment for the zoo’s breeding program, now venturing out with its herd across the golden grasslands.
Sunset Safari
- Werribee Zoo
- Every Saturday – Jan 4 to Feb 22
- Tickets are on sale now
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“It’s getting better and better,” says Zoo Director Dr Mark Pilgrim, whose enthusiasm for the event is palpable. “It’s a truly unforgettable experience and such a wonderful opportunity to see these iconic animals up close during Melbourne’s dazzling summer evenings.”
The safari unfolds like a carefully choreographed performance: zebras flash their stripes in the dying light, giraffes stretch their elegant necks towards the sky, and antelopes bound across the plains alongside strutting ostriches. But the wildlife viewing is just the beginning of this immersive experience.
Visitors can groove to authentic African drumming performances, before hitting up Hippo Beach for sundowners and an African-inspired BBQ. For those seeking a more refined dining experience, the Meerkat Bistro offers à la carte options.
The evening continues with exclusive access to the zoo’s walking trails, where lions, wild dogs and hippos can be observed in their most active hours.Beyond the entertainment, there’s a serious conservation message at heart.
The event supports vital partnership work with Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, focusing on wildlife research and community education programs. Safari guides share stories of threatened species and conservation efforts, aiming to inspire the next generation of wildlife defenders.
Running every Saturday from January 4 to February 22, between 5:30pm and 9pm, booking ahead is essential for this popular summer series that’s equally suitable for family outings or date nights under the stars.
For more information and tickets to Werribee Zoo’s Sunset Safari, head here.
