A transformative gateway that balances open range character with intimate experiences, creating a vibrant heart for the zoo and community.
The Werribee Open Range Zoo (WORZ) Arrivals Precinct Masterplan reimagines the 12-hectare entry zone as both a functional gateway and vibrant destination. Identified as the critical “seed project” for the facility’s expansion, our design creates a cohesive visitor journey that significantly enhances wayfinding, visual interest, capacity, and amenity—setting a new benchmark for zoo arrival experiences.
Our Design Approach
Our masterplan is built upon design principles that capture WORZ’s distinctive identity, balancing its signature “Open Range” character with intimate “Up Close” experiences that create moments of surprise and delight. The design integrates conservation messaging throughout while acknowledging that compelling commercial offerings are essential to supporting the zoo’s broader mission.
The approach prioritizes pedestrian experience while creating a true destination within Melbourne’s western growth corridor. Clear sightlines improve wayfinding throughout the precinct, while a seamless spatial sequence offers genuine zoo experiences for both ticketed and non-ticketed visitors. The signature “Butterfly Canopy” serves as a unifying element that bridges old and new structures while providing weather protection and intuitive wayfinding cues.
Integrated landscape elements showcase WORZ’s conservation mission while creating functional, climate-responsive visitor spaces. Parking areas are thoughtfully zoned to maintain the site’s open character while enabling staged implementation. The adaptive reuse of existing buildings and infrastructure demonstrates our commitment to sustainable design practices.
Key Features
The masterplan creates two vibrant public spaces that form the heart of the visitor experience:
Entry Forecourt – A welcoming arrival zone featuring play sculptures, animal encounters, and gathering spaces that create engagement for non-ticketed visitors while setting the stage for the zoo journey.
Werribee Zoo Terrace – A central gathering space with a multi-purpose deck that serves as both an orientation hub and event venue, positioned as the nucleus to which visitors return throughout their visit.
Supporting these key spaces are enhanced facilities for retail, ticketing, catering, and amenities that improve operational efficiency while supporting visitor comfort. A planned function center further positions the arrivals precinct as a community asset beyond its role as a zoo entry point.
The precinct’s circulation strategy creates intuitive pathways from parking to entry, with every journey enhanced by conservation-focused landscaping. The reinstatement of the historic Chirnside Avenue alignment adds heritage value while providing practical advantages to the circulation network.