A delightful detour

Only 30 minutes from Melbourne's city centre, Werribee is the perfect detour on the way to Geelong and The Bellarine.

The region is home to major attractions including Werribee Open Range Zoo and Werribee Park Mansion but dig deeper and you’ll find incredible gardens, coastal adventures and an exciting dining scene.

Wildlife Spotting

At Werribee Open Range Zoo hop on a Safari Bus Tour travelling through the vast plains (over 225 acres!) and spot rhinos, giraffes and zebras. Then explore the many walking trails, home to lions, gorillas and iconic Australian animals including kangaroos and koalas.

Keep your ear to the ground – elephants are on their way in 2025!

Nearby, Point Cooke Marine Sanctuary (Victoria’s largest marine sanctuary) is teaming with life including sea urchins, rays and colourful fish.

Explore Werribee Park

Take a tour of the heritage-listed Werribee Park Mansion and its stunning formal gardens, farm and orchard.

The beautiful grounds are the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or an indulgent high tea or long lunch at the onsite restaurants and cafes.

For a memorable night out, night tours are run in the form of a theatre performance by Essence Productions.

Werribee Park is also home to the luxury hotel Lancemore Mansion Hotel, a day spa and it's a popular spot for weddings too.

Look to the skies

Birdwatchers flock to Werribee’s RAMSAR-listed Western Treatment Plant and nearby Cheetham Wetlands.

The Werribee River winds its way through the town, creating these thriving wetland habitats that blend with the coastline and serve as a natural haven for birdlife and other animals.

Hundreds of birds visit these areas, with migratory shorebirds flying from as far as Siberia, Japan and Alaska.

If spotting some of these rare and endangered species in their natural habitat is on your bucket list, then visiting these wetlands is a must.

A blooming event not to miss

Don’t miss the spectacular Victoria State Rose Garden at the Werribee Park Mansion grounds, with more than 5,000 roses on display. The blooms are at their best from October to April and entry is free.

Outdoor Adventures

Get off the beaten track and explore Werribee’s beautiful river and coastal parks, head to an A-League match at Ironbark Fields or enjoy a day out on the green at one of the region’s golf courses.

Werribee South Foreshore is a popular spot for families with a swimming beach, playgrounds, fishing jetty and boat ramps and you’ll want to catch at least one sunset from the stunning K Road Cliffs.

Further along the bay, enjoy mini golf fun, waterside dining and aviation marvels at the free museum all at the harbour.

World on a plate

Werribee is one of the most diverse regions in Australia and that makes for some very good eating!

Watton Street has become known as the ‘Eat Street’ of Melbourne’s West – home to excellent cafes and restaurants, wine bars and exciting multicultural dining.

The city’s Italian roots run deep, but you’ll find great Filipino, Indian and Lebanese dining here too.

Catch a show at the cultural centre and art gallery and stay up late at the city’s bars and pubs.