Taronga Zoo Sydney
The basics
Taronga Zoo has ten themed zones resembling natural habitats. General entry tickets have add-on options such as supervised hand-feedings, behind-the-scenes experiences, and educational visits with Aboriginal guides. Visitors can sleep at the zoo inside a classic safari tent. All tickets include a Sky Safari cable car ride, which provides aerial views of the animals and Sydney Harbour. Those looking for convenience can book tours combining a zoo visit with harbor cruises and round-trip transportation from Sydney hotels.
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Things to know before you go
Give yourself about three hours to explore the entire zoo.
A convenient miniature train takes visitors around the zoo, which is large and spread out.
The zoo has an onsite cafe, a food market, two casual restaurants, and lawn and table picnic areas.
All shows and presentations, food outlets, and shops are wheelchair accessible, as are most exhibits and pathways. However, some connecting paths are steep.
Taronga provides all-terrain manual wheelchairs to those who require mobility assistance and have an ID.
Multi-attraction tickets offer admission discounts to top Sydney destinations such as the Taronga Zoo, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Tower Eye.
How to get there
Taronga Zoo is on Little Sirius Cove, a couple of inlets east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The zoo is an easy and scenic 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, where ferries depart every 30 minutes. Ferries also depart daily from Darling Harbour and Manly. Upon arrival at the Taronga Wharf, ride the Sky Safari cable car to the zoo entrance or take a shuttle bus from the ferry dock to the entrance gates. Public buses and trains connect to the zoo, and paid parking is available.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Keeper talks included with admission take place throughout the day, usually from mid-morning to early afternoon. Special events occur throughout the year, such as a summer evening concert series and a colorful light art exhibit during the annual Vivid Sydney Festival from May to June.
Views from Taronga Zoo Sydney
Taronga is an aboriginal phrase that means “beautiful view.” Indeed, the zoo boasts sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Snap a photo of giraffes with Sydney’s skyscrapers in the background, or soak in the scenery while relaxing at one of the picnic areas overlooking the harbor. For another perspective, test your limits on the ropes course (additional cost).
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