The Werribee South Caravan Park was pleasant enough, we had a nice site next to a lovely tree that the kids enjoyed climbing. It was walking distance to the water and jetty, as well as a playground which went down well with the three youngest members of the family.
The Zoo welcoming committee:
We rode the open safari bus twice which was a great way to see the plains animals - namely giraffe, rhinos and zebras. We also saw an assortment of deer and camels (including the inquisitive baby who kept sticking her head inside the bus!).
Watching the lions eating - especially on the bonnet of the 4WD in front of us... with some solid perspex in between!
Feeding time at the gorillas was interesting, watching them forage for the food that the keepers hid around their enclosure.
Late in the day we witnessed the feeding of the hippos and got an informative chat from the keeper. It was amazing to see them open their large gaping mouths for a tooth inspection before being allowed to eat!
What a great day with the animals of Werribee Zoo!
The second destination we visited was the Werribee Park Mansion. We wandered the grand grounds, admiring the diversity of trees and gardens. We also went and looked around inside the mansion, which was built in 1877 by wealthy pastoralists, the Chirnsides. Its architectual style for those interested is Italianate. It features around 60 rooms and contains much of the Chirnsides furniture and artworks.
In between the caravan park and the Mansion we stopped to look at the Werribee River, with its unusual red cliffs where the river meanders around the bend.
The third place we wanted to visit while in the area was the Victorian State Rose Garden, located next to the Mansion. Lots of colour was to be found among the thorny rows of roses.
The final evening gave us a colourful sunset out across the river. Werribee - not usually on the holiday makers list of must visit places, but we enjoyed our few days exploring!
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