Werribee Open Range Zoo will come alive on 18–19 October 2025 for its annual Diwali celebration, transforming the open plains into a vibrant festival of light, music and culture. Running from midday to 7pm each day, the event will showcase the sights, sounds and flavours of Indian, Nepalese and Sri Lankan traditions in a family-friendly setting surrounded by nature.
As part of this year’s Diwali celebrations, the zoo will bring the Asian Elephant to the heart of the festival experience. The zoo welcomed nine Asian Elephants to its new 21 hectare habitat in March this year after they were relocated from Melbourne Zoo.
Visitors can join daily keeper talks exploring the elephant’s cultural significance and conservation story, enjoy traditional South Asian elephant tales brought to life through music and live narration, and take part in flower garland-making inspired by Indian festival traditions. The garlands will be displayed along the Elephant Trail in tribute to these gentle giants — blending storytelling, art and awareness in a uniquely immersive way.
Across the zoo, the atmosphere will be electric with performances by classical and contemporary dance troupes, Bollywood fusion acts and live music featuring sitar and tabla.
Food stalls run by local community groups will serve Indian and South Asian favourites, while the grounds glow with lanterns, rangoli art and projection lighting that bring Diwali’s theme of light over darkness to life. Families can also enjoy hands-on activities including henna painting and diya (lamp) decorating.
Free for Zoos Victoria members or included with general admission, Diwali at Werribee Open Range Zoo has become one of Melbourne’s most distinctive cultural events. More information is here.
