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Experience the best of Taronga Zoo Sydney

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Connect with animals from around the world at Taronga Zoo

Located on the shores of Sydney Harbour is the city’s biggest wildlife destination, the Taronga Zoo. Caring for more than 5000 animals and 350 different species between their two facilities, Taronga Zoo is a pioneer in wildlife conservation and educational programs. Learn about the fascinating creatures from around the world through wildlife encounters, ranger talks and behind-the-scenes keeper experiences.

Read further to get information on the best ticket options, what to expect, planning your visit and more.

What Taronga Zoo has in store for you

Taronga Zoo Tickets
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Explore 8 different habitat zones

Whether you want to see Australian natives like emus and kangaroos, African giants like lions and giraffes, nocturnal creatures like the platypus or scaly amphibians like vipers and turtles, there is much to explore at Taronga Zoo. The best way to get around this giant zoo would be to get a handy map from the visitor center and venture off to your favorite habitat zone first!

Listen in on zookeeper talks

With more than 10 different keeper talks taking place every day, expert zookeepers share deep insights about the animals under their care. Choose between a variety of keeper talks, including reptile talks, lion talks and asian elephant talks for insights about these animals, how they evolved and are contributing to our ecosystem today.

Get up close with your favorite animals

Taronga Zoo also has a variety of animal encounters that you can participate in for an additional fee. Feed the curious capybaras, let little meerkats jump onto your lap, feed the tall giraffes or play with adorable little dingo pups while you learn about their lifestyles.

Get an optional drop back to Circular Quay

Add some Sydney Harbour scenery to your Taronga Zoo ticket that comes with an additional ferry ride back to Circular Quay (on all days) or Darling Harbour (on weekends). After a long day of exploring the zoo, take a relaxing ferry ride from the Taronga Zoo wharf with views of the beautiful Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Spend the night at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

Stay back for the night and wake up to a koala sitting on a tall Eucalyptus tree branch outside your window at Taronga’s unique wildlife retreat. Choose your suite based on the views you’d like, including everyday scenes of Taronga’s animals, the sparkling Sydney Harbour,  lush bushlands or beautiful treetop views. An added bonus is the free 2-day access to Taronga Zoo!

Your Taronga Zoo ticket options

Entry tickets

  • Explore Taronga Zoo at your own pace. Stroll through various habitats and listen to the keeper talks.
  • Indulge in other experiences like animal encounters, hiring a zookeeper for a day and even the wildlife retreat for an additional fee.

Recommended tickets: 

Ticket to Taronga Zoo

Entry tickets with ferry ride

  • Take your time to explore the zoo and end your day with a scenic ferry ride from Taronga Zoo wharf back to Sydney CBD. 
  • Choose between a drop back to Circular Quay that’s available everyday, or Darling Harbour, available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Recommended tickets:

Tickets to Taronga Zoo with Express Ferry

Combo tickets

  • Save a few bucks by combining your experience at Taronga with another experience within Sydney city.
  • Get entry tickets and a ferry ride back along with either a 24/48-hour Big Bus Hop-on-hop-off pass, a whale-watching cruise or a visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Recommended tickets:

  • SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium + Taronga Zoo with Express Ferry Tickets
  • Combo: Whale Watching Cruise + Taronga Zoo Tickets

Animal exhibits and trails at Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo Tickets
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Nura Diya Australia

Meet the unique creatures that call the Australian continent their home and learn about what makes them different from the animals around the world. Spot kangaroos, dingoes, emus, koalas and native birds.

Nguwing Nura

Better known as Nocturnal Country, this exhibit is a part of the Nura Diya Australia and is home to various nocturnal species like the platypus, ghost bats, echidnas and more. Witness their nighttime lifestyles at this exhibit where daylight turns to night.

African Savannah

Meet the in-house pride of African Lions that belong to one of the biggest grasslands in the world at the African Savannah exhibit. See zebras and giraffes living their everyday lives in a carefully designed waterhole habitat.

Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Centre - ARC

Brave your fears and get close to the menacing creatures of the amphibian world. This exhibit is home to 42 unique species, including the Eyelash Viper, Tuatara, Alligator Snapping Turtle and more.

Great Southern Oceans

This exhibit allows you to learn about the precious marine animals native to the Southern Seas. Peer through the glass to watch seals swimming and meet a colony of adorable Little Penguins. Watch adorable fur seals dive, climb and catch fish at the popular Seals for the Wild presentation.

Rainforest Trail

Walk past these specially designed habitats of lush greenery that several rainforest animals call home. Explore the Wetland Aviary and spot tropical species like Asian elephants, hippos, leaf monkeys, otters and the fishing cat.

Tiger Trek

Get up close and personal with the critically endangered Sumatran Tigers. This immersive Indonesian-themed habitat doesn’t just include an adorable tiger family but also sheds light on the little acts we can do to save these tigers.

Backyard to Bush

This kid-friendly trail is home to various adorable farm animals and is the perfect opportunity for your child to get closer to wildlife without danger. Meet and play with a variety of friendly animals like alpacas, goats, wombats and quokkas.

Plan your visit to Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo Tickets

Summer hours: September to April - 9:30am to 5pm every day
Winter hours: May to August - 9:30am to 4:30pm every day

Tour duration: It takes about 3 hours to cover all the exhibits in the zoo.

Show times: 

  • Aussie Animals ALIVE!: 11:45am and 2:30pm every day (summer holidays only)
  • Free Flight Birds: 12pm and 3pm every day
  • Seals for the Wild: 11am and 2pm every day
  • Lion Keeper Talk: 11am every day
Taronga Zoo Tickets

Peak season: Dec to Feb (summer); Low season: Mar to Nov (winter)

Sydney attracts its largest crowds during the summer, especially between December and January. However, this time is also the hottest in the city. For cooler temperatures and less humidity, we suggest you visit between September and November which is spring time. You can also avoid the rush that comes with the summer holidays in January.

If you don’t mind some rain but prefer far fewer crowds, the autumn season between March and May is ideal. However, do carry an umbrella in case of unexpected showers.

Weekends tend to be packed during the spring and the summer. However, during the peak summers in January, even the weekdays can get crowded, especially because of the school holidays. You’ll get quieter days during the winters even on the weekends, but with the zoo located right next to the harbor, it can also get quite cold.

Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia. Find on Maps

By ferry: From Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo wharf is only 12 minutes away by ferry. You can find Sydney Ferries and Captain Cook Cruises operating ferries all day long at Circular Quay.

By bus: Get onto the route 100 available every 10 minutes that operates between Queen Victoria Building in Sydney CBD to Taronga Zoo every day.

By train: The nearest train station is the Circular Quay. From here, you’ll need to take a ferry to reach Taronga Zoo.

Parking: There is paid parking available at the zoo which you can avail of for free if you enter and exit the zoo within 90 minutes.

Taronga Zoo Tickets
  • Accessible toilets
  • Accessible parking
  • Picnic areas
  • ATMs
  • Vending machines
  • Lost and found
  • First aid
  • Gift shop
Taronga Zoo Tickets
  • Wheelchair accessibility: The park is almost entirely wheelchair accessible. You can also borrow a mobility scooter or wheelchair from the visitor center. 
  • Companion card: Anyone with a NSW Companion Card accompanying the disabled gets a free entry ticket. 
  • Service dog: You will need to register your service dog before your arrival at Taronga Zoo. 
  • Autism: Tranquil zones are present for those with auditory processing issues. Taronga Zoo also has a visual story developed in collaboration with Autism Spectrum Australia that allows those with Autism to better connect with animals without being overwhelmed.
Taronga Zoo Tickets
  • Forage and Graze (9am to 5pm): Located near the zoo entrance, this restaurant has a lovely courtyard overlooking the kangaroos. Pop in for a quick salad or a delicious burger or even some donuts to go with your coffee.
  • Taronga Food Market (11am to 3pm): A perfect stop for a light snack, the Taronga Food Market is located right opposite the Elephant Tower. Their pulled pork burger, Thai roasted chicken and chocolate-filled churros are must try dishes!
  • Taronga Cafe (10am to 4pm): This little cafe is a local favorite when it comes to barista-made coffee. Offering gourmet sandwiches, sausage rolls and pastries for a quick snack, it’s the perfect spot to relax before resuming your zoo exploration.
  • Saltwater Bistro (Fri to Mon 11:30am to 2:30pm): Perfect for a serene meal overlooking the Sydney Harbour, Saltwater Bistro is popular for their incredible wine selection. Their fish tacos, sweet potato chips with guacamole dip and mini potato scallops are local favorites.
Taronga Zoo Tickets

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga: Experience a unique overnight wildlife experience at this eco-stay facility that offers suite options based on the views you’d like of the animals, the zoo and the sea. The stay also includes a 2-day access to Taronga Zoo. Bookings for the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga are currently open for Nov 1st, 2024 onward.

Roar and Snore: This is your chance to camp in a jungle, safely. Set up a tent under the stars overlooking the Sydney Harbour and fall asleep to the calming sounds of nature. Get complimentary canapes and free access to the zoo on the next day.

Taronga Zoo Tickets

Sydney Harbour Cruises: Cruising the waters of Sydney Harbour is an unbeatable way to experience the city. You can choose from a range of dinner, sunset, nature and lunch cruises.

Sydney Opera House: Explore this world-renowned landmark with tours that highlight its cultural and architectural significance.

Sydney Tower Eye: Soak up sweeping views of Sydney from 250 meters above ground! The Tower Eye spotlights the city’s famous landmarks and is the perfect spot to catch an unforgettable sunset.

Taronga Zoo Tickets
  • Shuttle service from wharf: Take the convenient shuttle service that runs between the zoo entrance and the wharf to reduce walking time. 
  • Avoid peak sun hours: During the afternoons, the animals prefer shade and may go MIA. Get here during the cooler hours of the day to see them in their habitats.
  • Save with free parking and picnics: If you’re on a budget, try one of the free parking zones just outside the zoo instead of their paid parking. Pack a lunch and eat your meal at one of their picnic spots instead of footing pricy restaurant bills.. 
  • Cashless facility: Taronga Zoo is a completely cashless facility so don’t forget your cards. 
  • Renovations: Closures and renovations are common at the zoo. If you are keen on a particular exhibit, check for updates on their website or call ahead to find out.
  • Use annual pass for frequent visits: If you’d like to keep coming back, pick their affordable Taronga Zoo family passes that includes entry to not just Taronga but also other partner zoos in the country.

Frequently asked questions about Taronga Zoo tickets

Apart from entry tickets, entry tickets with ferry ride and combo tickets, Taronga Zoo also offers a variety of Taronga Zoo family passes. These passes give you free access to Taronga Zoo and other partner zoos, discounts on merchandise and accommodation and plenty of kid-friendly activities for your children to indulge in.