Nearly 500 Girl Guides and Leaders from across Victoria gathered at the Melbourne Zoo on Saturday 5 April for Snoozefest 2025—a mega state sleepover that was packed with fun, friendship, and one-of-a-kind animal encounters. And some singing, too!
From the moment they arrived in Parkville, bedrolls in hand, Guides embraced the adventure. They explored two animal zones, learned from passionate and knowledgeable zookeepers, completed scavenger hunts, and soaked up the atmosphere of the zoo at twilight (friendly lion roars included).
As the sun set, the excitement didn’t stop. Participants gathered for giant games of chess and Connect 4, crafted VERY impressive creations (including some fabulous fleece hats), enjoyed yoga, and sang their hearts out at a classic Girl Guides-style ‘campfire’—with a few animal-themed songs thrown in, of course!
Year after year, Snoozefest remains one of the most popular events on the Victorian Guiding calendar. It’s easy to see why—where else can you sleep under the stars with hundreds of other Girl Guides, make new friends, and spot lions and seals (or enjoy thrilling rides in previous years)?
When girls have space to explore, connect, and step out of their comfort zones, amazing things happen. They head home a little more independent, a little more self-assured, and with plenty of amazing memories to share.
A big thank you to staff at the Melbourne Zoo, all our incredible volunteers, Leaders and staff, and of course, the many Girl Guides who brought Snoozefest 2025 to life. We can’t wait to do it all again in 2026!
Our overnight state event for Guides aged 5-10, Snoozerella, will be taking place on Saturday 31 May 2025 at Twisted Science in both Echuca and Moorabbin. Registrations are opening very soon – stay tuned!