In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day 2025 we’re returning to Werribee Zoo for our annual Family Fun Day on Sunday 23 March 2025!
You can check out the program for the day here.
Online registration is now closed, but there’s still time to join us! Come down to Werribee Zoo from 9:30am on Sunday and purchase your tickets at the DSV gate. We’d love to see you there!
Whether you’re buying tickets at the gate or have already registered, read on for everything you need to know about DSV’s Family Fun Day 2025.
Getting there
Address. Werribee Open Range Zoo: K Road, Werribee South
Werribee Open Range Zoo is located 35 kilometres west of Melbourne’s city centre, on the Princes Freeway. It is a short 30-minute drive from the city over the Westgate Bridge or via the Geelong Road. (Take the Werribee South exit to K Road.)
Time. Family Fun Day will run from 10.30am – 12.30pm and your ticket will allow you to stay and explore the zoo for the remainder of the day.
Registration will be open from 9.30am and given it is set to be a beautiful, sunny day we recommend you arrive nice and early so as not to miss any of the fun.
We will have an early bird drumming workshop running from 10am, or if you arrive early you’re welcome to check out some animals, or grab a coffee before heading to the African Lawn for Family Fun Day.
Parking. Free parking is available on site as well as accessible parking bays near the main entrance of the zoo. Please leave ample time to find a carpark as the zoo can be busy on weekends.
Remember, your ticket allows you entry to the zoo from 9.30am, so if you’d like to come early, you can grab a coffee or enjoy some of the animals and sights before our event starts at 10:30am. There will be an African drumming workshop at 10am, so it’s worth getting there early for that!
Pick-up and drop-off spots. There are two pick-up and drop-off location options at the zoo:
- the taxi zone near Gate C, where we will enter the zoo for Family Fun Day, or
- the bus drop-off zone just past the main entry.
Transport. From Melbourne: catch a train from the Melbourne CBD to Werribee station (travelling on the Werribee Line). From Werribee station catch Bus 439 Werribee South to the Zoo.
From Geelong: catch a train from Geelong to Wyndham Vale Station (travelling towards Melbourne). From Wyndham Vale Station catch the Bus 190 Werribee Station to Werribee Station. From Werribee Station catch Bus 439 Werribee South to the zoo.
For more information and public transport options visit Getting here (zoo.org.au).
When you arrive
We have our own dedicated entrance. Refer to this map and look for the DSV logos.
When you turn right into the Werribee Zoo entrance, please follow the driveway around to the left and take the first car park entrance to your right. This will allow you to park close to the Down Syndrome Victoria entrance and look out for the DSV registration marquee. You will need to arrive early in order to get a close carpark.
When you reach the low ‘Welcome Zoo Entry’ sign, you will see the DSV registration area sitting behind it.
Here you will be provided with your official zoo entry ticket/s and wristband/s allowing you entry into our exclusive event area, the African Lawn.
Refer to this map and look out for the DSV logos.
You can also see an interactive map of the zoo here and a sensory map of the zoo here.
If you haven’t yet booked, no problem, here you will be able to purchase your tickets from one of our friendly DSV staff.
If you pre-registered via Eventbrite, you won’t need to bring a ticket with you, we will have your details at the DSV entry point.
The DSV registration tent will be open from 9:30am with event activities beginning at 10:30am.
We will have an African drumming workshop running from 10am for any early birds.
Please remember to bring your companion card or zoo membership card if you booked a concession or zoo member ticket.
Accessibility
For detailed information about accessibility visit:
Accessibility | Werribee Open Range Zoo
Food and beverages
The bistro and café next to the event will have food and drinks available for purchase on the day or alternatively you can bring along a picnic rug and self-cater.
Some zoo food vendors have low gluten and vegan options, and Sushi Sushi has gluten free options.
Payment options around the zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is a cashless venue so please remember to bring your card or you can pay via digital payment.
Can no longer make it to Family Fun Day?
If you have purchased a ticket and can no longer attend the event, we would greatly appreciate if you could contact us as soon as possible at info@dsav.asn.au or 9486 9600.
Questions?
Contact us at info@dsav.asn.au with any questions big or small.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you on Sunday 23 March 2025.