Welcome to Dinos After Dark at Melbourne Zoo – an evening adventure that promises to thrill and enchant your entire family.
Happening on select dates during the Winter School Holidays (Friday 5 & Saturday 6 July, Friday 12 & Saturday 13 July 2024), Melbourne Zoo is transforming into a world where prehistoric creatures come to life at night!
Read on to discover what makes Dinos After Dark a must-visit for families seeking a unique and unforgettable evening experience these Winter school holidays!
Dinosaurs at Melbourne Zoo
Picture walking alongside 14 gigantic, illuminated dinosaurs – a sight that’s as educational as it is awe-inspiring. From Brachiosaurus to Tyrannosaurus Rex, these animatronic giants bring the prehistoric world to life amidst the trees and under the starry night sky.
While trekking along the trail of dinos, families can learn a little about each dinosaur thanks to information signs and interactive projections on the trees.
Around each corner there are zoo team members ready to answer questions, direct you where to go or assist as needed.
My kids were mesmerized by the sounds and size of these creatures roaming right among us.
More Than Just Dinosaurs
This weird and wonderful night time experience mixes prehistoric giants with all sorts of extra Zoo fun!
Kids will be captivated by the lit up carousel rides (free during this event!) and a Silent Disco in ‘the deep’ at Wild Seas.
Don’t forget the marshmallow toasting! Plus, face painting, temporary tattoos, illuminated hula hoops and bubbles. There’s an experience for every family member to enjoy.
Dusk Safari Tour (Werribee Events only)
You can also pay extra to book an exclusive tour of the Savannah at sundown. During the tour you’ll get to:
- venture to behind the scenes areas;
- meet the keepers; and
- watch the giraffes be given access to the night quarters.
Planning Your Visit to Dinos After Dark
Practical Tips for Families
Make the most of your night by ensuring that you’re wearing clothing and footwear suitable for an outdoor evening event.
That means an outer coat or jumper for chilly nights and gumboots for tramping around in the dirt (we love our Merry People gumboots).
What to Bring to Dinos in the Dark
Here’s our list of essential items that will make your dinosaur in the dark adventure more enjoyable:
- Insect repellant for any biting bugs;
- torch and/or glow sticks for extra fun. If you’re bringing a torch we recommend a torch with a red lens or with red cellophane over the lens;
- marshmallow toasting sticks and giant marshmallows. I like these retractable, reusable toasting forks and you can buy marshmallows from any supermarket;
- A picnic or at least a water bottle and snacks;
- your camera to capture your night out with the dinosaurs!
Dinos After Dark FAQs
Do I need to book tickets for Dinos After Dark?
Yes. The ticket prices are:
Adult: $39.00
Child: $19.00
Member Adult: $35.00
Member Child: $17.00
Anyone over 12 months must have a ticket.
When is Dinos After Dark running?
The event runs on Friday 5, Saturday 6, Friday 12 & Saturday 13 July 2024
Note that Melbourne Zoo closes at 5pm for day tickets, so if you’re staying on for Dinos After Dark you’ll need to exit the zoo then have a separate ticket for Dinos After Dark.
Is Dinos After Dark suitable for young children?
Dinos After Dark is suitable for kids of all ages.
Just a little heads-up: some younger children might find it a bit spooky, so parental guidance is key.
For children that may be scared, do the dino trail early while it’s still a bit light. We also recommend giving the dinosaurs names so they seem more friendly. Hello, Terry the T-Rex!
What happens if it rains?
Dinos After Dark goes ahead, rain or shine. Just remember to pack your raincoats, umbrellas and gumboots (we love our Merry People gumboots).
Is parking available?
There’s parking on site, though it’s best to arrive between 5pm when Melbourne Zoo closes and 5:30pm when Dinos After Dark opens, to ensure that you can find a spot easily.
Do tickets include zoo entry during the day?
Your Dinos After Dark ticket is just for the evening experience. Daytime zoo entry needs a separate ticket.
Is the event accessible?
The event is wheelchair and pram accessible. There is some uneven ground in the Dino experience.
Can we just do the Dusk Safari?
You must have a Dinos after Dark ticket to purchase your Dusk safari experience ticket.
Note that all ticket holders will have their own seat on the Dusk Safari bus, regardless of their age, so there is no adults or kids prices on the Dusk Safari.
Note the Dusk Safari is available at Werribee Open Range Zoo only.
What are the dining options?
The Macaw Cafe will be open.
Enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the bar or a hot barista-made coffee by the coffee cart.
Special Dinos After Dark offers include:
- Mulled Wine
- Baileys Hot Chocolate
- Hot donuts
To avoid hungry queues, we recommend bringing a picnic or at least some snacks to tide you over.
Note there is no BYO alcohol and public BBQ’s will not be available.
What are the cancellation terms?
Dinos After Dark is non-refundable, but if you need to reschedule call 1300 966 784.
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