Taronga Zoo Sydney, Sydney - white bird on tree branch during daytime
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Taronga Zoo Sydney

4.5
·34k reviews·Mosman, Australia

Harbourside zoo with stunning Sydney views, diverse wildlife, and a focus on conservation. Offers unique overnight stays and captivating animal shows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better encounters

CrowdLow
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Taronga Zoo Sydney, Sydney - white bird on tree branch during daytime

Taronga Zoo Sydney

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better encounters

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Harbourside zoo with stunning Sydney views, diverse wildlife, and a focus on conservation. Offers unique overnight stays and captivating animal shows.

4.5
(34k reviews)

"A must-visit for its breathtaking harbour views and commitment to wildlife conservation."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Ferry for Views

Take the ferry from Circular Quay for stunning harbour vistas on your way to the zoo.

👟 Comfy Shoes Essential

The zoo is hilly! Wear comfortable shoes for exploring all the exhibits.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seal Show Spectacle

Seal Show Spectacle

Marine Mammal exhibit

Witness the incredible speed and agility of seals in a captivating water show. A must-see for all ages!

TikTok
Sky Safari Gondola

Sky Safari Gondola

Zoo entrance to upper levels

Soar above the zoo for breathtaking harbour views and a unique perspective of the animal enclosures.

Reddit
Nocturnal Wildlife Retreat

Nocturnal Wildlife Retreat

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo

Experience an overnight stay with unique glamping tents and guided night tours for a truly wild adventure.

TikTok
Vivid Sydney Wild Lights

Vivid Sydney Wild Lights

Various locations within the zoo

During Vivid Sydney, the zoo transforms into a magical wonderland with illuminated animal sculptures.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Fun & Early Birds

Catching the ferry from Circular Quay offers stunning Sydney Harbour views on your way to Taronga Zoo. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds and secure spots for popular animal encounters. Reddit+1

Pack Smart, Save Big

Zoo food and drinks can be pricey. Consider packing your own snacks and water to save money. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the zoo's hilly terrain. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better encounters
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, late afternoon
Why
Crowds thin out after shows
Crowd
Medium
When
Vivid Sydney evenings
Why
Magical light displays
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

why is it so accurate?😅✨🍀 must visit places in sydney!💗💥 📍taronga zoo, sydney #australia #australia🇦🇺 #australiatiktok #australialife #australian #sydney #sydneyaustralia #sydneyfood #sydneylife #tar...
@sayalovemakan
525.4K likes • 3.6M views

🚢 Ferry for Views

Take the ferry from Circular Quay for stunning harbour vistas on your way to the zoo. Reddit+1

👟 Comfy Shoes Essential

The zoo is hilly! Wear comfortable shoes for exploring all the exhibits. Reddit

my fave things I’ve done in Sydney so far #thingstodoinsydney #sydneyactivities #sunrisekayak #tarongazoo #bluemountains #mermaidpools #uktoaustralia #movetosydney #solotravel
@vic_whitehouse
36K likes • 854.5K views
@tarongazoo is probably one of the best zoo in the world which offers some excellent displays of the wildlife 🦒 🦧🐅🦘 It's located at a unique location with a stunning skyline of the harbour and the city. 👉Follow @aussies.upclose for more such recommendations! 💥 ⛴How to reach there? You can take a ferry from circular quay which will take only 15 mins to reach there. 💵How to book tickets? You ca...
aussies.upclose
3.2K likes • 77.9K views

🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks

Save money by bringing your own food and drinks; zoo prices can be high. Reddit

🐦 Don't Miss Bird Show

The bird show is a highlight, showcasing amazing avian talent. Reddit+1

✨️ The most beautiful zoo in the world! ✨️ Maybe I'm biased as I've lived in Sydney most of my life, hehe! Having been visiting Taronga since I was a kid, I have seen it transform many times over. It's been 2 years since we last visited. A few changes: 1. No more elephants.. they took a trip down to South Australia to make some bebes 2. The skylift is gone, so prepare to for some uphill climbs...
lafamilia.gorditos
19 likes • 948 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Ferry for Views

Take the ferry from Circular Quay for stunning harbour vistas on your way to the zoo. Reddit+1

👟 Comfy Shoes Essential

The zoo is hilly! Wear comfortable shoes for exploring all the exhibits. Reddit

🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks

Save money by bringing your own food and drinks; zoo prices can be high. Reddit

🐦 Don't Miss Bird Show

The bird show is a highlight, showcasing amazing avian talent. Reddit+1

⏰ Arrive Early for Encounters

Popular animal encounters fill up fast; arrive early to secure your spot. Reddit

📸 Camera Ready!

Great photo opportunities, especially with the harbour backdrop. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(34k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Taronga Zoo for its stunning harbour views, engaging animal shows, and commitment to conservation. Many highlight the unique overnight 'Roar & Snore' experience as a memorable adventure. Some find the food options pricey and the zoo's hilly terrain challenging.

"An absolutely wonderful place and what a view! So many animals to look at and they all seem very healthy and well looked after. There's loads of viewing areas for each enclosure and space for everyone. We visited on a busy school holiday day and there was enough room for all. I love the fact that there are lots of zoo workers around to help or answer questions. The ticket price is well worth it. Well done Taronga Zoo."

Debs Middleton

"Fantastic zoo, really well built and easy to navigate. The enclosures are all really well done and the animals look very happy and healthy. The food market was great and plenty of water stations around. I was surprised that the zoo didn't have any elephants but the seals did make up for it. We were lucky to catch the seal show which was brilliant. All in all a great day out."

Dexter Menezes

"I’m visiting from California. It’s a beautiful zoo. Public transportation made it easy to get there. I was there on Saturday, October 3, 2025, about 30 minutes after it opened. I bought my tickets online as suggested at their gate. I didn’t wait in line and took the shuttle up. You can start at the bottom if you want.

The Zoo is hilly but there are a lot of ramps for wheelchair access or strollers. Great place to take your family or do a solo trip. Also, there are water fountains and bathrooms everywhere.

Photos are taken using the iPhone 17 pro max. Some photos are using the 8x zoom. I’m not a professional photographer."

Karen Pham

What People Like

Spectacular harbour views
Engaging animal shows
Conservation focus

What People Dislike

Expensive food
Hilly terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most scenic and popular way is by ferry from Circular Quay, offering fantastic Sydney Harbour views. Reddit+1 Alternatively, you can take the 100 bus from the city (QVB or Wynyard) which is often quicker than the ferry. Reddit Driving is an option, but parking can be expensive and difficult to find near Circular Quay. Reddit

The direct ferry ride from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo typically takes around 12-15 minutes. Ferries that do a loop around Mosman Bay first will take longer. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, but it can be costly. Some visitors suggest parking further away and using public transport or Waze to find potentially cheaper spots. Reddit

Yes, bus route 100 runs regularly from the city (QVB) and is a convenient option to reach Taronga Zoo. Reddit

Absolutely! Taronga Zoo is very well-connected by public transport, with regular ferries from Circular Quay and bus routes from the city. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary, but general admission for adults is around $50 AUD. It's recommended to check the official Taronga Zoo website for the most up-to-date pricing and potential package deals, such as Sydney attraction passes. Reddit

Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and potentially money. You can book directly through the Taronga Zoo website. TikTok

Look out for potential discounts through Sydney attraction passes or special promotions. Checking the zoo's website or third-party ticket vendors can reveal savings. TikTok

Taronga Zoo Sydney typically opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 4:30 PM daily. It's always best to verify the exact opening and closing times on their official website before your visit. TikTok

Many visitors find Taronga Zoo to be worth the cost, especially considering the conservation efforts and the stunning harbour views. Reddit It offers a good day out with diverse animals and shows. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors recommend spending at least 2-3 hours, but a full day is ideal if you want to see everything and enjoy the shows. Reddit If you're an international visitor unfamiliar with Australian animals, a full day is recommended. Reddit

Don't miss the Australian native animals like kangaroos and koalas, the majestic elephants, and the playful seals. Keep an eye out for the unique Binturong! Reddit

Yes, Taronga Zoo hosts daily shows, including a popular bird show and seal show, along with various keeper talks throughout the day. Check the schedule upon arrival. Reddit+1

Absolutely! With its diverse animals and stunning harbour backdrop, Taronga Zoo offers fantastic photography opportunities. Reddit

The Sky Safari is a gondola ride that takes you from the lower to the upper parts of the zoo, offering spectacular views of the enclosures and Sydney Harbour. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, food and drinks at the zoo can be quite pricey. Many visitors recommend bringing your own snacks and water to save money. Reddit

The zoo offers various dining outlets, and typically has options for different dietary needs, including vegetarian choices. It's best to check with the specific cafe or restaurant on the day. TikTok

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is permitted and a great way to manage your budget during your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The areas overlooking Sydney Harbour offer iconic shots. Also, try to capture animals in their enclosures, especially during shows or feeding times. Reddit

While some enclosures have glass, many are designed to minimize barriers. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer better lighting and more active animals. Reddit

Drones are generally not permitted within zoo grounds to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals and visitors. Always check the zoo's specific regulations.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Taronga Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. The Sky Safari gondola is a hit with kids, offering fun views as you ascend the zoo's hilly terrain. Reddit Make sure to catch the seal and bird shows, which are always crowd-pleasers for younger visitors. Reddit+1 Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as kids can get hungry exploring the expansive grounds. Reddit The zoo also offers various interactive experiences that can be tailored for children, making for an engaging and educational day out. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Taronga Zoo offers a unique blend of wildlife and iconic Sydney scenery. The harbour backdrop provides stunning opportunities for shots that combine animals with landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Reddit+1 The seal and bird shows are prime moments for capturing dynamic action shots. Reddit+1 While some enclosures have glass, many are designed to offer clear views, and the zoo's focus on naturalistic habitats can lead to some beautiful, candid animal photography. Reddit Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers

Taronga Zoo is situated on a steep incline, making it a great workout for those who enjoy walking. The 12km walk from Milsons Point to Taronga Zoo is a popular option for active visitors, offering incredible harbour views along the way. TikTok Once inside the zoo, be prepared for plenty of uphill and downhill paths. Reddit The Sky Safari gondola can be a welcome respite for tired legs, but many visitors enjoy the challenge of exploring the zoo on foot. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Roar & Snore Experience

For a truly unique adventure, consider the Roar & Snore overnight experience at Taronga Zoo. This popular program offers guests the chance to camp in glamping tents within the zoo grounds, enjoy a guided night safari, and wake up to the sounds of the animals. TikTok It's a fantastic way to see the zoo from a different perspective and is often booked out well in advance, especially for special occasions. TikTok The experience typically includes animal encounters, a guided tour, and dinner and breakfast. TikTok

While it comes with a higher price tag, many visitors describe it as an unforgettable and magical experience. TikTok+1 It's a great option for birthdays or special celebrations, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the zoo after hours. TikTok The passion of the zookeepers is often highlighted as a key part of the experience, making it both educational and exciting. TikTok

Getting to Taronga Zoo: Ferry vs. Bus

The journey to Taronga Zoo is part of the adventure, with two primary public transport options from Circular Quay: the ferry and the bus. The ferry offers iconic views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, making for a picturesque arrival. Reddit+1 It's a classic Sydney experience and a great way to start your zoo visit. Reddit

The 100 bus is another popular choice, often considered a quicker option by locals. Reddit It departs from the city and heads directly towards the zoo. While it might not offer the same scenic harbour views as the ferry, it's a reliable and efficient way to get there, especially if you're keen to maximize your time at the zoo. Reddit Both options are well-serviced and provide easy access to the zoo entrance. Reddit+1

Taronga Zoo's Conservation Efforts

Taronga Zoo is more than just an animal exhibit; it's a dedicated conservation hub. The zoo plays a vital role in breeding programs for endangered species and actively participates in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Reddit Visitors can learn about these initiatives through keeper talks and educational displays throughout the park. Reddit

Many visitors are impressed by the zoo's commitment to conservation, noting that it feels less like a traditional zoo and more like a sanctuary focused on animal welfare and education. Reddit The enclosures are designed to be more naturalistic, providing a better environment for the animals and a more immersive experience for guests. Reddit Supporting Taronga Zoo means contributing to these crucial conservation efforts. Reddit

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