Werribee

Werribee and the greater region of Werribee Park offers visitors a wealth of activities and attractions that are easily accessible from Melbourne, including Victoria's Open Range Zoo, Werribee Park Mansion, Shadowfax Winery and the State Rose Garden. The Chirnside family originally owned much of the Werribee Plains and built Werribee Park Mansion, the largest private residence in Victoria, in the late 1870s. Today the mansion has become one of Victoria's major tourist attractions after being bought by the State Government and restored to its original splendour. The 12 hectares of park include beautifully kept gardens and a farmyard area complete with authentic blacksmith facilities. Garden-lovers will be in heaven as they take in the sights and smells of the State Rose Garden, which boasts more than 4,500 plants in its collection. The best time to view the roses is between November and May, and the Garden Party held every March is not to be missed. Follow one of the many scenic trails winding their way through the You Yangs Regional Park through beautiful terrain. Watch migratory wading birds at the Point Cook Coastal Park during the summer months. For a truly wild experience, come face-to-face with giraffes, zebras, meerkats, wallabies, emus and other grassland animals from around the globe at Victoria's Open Range Zoo. The Werribee Park Precinct is approximately 30 minutes from Melbourne via the Princes Highway.