Dinos After Dark is back at Werribee Open Range Zoo from 4-11 July 2026. Eight nights of illuminated dinosaurs, roving performers, a glow disco, and marshmallow toasting — all after dark, all in the open air.
We attended Dinos After Dark in 2024 and the kids were completely mesmerised. In 2026, the dinosaurs haven’t changed — they’re still enormous, still lit up, and still thrilling!
What’s new for 2026 is everything around them. Here’s what to expect at Dinos After Dark, what’s changed, and how to make the most of your night.
The daytime experience, Dinos at the Zoo is also showing at all three zoos (Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo) until 12 July 2026.
Quick Facts about Dinos After Dark 2026
Dates: 4–11 July 2026 (8 nights only)
Time: 5:30pm–9:00pm
Location: African Village Lawn and Dinos River Trail, Werribee Open Range Zoo
Tickets: Adult $55 / Child $29 (Members: Adult $50 / Child $26)
Under 1s: Free
Bookings: Essential — book via the Werribee Zoo website
What’s at Dinos After Dark 2026
Dinosaur Light Show
Picture walking alongside 14 gigantic, illuminated dinosaurs – a sight that’s as educational as it is awe-inspiring. From Brachiosaurus to Tyrannosaurus Rex, these animatronic giants bring the prehistoric world to life amidst the trees and under the starry night sky.
While trekking along the trail of dinos, families can learn a little about each dinosaur thanks to information signs and interactive projections on the trees.
Around each corner there are zoo team members ready to answer questions, direct you where to go or assist as needed.
My kids are mesmerised by the sounds and size of these creatures roaming right among us.
One important note for families: the zoo’s animals are not on display during this event. It’s the dinosaurs and evening activations only — not a standard zoo visit. Worth being prepared and wording up everyone before you go.
Disco Glow Zone
A neon-lit dancefloor with family-friendly music and dino-tastic beats. Kids can grab a hula hoop or spinning plate, and there’s a circus performer on hand to show them how it’s done.
Bubble Snow Zone
The African Village transforms into a snowy playground. Kids can run, jump and dance through the snow — a good one for burning off energy between dino encounters.
Roving Performers
Keep an eye out across the night for a stilt walker, fire twirler, and hula hoop performer moving through the crowd. They pop up throughout the evening.
Fire Pits and Marshmallow Toasting
Grab a stick and toast a marshmallow over the fire pits. Bring your own marshmallows and toasting sticks — these retractable reusable forks are brilliant for it.
Add On: Dusk Safari Tour Before Dinos After Dark
This is the only opportunity during the evening to see the zoo’s actual animals. I
The Dusk Safari is a one-hour guided bus tour through the Lower Savannah, departing at 4:15pm before Dinos After Dark opens at 5:30pm.
You’ll travel a special dusk-only route, watch bison on the run, meet keepers, and see wildlife settle in for the night. Birds and sometimes bats overhead. There’s only one bus per night with 70 seats, so it will book out quickly!
It’s a great add-on if you want more than just the dino experience.
Pricing: $40 non-member / $36 member (per person — tickets required for children over 1)
Meeting point: Front entry at 4pm. Latecomers can’t board.
Important: You must have a Dinos After Dark ticket to book the Dusk Safari.
Food and Drinks
The Meerkat Bistro will be open from 5:30pm–8:30pm with a special Dinos After Dark menu including seasonal treats and grab-and-go options.
New for 2026: Grazing Boxes you can pre-book when purchasing tickets. There are two options:
- Carnivore Box — cured meats, grilled vegetables, olives, cheese, crackers, fruit, and sweet bites
- Herbivore Box — dips, frittatas, grilled vegetables, pickles, cheese, crackers, and sweet bites
Note that pre-booked grazing boxes can’t be amended and may not suit all dietary requirements.
Our tip: bring snacks and a water bottle regardless. It’s a cold winter evening with a lot of walking, and food queues can build up.
Just a reminder that there’s no BYO alcohol and no public BBQs.
Planning Your Visit to Dinos After Dark
What to Wear
This is an outdoor event in the middle of winter in Werribee. It will be cold!
Layer up properly with a warm coat, not just a jumper. Gumboots are handy for the uneven ground on the Dinos River Trail (we love our Merry People gumboots).
What to Bring to Dinos in the Dark
Here’s our list of essential items that will make your dinosaur in the dark adventure more enjoyable:
- Warm layers for everyone
- Raincoat — the event runs rain or shine
- Gumboots or sturdy shoes
- Insect repellant for any biting bugs;
- torch and/or glow sticks for extra fun. If you’re bringing a torch we recommend a torch with a red lens or with red cellophane over the lens;
- marshmallow toasting sticks and giant marshmallows. I like these retractable, reusable toasting forks and you can buy marshmallows from any supermarket;
- A picnic or at least a water bottle and snacks;
- your camera to capture your night out with the dinosaurs!
Parking
Parking is available on site. Werribee Zoo closes at 5pm for day visitors, so aim to arrive between 5:00pm and 5:30pm when Dinos After Dark opens. If you’re also doing the Dusk Safari, arrive by 4pm.
Accessibility
The event is wheelchair and pram accessible. There is some uneven ground along the Dinos River Trail.
Dinos After Dark FAQs
Do I need to book tickets for Dinos After Dark?
Yes. The ticket prices are:
Member:
Adult: $50
Child: $26
Non-member:
Adult: $55
Child: $29
Children under one attend free of charge
When is Dinos After Dark running?
The event runs Saturday 4 July – Saturday 11 July (8 nights).
Note that Werribee Zoo closes at 5pm for day tickets, so if you’re staying on for Dinos After Dark you’ll need to exit the zoo then have a separate ticket for Dinos After Dark.
Is Dinos After Dark suitable for young children?
Dinos After Dark is suitable for kids of all ages.
Some younger kids do find the animatronic dinosaurs frightening in the dark as they’re big and loud.
For children that may be scared, do the dino trail early while it’s still a bit light. We also recommend giving the dinosaurs names so they seem more friendly. Terry the T-Rex is a lot less scary than just… T-Rex.
What happens if it rains?
Dinos After Dark goes ahead, rain or shine. Just remember to pack your raincoats, umbrellas and gumboots (we love our Merry People gumboots).
Is parking available?
There’s free parking on site, though it’s best to arrive between 5pm when Melbourne Zoo closes and 5:30pm when Dinos After Dark opens, to ensure that you can find a spot easily.
Do tickets include zoo entry during the day?
Your Dinos After Dark ticket is just for the evening experience. Daytime zoo entry needs a separate ticket.
Is the event accessible?
The event is wheelchair and pram accessible. There is some uneven ground in the Dino experience.
Can we just do the Dusk Safari?
You must have a Dinos after Dark ticket to purchase your Dusk Safari experience ticket.
Note that all ticket holders will have their own seat on the Dusk Safari bus, regardless of their age, so there is no adults or kids prices on the Dusk Safari.
What are the dining options?
The Macaw Cafe will be open.
Enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the bar or a hot barista-made coffee by the coffee cart.
Special Dinos After Dark offers include:
- Mulled Wine
- Baileys Hot Chocolate
- Hot donuts
To avoid hungry queues, we recommend bringing a picnic or at least some snacks to tide you over.
Note there is no BYO alcohol and public BBQ’s will not be available.
What are the cancellation terms?
Dinos After Dark is non-refundable, but if you need to reschedule call 1300 966 784.
Also Running: Dinos at the Zoo (Daytime)
If you want the dinosaur experience without the evening event, the daytime Dinos at the Zoo is running at all three Zoos Victoria locations — Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, and Werribee Open Range Zoo — from 3 April to 12 July 2026. Read our guide to Dinos at the Zoo here.
Dinos at the Zoo Review
Experience Wyndham Park, Werribee
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