Located in New South Wales, the Taronga Zoo is famous for its non-profit status, where all the revenue goes toward the well-being of its resident animals. Taronga Zoo is incredibly involved in conservation efforts and education on wildlife. They regularly invite students and volunteers to engage in their wildlife conservation efforts. They also have plenty of articles, newsletters and online videos that are updated regularly.
Head to one of Australia’s most renowned zoos spanning an expansive 70 acres, located on the shores of Sydney Harbour. In existence since 1916, the Taronga Zoo is home to over 5000 animals across 350 different species! Learn about the various inhabitants of the zoo, the many habitat zones, and why this wildlife center is worth a visit.
What is Taronga Zoo?
Plan Your Visit to Taronga Zoo
- The Taronga Zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm during the winter months of May to August.
- The timings extend from 9:30am to 5pm during the summer months of September to April.
Taronga Zoo Sydney is located in Mosman, right on the shore of Sydney Harbour and easily accessible from the Sydney CBD. Find on Maps
Address: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
Nearest bus stop: Taronga Zoo
Nearby landmarks: Bradleys Head Amphitheatre
History of Taronga Zoo
The Taronga Zoo was established in 1916 under the Zoological Parks Board Act 1973, and has since grown to house over 5000 animals of 350+ species. The Zoo is supported by the NSW government, and also receives support from the Taronga Foundation, which was established in 2000.
Biodiversity at Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is home to more than 350 types of animal species. Here are some of their popular species across various habitats from all over the world!
Australian natives
- Koalas
- Dingoes
- Red Kangaroo
- Emus
- Greater Billy
African animals
- African Lion
- Plains Zebra
- Western-lowland Gorilla
- Eastern Bongo
- Pygmy Hippopotamus
Nocturnal animals
- Platypus
- Spinifex Hopping Mice
- Yellow-bellied Glider
- Ghost Bat
- Potoroo
Reptiles and amphibians
- Tuatara
- Eyelash Viper
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Corroboree Frog
Marine animals
- Fiordland Penguins
- Little Penguins
- Fur Seals
Asian animals
- Sumatran Tiger
- Asian Elephant
- Sun Bear
Animal exhibits at Taronga Zoo
Here are some key exhibits you should definitely check out on your visit to Taronga Zoo.
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre (ARC)
With six immersive zones within itself, the ARC exhibit has over 42 animals, featuring scaly slithery species from chilly habitats to desert zones.
African Savannah
Come face to face with the resident lions, meerkats, and giraffes at the savannah’s famous watering hole. Taronga Zoo also has its own lion pride, including five cubs.
Rainforest Trail
Enjoy a walk through lush greenery and rainforest, where you will encounter native rainforest inhabitants, including elephants, birds, hippos, monkeys and more.
Tiger Trek
An Indonesian-themed immersive experience, where you board a small flight that takes you through the Sumatran habitat. Also, learn about small changes to your shopping habits that can save endangered Sumatran Tigers.
Nguwing Nura
This is Taronga’s nocturnal habitat, with Australian animals that come alive after the sun sets, including the hopping mice, fat-tailed dunnarts, and platypus.
Great Southern Ocean
Enjoy Australia’s native marine population, where you can encounter seals, sea lions, penguins, pelicans and more!
Backyard to Bush
Built specially for the little ones, this zone includes adorable backyard animals for your kids to grow fond of, including goats, alpacas, quokkas, and a Hairy-nosed Wombat.
Animal presentations
Seals for the Wild
Timings: Everyday at 11am; Thur, Sat, Sun at 2pm
Location: Seals for the Wild
Sit back and watch the seals put on an enthralling show where they dive, climb and catch fish. Listen in to their educational talk, where you’ll learn about their habitat and behaviors.
Free Flight Birds
Timings: Everyday at 12pm & 3pm
Location: Free Flight Birds
Learn about exotic birds including the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Andean Condor and Galah, as you watch them fly overhead against the Sydney Harbour backdrop.
Frequently asked questions about Taronga Zoo
The price of Taronga Zoo tickets starts at AU$51 and can go up to AU$75 for an entry ticket with a ferry ride. depending on the inclusions in your ticket.
Once you purchase your entry ticket to Taronga Zoo, you can visit all the animal habitats and also attend as many animal presentations and keeper talks as you would like.
A comprehensive visit to the Taronga Zoo generally takes 3 hours on average but can extend up to 6 hours if you’d like to relax and picnic within the zoo.
You can choose between a safari-style overnight tent stay and an elegant Australian eco-retreat at the Taronga Zoo.
Yes, standard and accessible parking is available in the onsite parking lot, with a daily flat rate fee. There is free parking available just outside the facilities as well.
Enjoy the Roar and Snore i.e camping overnight stay at the zoo, or participate in keeper-for-a-day programs that allow you to follow a zookeeper around for an entire day to learn about how they care for these animals. Get up close with several animal encounters as well from the tall giraffes to the adorable Little Penguins.
Yes, the zoo is accessible to all visitors, including those with different abilities. The zoo also allows assistance dogs and mobility scooters and offers wheelchairs on hire at the premises. There is also an accessible transport service between the main entrance and the ferry wharf.
There are three restaurants within Taronga Zoo serving Australian and continental food and beverages — Forage and Graze, Taronga Food Market or the Saltwater Bistro.
Yes, casual photography is welcome at the Taronga Zoo. Avoid flash while clicking pictures as it may disturb the animals.
The zoo is fully WiFi enabled and has ATMs, first aid rooms, washroom facilities, baby changing rooms, and a gift shop within the premises for your convenience during your visit.
