Vintage tourist map and visitor brochure for the Melbourne Zoo in Royal Park, Melbourne, Australia, produced for visitors as an orientation guide to the zoological gardens and their attractions.

Front cover design features a bold red background with a large photographic portrait of a lion's head centered on the page, with titling that reads "Welcome to the Melbourne Zoo" and a line of text along the bottom stating that the zoo is open every day of the year from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

The back cover presents a montage of animal photographs, including a giraffe, crocodile, bear, and kangaroo, set against a light ground, alongside a brief printed history of the first zoological society formed in Melbourne and the transfer of animals from the Botanic Gardens and Richmond Paddock to the present Royal Park site under the Royal Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria and the Zoological Board of Victoria.

When unfolded, the interior reveals a large single-color plan of the Melbourne Zoo printed in blue on white stock, showing the overall layout of paths, lawns, ponds, and enclosures arranged around the Main Entrance and central amusement area.

The map labels numerous animal exhibits and paddocks such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, tree kangaroos, wombats, emus, deer and antelopes, giraffes, zebras, camels, bison, rhino, tapirs, otters, seals, hippos, elephants, bears, monkeys, apes, and a variety of water birds and aviaries, giving visitors a detailed overview of where to find different species.

Support facilities and attractions are also marked on the plan, including the Fun Fair and merry-go-round area, snack bar, kiosks, playground, nursery animals section, shelter pavilions, toilets, and other service buildings, along with a legend identifying symbols for lawn areas, animal enclosures, toilets, shelter pavilions, kiosks, fire alarms, and telephones.

Directional arrows on the outer edges of the map indicate the routes to Royal Park railway station, Flinders Street station, and tram connections via William Street and Elizabeth Street in the city, emphasizing the zoo's links to Melbourne public transport.

The text panel titled "The Zoological Gardens" outlines practical visitor information, including notes on free parking near the Main and Railway Entrances, information services for lost children and property, the hire of children's pushers, facilities for leaving parcels and coats, catering at kiosks and cafeteria, picnic lawns and shelter pavilions, playground access, arrangements for school and social group visits, and the availability of a souvenir shop selling films, slides, toy animals, postcards, brochures, and other mementos.

An adjacent yellow-highlighted section headed "Animals and Birds to See" summarizes what visitors will encounter to the left and right of the Main Drive, drawing attention to Australian native fauna such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and emus, as well as exotic big cats, bears, primates, and other mammals and birds housed in various sections of the grounds.

Additional small paragraphs under the headings "Rubbish," "Safety," and "Apology" request that visitors use litter bins to help keep the gardens tidy, exercise care around fences and enclosures, supervise children, and understand that some animals may occasionally be off view while their quarters are being cleaned or improved.

Format and genre: fold-out Melbourne Zoo tourist map and visitor brochure printed in Australia on coated paper stock, representing 20th-century Australian zoo and travel ephemera connected with Melbourne's Royal Park zoological gardens.

Special notes: original Melbourne Zoo tourist map and brochure only; see photos and condition description for details of this specific copy.