Having grown up in Sydney I have been to Taronga Zoo, Sydney quite a few times – and I love it every time. If you are looking for something to do while visiting Sydney, one of the best places to visit is the harbour-side Taronga Zoo. As well as getting to discover over 4,000 animals, this zoo, is a zoo with a view. Yep you are treated to some panoramic views of the Sydney skyline while walking around the zoo checking out the animals. So if you want to visit the zoo with one of the best views in the world read on and discover how to visit Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
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About Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Taronga is an indigenous word meaning beautiful view, and the Taronga Park Zoo certainly offers that. Opened in 1916 the zoo has seen a number of renovations to ensure its animals are well catered for.
Where is Taronga Park Zoo?
Taronga Park Zoo is located in the Sydney suburb of Mosman which you can see (just) from the ferry terminal at Circular Quay on Sydney Harbour. It is on Bradleys Head Road, Mosman.
How to get to Taronga Park Zoo?
There are a number of ways to get to Taronga Zoo – by bus, ferry or you can drive. My favourite way is by ferry as you get to see Sydney Harbour from the Water. It only takes 12 minutes and getting to the zoo this way I think is half the fun! And on arrival at the wharf you can either walk or catch a transfer bus to the Lower Zoo Entrance. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from Circular Quay to the zoo.
Get details on getting to Taronga Park Zoo by ferry, bus and car at their website. This provides extensive details of all the ways to get to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo including all-day parking rates if you decide to drive to Taronga Zoo.
How Much are Tickets
At the time of writing, entry to Taronga Zoo costs $46 for adults and $26 for kids. You can check the price and purchase tickets directly at Taronga Zoo website. As we would always get to the zoo by ferry we would buy our entrance ticket combined with the ferry ticket. You can also purchase tickets to the zoo at GetYourGuide.
How Long to Spend at the Zoo?
The time spent at Taronga Zoo will depend on you and who you are visiting the zoo with. Depending on how fast you walk, you can see all the animals in about three hours. If you are visiting the zoo with kids, it may take longer and be dependent on their interest. However, if you include stopping and enjoying some of the shows you can easily spend all day at the zoo.
When is Taronga Park Zoo Open?
Taronga Park Zoo is open daily except Christmas Day from 9.30am to 5pm (summer) 4pm (winter) but check on their website.
What to See and Do at Taronga Park Zoo?
To help you plan your day at the zoo download the Taronga Park Zoo App.
The main things to see and do at Taronga Park Zoo include:
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See the animals
Taronga Park Zoo is home to over 4000 animals, both native Australian animals and animals from around the world.
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Check out the fabulous view of Sydney
Taronga Park Zoo sits on a hill in Mosman. There are many advantage points showcasing the panoramic views of Sydney.
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Enjoy the animal experiences
There are daily shows at Taronga Zoo showing a number of the animals. The Bird Show seating has a fabulous view over Sydney. The Seal Show which is a lot of fun. And who doesn’t love seeing the Koalas. For an extra cost you can have the opportunity to get up close and personal with them. Best to book this experience in advance as it sells out quickly.
Each show is at a different time so you can plan your day at the zoo around these show times.
Free Flight Birds Presentation is free at 12pm and 3pm.
Seals for Wild Presentation is free at 11am and 2pm.
There are also plenty of Zoo Keeper talks happening as you walk around.
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Have a bite to eat
Like many places, food at the zoo can be pricey. Feel free to buy food if you want or bring your own and enjoy a picnic at the zoo.
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Ride the Sky Safari over the zoo
Unfortunately the sky safari has retired. I remember this was a great way to see animals. First installed in 1987 after 35 years it was retired in 2023. But wait, it is hoping an upgraded Sky Safari will open in 2027-2028.
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Spend the Night
How cool would it be spending the night at Taronga Zoo. I haven’t done this myself but the eco-lodges, and the clamping and camping options look pretty wild. Check the accommodation out. If you prefer not to the spend the night but want to stay close to the zoo, check out Mosman accommodation options at Booking.com.
Are You Ready to Spend a Day at Taronga Zoo, Sydney?
Visiting Taronga Zoo is one of my favourite things to do when visiting Sydney. I hope you get the chance to visit. Have you been to the zoo? What about other zoos in Australia like Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast – home of the crocodile hunter? I’d love to know.
I love a good zoo. I would like to see all the native Australian animals. They are so unique to North Americans.
I love visiting the zoo also and the native animals are very cute.
Taronga is definitely an appropriate name for the zoo. The views look beautiful. I would love to spend the night glamping at the zoo.
I haven’t done that myself but I have been there early for a breakfast. The animals were very noisy first thing in the morning!
Zoos are getting more and more expensive I swear! Especially for a park you can finish in three hours! That’s pretty expensive. The sky safari sounds cool, too bad that’s no longer in operation!
Zoos can be expensive but they are also a lot of fun.
This looks like a lovely zoo! The sky safari sounds so cool – maybe it’ll back by the time I finally visit Sydney!
It was cool when I rode it with my kids. Hopefully it will be back as I enjoyed seeing the animals from above.
We love zoos. The Taronga zoo in Sydney looks like the best place to visit. It’s unusual that a zoo is located in a place that has a lovely view! Having options to stay in the zoo is also unique. It could be a family’s day and night out at the zoo with kids. 🙂
Taronga Zoo in Sydney is unique. It was built in a time when Sydney wasn’t so populated and there was plenty of land. The zoo is in a prime position. And that view is pretty spectacular.
I would love to do the koala experience!
Yeah, cuddling a koala is a popular thing to do at Taronga Zoo.
Great post! We loved the Taronga zoo
I love Taronga Zoo too.