Victorian kids can go to the zoo for free over the school holidays and embark on an unforgettable journey back in time as zoos across the state become prehistoric playgrounds this Easter.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today unveiled the Dinos at the Zoo immersive experience at Melbourne Zoo - a roaring adventure where you can walk among life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs.
At Melbourne Zoo, visitors can venture along paths not normally open to visitors to discover 16 huge Dinosaurs, their nests, and newly hatched young. For budding palaeontologists, there's the chance to uncover a fossil in the sandpits, watched over by the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.
In an Australian first, Dinos at the Zoo will also provide unprecedented access to the deaf and hard of hearing community, with Expression Australia creating a series of videos in Australian Sign Language (Auslan) to provide information on every exhibit, which is instantly accessible by scanning a QR code.
At Werribee Open Range Zoo, expect the unexpected as you encounter 14 awe-inspiring Dinosaurs, smoking volcanoes, bubbling swamps, dino footprints, and unearth life-like dino fossils.
For an evening adventure like no other, Dinos After Dark will be available at Werribee for one week from 7 April, offering a unique nighttime experience with these ancient giants.
Within the Yarra Valley, step back in time along Healesville Sanctuary's bushland Nature Trail where 16 Dinosaurs roam. Or, for those who prefer a guide, join a free walking tour with a ranger.
Regional Victorians won't miss out, with 15 prehistoric beasts taking up residence at Kyabram Fauna Park. Visitors will experience Kyabram's new dinosaur population roaming in a newly created area of the parkland, with the opportunity to make their own discoveries in the fossil dig sandpit.
The Labor Government is giving more families the chance to explore the zoo with free entry for children under 16 years on weekends, school holidays, and public holidays. Dinos at the Zoo will be free with zoo admission and run from 29 March until the end of the Winter school holidays.
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
"Kids Go Free means more families can visit Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary or Kyabram Fauna Park to experience the wonder of Dinosaurs - at no cost."
As stated by CEO, Zoos Victoria Dr Jenny Gray
"Dinos at the Zoo will be a blockbuster event that will delight and inspire visitors to help other species from becoming extinct by purchasing a Totes for Wildlife bag to support Zoos Victoria's wildlife conservation work."
As stated by CEO Expression Australia Rebecca Adam
"We are very proud to have partnered with Zoos Victoria to create and develop a pathway for our community to have equal opportunity to learn about the Dinos at the Zoo through their primary language and truly immerse themselves in the experience."
