There’s nothing like a day out at the zoo! Visiting Taronga Zoo in Sydney is a fun and educational family day out. Explore the zoo with your kids and get up close to a range of animals, learn more about different species as well as protect creatures in the wild. Plus, you’ll get to wander around one of the most scenic zoos in the world with spectacular harbour views.
Visiting Taronga Zoo Sydney is your ticket to a global journey with animals from all over the planet. From American Alligators, to Chinese three-striped box turtles and Sumatran tigers, there’s plenty to fascinate your family.
Despite being in the middle of Sydney, Taronga Zoo is a big zoo with lots to see and do. Taronga Zoo is home to 5,000 animals from over 350 species.
Here’s a run down of our recent visit to Taronga Zoo plus our best tips for a fantastic day out at the zoo with kids.
Reptile World
Start your visit at Reptile World and peer at the mighty Komodo Dragon. The reptile section is impressive and will wow reptile fans with its wide range of creatures. Half the fun is spotting the inhabitants in their habitats.
African Savannah
Next it’s on to the African Savannah area at Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
Here you’ll spot the giraffes who are owners of the best real estate in the whole zoo.
With their long necks, they enjoy magnificent harbour views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. However, they are pretty blasé about the views and just munch on their breakfast.
Head onwards towards the lions. The lion enclosure lets you get up close to the lion pride which consists of mum, dad and their five growing cubs. Yes, these are the same lions (dad and four cubs) who escaped their enclosure in November 2022.
In our last few visits to the zoo, we’ve noticed that the lions are either asleep in the sun or wide awake and pacing and keeping a steely gaze on visitors.
Lemur Forest Adventure
Moving on, we visit the much talked about Lemur Forest Adventure complete with a playground for kids. Expect to spend a while here!
In addition to seeing the lemurs, you’ll be amazed to see your children exhibit lemur behaviour as they play, climb, jump and explore this playground.
Tip, as you enter the exhibit, take the path to the right to go through the Forest Path and let kids play with interactive stations.
Seal Show
Don’t miss the Seals for the Wild show at 11am and 2pm. On the day we visited, people started queuing 30 minutes in advance for the show, but as we visited on a weekday, it wasn’t as crowded. The area has a capacity of 1000 people so we were able to arrive five minutes before the show starts and get a seat.
Although much hyped, the Seal Show does not disappoint. It’s incredible what these seals can do such as waving to the audience, catching fish and balancing balls. In addition to being amused by their antics, we also learn about seal behavior and how we can all look after the oceans.
Free Flight Bird Show
Another show which you can’t miss is the Free Flight Birds Show at Taronga Zoo Sydney. It happens daily at 12pm and 3pm. Watching these birds soar through the air overhead is incredible against a harbour backdrop.
Sit close to the front if you want to experience birds flying directly over your head but as the keeper mentions, don’t make any sudden movements!
If you sit near the end of the row or at the back, you’ll have the opportunity to see birds up close.
If it’s time for a break, stop at the Taronga Food Market.
This is a great place to stop and refuel before moving onwards to see the tigers.
Tiger Trek
Don’t miss the Tiger Trek experience, an immersive experience. As you enter the building, you’ll find yourself in an airline which transports you to Sumatra in Indonesia. There are screens on the plane which explain where you’re headed.
Once the flight is over, walk out of the plane and you’ll find yourself in a village in Way Kambas National Park.
Explore the village, and discover how you can save species from extinction by choosing Certified Sustainable Palm Oil.
You’ll then come to the Tiger enclosure and will be able to spot the tigers behind the glass.
The design of the enclosure with it’s jeep means you can climb in and get up close to the tigers which are safely behind glass.
Often they’ll jump on the jeep or get up close to the glass to look at visitors.
Close to the tigers, you’ll find the Sunbear. This is one of our favourite exhibits at the zoo as we used to enjoy visiting the zoo to see Mary and Mr Hobbs. Unfortunately Mr Hobbs died in 2021 so now there is just one.
Nura Diya
If you want to see Australian creatures, venture west towards the Nura Diya section of Taronga Zoo. This is an immersive experience in which you can explore 23 iconic and rare Australian species and the unique habitats that call home.
Walk along the 400-metre walking trail, and you’ll troll amongst kangaroos, come paw-to-paw with dingo pups, walk within the tree canopy to see koalas up close and as well as venturing into the darkness to see curious night-loving creatures. As well as wildlife, you’ll also immerse yourself amongst native Australian flora and fauna, connect with Country and reconnect with nature.
Kids Trail Area
If you still have energy, head to the Kids Trail area which is the northwest section of Taronga Zoo. Here you’ll find the Farm Playground.
This playground also includes a little water area for toddlers to splash around so bring swimmers if it’s a warm day. Try to time your visit for Farmyard Talk.
This involves the kids feeding goats, ducks, sheep and pigs.
Tips for Visiting Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo Opening Hours
We recommend that you get to the zoo when it opens at 9:30am. (If you get there early, you’ll miss the crowds that arrive later in the morning).
Winter – 9.30am to 4.30pm (May to August)
Summer – 9:30am to 5:00pm (September to April)
Taronga Zoo Ferry & Bus
- You can get to Taronga Zoo from Sydney CBD by public transport. You can either take the ferry to the Zoo from Circular Quay (12 minutes) or take the 100 bus (Mosman to Sydney City) from the Queen Victoria Building.
- If you arrive by ferry, buses connect the ferry wharf and Lower Zoo Entrance with the top entrance. Take the 238 bus to the top of the zoo and work your way down. It’s a lot easier on the legs.
Taronga Zoo Parking
- If you’re driving, park in the carpark at the top of the Zoo. For guests entering prior to 4.00pm, the parking is a flat rate of $24 for the whole day, or free if entering and exiting within 90 minutes. For directions to the zoo, visit the Taronga Zoo website.
- You can try to get a park in the residential area to save money on parking. There may be spots in the morning when people leave to go to work. Be prepared for a bit of a walk to the main gates of Taronga Zoo though.
Taronga Zoo Tickets
- Buy tickets online to avoid queues. Tickets are $53 for adults and $31 for children (gate price). Kids under 4 are free. Online price is cheaper especially if you get family tickets.
- The Entertainment Book has 25% off admission for Taronga Zoo but you can only use this by buying tickets at the zoo. Purchase your ticket at the Ticket Admissions Office at Taronga Zoo.
- If you plan on visiting more than twice a year, think about becoming a Zoo Friend as it works out cheaper to buy a family pass and plus you get discounts on zoo purchases and parking.
- A Zoo Friends annual Membership starts from $99 for individuals, or $130 for the new Family Flex Membership! It provides flexibility for the adults as Flex Adult passes, which can be used by different adults visiting with the kids. *Benefit applicable to valid and named member only for Flex adult pass holders. Plus you can use your annual membership both at Taronga Zoo Sydney and Western Plains Zoo Dubbo.
Taronga Zoo Map & App
- Before your visit, identify which animals, Keeper talks and shows are must-sees and plan accordingly. There are 20 daily Keeper talks and shows so pick your favourites.
- Download the Taronga Zoo Sydney app to plan your day before you visit, find your way around, learn about animals and join the Wild Squad missions. The app has information on presentations, animal talks and animal encounters.
- You can also pick up a paper copy of the Zoo map at the Information Desk at the main entrance or view it on the website to plan a route.
Getting around at Taronga Zoo
- If you need a stroller or wheelchair, you can hire one for the day from the Zoo Shop at the Top Plaza.
- Wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself. There’s lots to see and the zoo is quite large so take frequent breaks especially with younger children. Seating and shade is plentiful so rest when you need to.
- Make sure you pack hats and sunscreen. If you forget, you can buy them at the Zoo shop.
- Water stations are throughout the park so bring refillable water bottles.
Eating at Taronga Zoo
- There are three food outlets at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Forage and Graze is located near the Zoo’s main entrance while Taronga Food Market and Café is in the middle of the zoo. Salt Water Bistro has harbour views. Check out the menu and prices before you visit.
- You can also bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks to Taronga Zoo. We noticed a few families who had brought food and were eating it in the picnic areas.
Special Events at Taronga Zoo
There are special events which are held at Taronga Zoo. These include:
- Twilight at Taronga concert series
- Taronga’s Christmas Concert
- NYE at Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo Roar & Snore and Wildlife Retreat
You can have a sleepover at the zoo. If you want to stay the night at Taronga Zoo, you have two options.
- Roar and Snore is a safari-style overnight experience with animal encounters and keeper talks. This includes a 1-day complimentary Taronga Zoo access.
- The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is an eco-retreat hotel nestled within Taronga Zoo Sydney, overlooking Sydney Harbour. You receive 2-day complimentary Taronga Zoo access.
Disclosure: Newy with Kids received complimentary admission to Taronga Zoo Sydney for review purposes. However, all opinions are our own.
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