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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better encounters
Taronga Zoo Sydney
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better encounters

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.
"A must-visit for its breathtaking harbour views and commitment to wildlife conservation."
🚢 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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!

Sky Safari Gondola
Zoo entrance to upper levels
Soar above the zoo for breathtaking harbour views and a unique perspective of the animal enclosures.

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.

Vivid Sydney Wild Lights
Various locations within the zoo
During Vivid Sydney, the zoo transforms into a magical wonderland with illuminated animal sculptures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Fun & Early Birds
Pack Smart, Save Big
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 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.
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
Save money by bringing your own food and drinks; zoo prices can be high.
🐦 Don't Miss Bird Show
The bird show is a highlight, showcasing amazing avian talent.
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.
👟 Comfy Shoes Essential
The zoo is hilly! Wear comfortable shoes for exploring all the exhibits.
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
Save money by bringing your own food and drinks; zoo prices can be high.
🐦 Don't Miss Bird Show
The bird show is a highlight, showcasing amazing avian talent.
⏰ Arrive Early for Encounters
Popular animal encounters fill up fast; arrive early to secure your spot.
📸 Camera Ready!
Great photo opportunities, especially with the harbour backdrop.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic and popular way is by ferry from Circular Quay, offering fantastic Sydney Harbour views. Alternatively, you can take the 100 bus from the city (QVB or Wynyard) which is often quicker than the ferry. Driving is an option, but parking can be expensive and difficult to find near Circular Quay.
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.
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.
Yes, bus route 100 runs regularly from the city (QVB) and is a convenient option to reach Taronga Zoo.
Absolutely! Taronga Zoo is very well-connected by public transport, with regular ferries from Circular Quay and bus routes from the city.
🎫 🎫 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.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and potentially money. You can book directly through the Taronga Zoo website.
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.
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.
Many visitors find Taronga Zoo to be worth the cost, especially considering the conservation efforts and the stunning harbour views. It offers a good day out with diverse animals and shows.
🎫 🧭 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. If you're an international visitor unfamiliar with Australian animals, a full day is recommended.
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!
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.
Absolutely! With its diverse animals and stunning harbour backdrop, Taronga Zoo offers fantastic photography opportunities.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is permitted and a great way to manage your budget during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas overlooking Sydney Harbour offer iconic shots. Also, try to capture animals in their enclosures, especially during shows or feeding times.
While some enclosures have glass, many are designed to minimize barriers. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer better lighting and more active animals.
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
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roar & Snore Experience
While it comes with a higher price tag, many visitors describe it as an unforgettable and magical experience. It's a great option for birthdays or special celebrations, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the zoo after hours. The passion of the zookeepers is often highlighted as a key part of the experience, making it both educational and exciting.
Getting to Taronga Zoo: Ferry vs. Bus
The 100 bus is another popular choice, often considered a quicker option by locals. 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. Both options are well-serviced and provide easy access to the zoo entrance.
Taronga Zoo's Conservation Efforts
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. The enclosures are designed to be more naturalistic, providing a better environment for the animals and a more immersive experience for guests. Supporting Taronga Zoo means contributing to these crucial conservation efforts.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit