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.

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.

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).

Ways to explore

Taronga Zoo has eight geographic regions created to resemble natural habitats from across the world, and it’s home to resident critters from kangaroos and giraffes to tigers and elephants. General entry tickets have add-on options such as supervised hand-feedings, behind-the-scenes experiences, and educational visits with Aboriginal guides. Visitors can even sleep at the zoo inside a classic safari tent. Those looking for convenience can book tours combining a zoo visit with harbor cruises and round-trip transportation from Sydney hotels.

Accessibility

All shows and presentations, food outlets, and shops are wheelchair-accessible; however, some connecting paths are steep. Taronga has all-terrain manual wheelchairs available to rent.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Credit cards (the zoo is cashless), umbrellas or sun protection, refillable water bottles, hats, picnic lunch

What to wear

Wear weather-appropriate clothing as the zoo is largely outdoors, as well as comfortable shoes; you’ll likely do a lot of walking.

Not allowed

Luggage, other large and bulky items, costumes, noisemakers

Amenities

Wi-Fi, cafés and restaurants, picnic areas, gift shops, restrooms, baby-changing stations

Address

Taronga Zoo is located in Mosman, right on the Sydney Harbour and easily accessible from the Sydney CBD. To get there, use ferry services, travel by bus, drive there, or book a tour with included transit.

Driving

To drive to Taronga Zoo, take the Cahill Expressway across the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Then, follow Military Rd (A8) and Bradleys Head Road to the zoo; parking is available on-site for a flat rate of AUD$22. The journey often takes between 20–30 minutes from the Sydney CBD.

Public transportation

To get there via public transit, take Sydney Ferries services, departing every 30 minutes, from Circular Quay to the zoo. Other hop-on hop-off ferry services also connect the city and the zoo. The 100 Bus (Mosman to City) runs between Mosman (Taronga Zoo Sydney) and the Queen Victoria Building.

Best times to visit

Aim to arrive early in the day, right at opening (9:30am)—you won’t just miss the peak of the crowds, but you’re also likely to see more active animals.

Best days to visit

As a rule, weekends and school holidays are typically busier than weekdays.

Best months to visit

While summer is the tourist high season, it can also bring big crowds—spring and autumn generally are milder and less crowded times at the zoo.

Special events

Taronga Zoo hosts events throughout the year, from Christmas and New Year’s Eve events to its Twilight at Taronga summer concert series.