There’s nothing quite like a day at the zoo — and Taronga Zoo Sydney is one of the best in the world. Set on the shores of Sydney Harbour with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, it’s home to more than 5,000 animals from over 350 species, and it delivers the kind of day that kids talk about for weeks afterwards.
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.
We’ve visited Taronga Zoo multiple times with kids and this guide covers what to do, what not to miss, practical tips for getting there and everything you need to know about tickets, shows and food before you go.
Jump to: Must-See Exhibits | Shows & Talks | Tips for Visiting | Tickets & Prices | Getting There | Food & Dining | Overnight Experiences
Must-See Exhibits at Taronga Zoo
Reptile World
Start your visit at Reptile World and take a good look at the Komodo Dragon. The reptile section is impressive — the trick is spotting the inhabitants in their habitats, which keeps kids looking carefully and pays off when they find something hiding in plain sight.
African Savannah
The African Savannah is a highlight of any Taronga visit. The giraffes are the undisputed stars — with the best real estate in the entire zoo, they enjoy magnificent harbour views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, though they seem remarkably unbothered by the fact.
The lion enclosure lets you get genuinely close to the pride, and the viewing setup is well designed for kids at different heights.
Lemur Forest Adventure
The Lemur Forest Adventure is one of the most popular areas in the zoo for families, and for good reason. As well as seeing the lemurs themselves, there’s a fantastic playground built into the exhibit.
Take the path to the right as you enter to go through the Forest Path — there are interactive stations along the way that kids love. Set aside a solid chunk of time here.
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.
You’ll arrive in a recreated village in Sumatra’s Way Kambas National Park before reaching the tiger enclosure. The design — including a jeep that kids can climb into right next to the glass — means you often get remarkably close to the tigers.
The exhibit also carries a genuine conservation message about palm oil and habitat loss that lands well with older kids.
Nura Diya — Australian Animals
For Australian wildlife, head to Nura Diya on the western side of the zoo. This immersive 400-metre walking trail takes you among kangaroos, dingo pups, koalas up in the tree canopy and nocturnal animals in a darkened exhibit. It’s one of the most thoughtfully designed sections of the zoo and covers 23 iconic and rare Australian species.
Rhino Reserve
New to Taronga is the Rhino Reserve, home to a Greater One-horned Rhino and three Asian Water Buffalo. Worth seeking out — the enclosure gives you a closer look at these animals than most zoos manage.
Kids Trail & Farm Playground
If you still have energy (or the kids have hit their animal limit), the Kids Trail in the northwest section of the zoo has a Farm Playground with a small water area perfect for toddlers on a warm day. Try to time your visit for Farmyard Talk — kids can get hands-on feeding goats, ducks, sheep and pigs.
Shows & Keeper Talks
There are more than 15 daily keeper talks and shows at Taronga Zoo — the two not to miss are the Seal Show and the Free Flight Bird Show. Download the Taronga Zoo app or check the daily schedule at the entrance to plan your timing around these.
Seals for the Wild
The Seal Show runs at 11am and 2pm daily. On busy days people start queuing 30 minutes in advance, so arrive early to secure a good spot. The arena holds 1,000 people so on weekdays you can generally arrive five to ten minutes before and still get a seat. The show is genuinely impressive — the seals wave, catch fish, balance balls and showcase behaviours that highlight how we can all look after the oceans. It doesn’t disappoint.
Free Flight Bird Show
The Free Flight Bird Show runs daily at 12pm and 3pm against a harbour backdrop that makes it one of the most spectacular wildlife shows in Australia. Sit close to the front if you want birds flying directly overhead — just don’t make any sudden movements. Sitting near the end of a row gives you the best chance of a close encounter as birds land nearby.
Tips for Visiting Taronga Zoo with Kids
Arrive when the gates open
Taronga opens at 9:30am year-round. Getting there early means cooler temperatures, more active animals and significantly smaller crowds. The difference between arriving at 9:30am and 11am on a busy day is noticeable.
Plan your route before you go
Taronga is a large zoo on a hill — having a rough plan saves a lot of backtracking with tired kids. Check the Taronga Zoo website before your visit to map out must-see animals, check show times and navigate on the day. Paper maps are also available at the Information Desk at the main entrance.
Wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself
There’s a lot of walking at Taronga, and the terrain is hilly. Seating and shade are available throughout the zoo — use them. Water stations are located around the park, so bring refillable bottles. Pack hats and sunscreen; both are also available at the Zoo Shop if you forget.
Note: Sky Safari is currently under construction
The original Sky Safari cable car retired in 2023 after 35 years. A new, fully accessible Sky Safari is currently under construction and is expected to reopen in late 2027. In the meantime, buses connect the lower ferry entrance with the top main entrance — additional shuttle buses operate during school holidays and peak periods.
Taronga Wildlife Express Train
The Wildlife Express Train runs through the heart of the zoo for $5 each way — free for Zoo Friends members. A good option for tired legs mid-visit, or a fun way for younger kids to see a different perspective of the zoo.
Strollers and wheelchairs
Strollers and wheelchairs can be hired from the Zoo Shop at the Top Plaza. 90% of Taronga Zoo is fully accessible. If you’re bringing your own pram, the terrain is manageable but hilly in sections.
You can bring your own food
Taronga Zoo allows you to bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks. Some families bring a picnic and eat in the designated picnic areas — a good way to save money on a full family day out.
Taronga Zoo Tickets & Prices
Buy tickets online before you visit — online pricing is cheaper than the gate price and you’ll skip the queue at admission.
- Adult: $55 gate / $49.50 online
- Child (4–15): $33 gate / $29.70 online
- Infant (under 4): Free
- Concession: $43 gate / $38.70 online
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): $158.40 gate / $140.80 online
Family tickets are available and work out cheaper than buying individual adult and child tickets separately — worth checking on the Taronga website before you buy.
If you plan to visit more than once, a Zoo Friends annual membership is worth considering. Membership is priced per adult — $119 for an Individual membership or $130 for a Family Flex membership, plus a $20 joining fee. Benefits include unlimited access to both Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, free rides on the Wildlife Express Train, 15% off Zoo Shop purchases, 10% off accommodation and presale access to major events like Twilight at Taronga.
Note: Taronga Zoo Sydney is cashless. Contactless payment only — cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay — at all ticketing, food and retail outlets.
Opening Hours
- Summer (September to April): 9:30am to 5:00pm
- Winter (May to August): 9:30am to 4:30pm
Open 365 days a year.
Getting to Taronga Zoo
By Ferry (recommended)
The ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf takes 12 minutes and the harbour crossing is a highlight in itself. Ferries run regularly — use your Opal card or contactless payment. From the wharf, catch the regular public bus up to the main entrance at the top of the zoo and work your way down through the exhibits. This is the easiest approach with kids. Additional shuttle buses operate during school holidays and peak periods.
By Bus
Route 100 runs directly from the QVB (York Street) in the city to Mosman, taking around 30 minutes, and stops at the zoo. The M30 from Wynyard (Clarence Street, Stand T) is another option. Both use Opal card or contactless payment.
By Car
Paid parking is available at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Entry is from Bradleys Head Road. The all-day parking flat rate is $24, or $12 for Zoo Members. Parking is free when entering and exiting within 90 minutes. There are four EV parking spaces within the undercover carpark. For directions to the zoo, visit the Taronga Zoo website. Street parking in the surrounding residential area is sometimes available in the morning — expect a bit of a walk to the main gates if you go this route.
Food at Taronga Zoo
There are three food outlets at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Forage and Graze is near the main entrance; Taronga Food Market is in the middle of the zoo (a good mid-day refuelling stop); and Saltwater Bistro offers harbour views and a more substantial menu. Check the menus and prices on the Taronga website before your visit.
You’re also welcome to bring your own lunch and snacks — picnic areas are available throughout the zoo and this is genuinely a good way to manage costs on a full family day out.
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
Overnight Experiences at Taronga Zoo
If you want to make it a truly memorable experience, Taronga offers two overnight options:
Roar and Snore is a safari-style overnight experience with animal encounters, keeper talks and safari-style accommodation. It includes one day of complimentary Taronga Zoo access. Available for ages 5 and over.
Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is an eco-retreat hotel nestled within the zoo, overlooking Sydney Harbour. It includes two days of complimentary zoo access plus a Sanctuary Tour and à la carte breakfast. All ages welcome.
Both are well worth considering for a special family occasion or a Sydney trip where you want to do something genuinely different.
More Sydney Family Guides
Taronga Zoo is one of the best reasons to visit Sydney with kids — but there’s plenty more to explore. Our complete guide to things to do in Sydney with kids covers the harbour, beaches, museums, playgrounds and more. For families visiting from Newcastle or the Hunter, check out our guide to day trips from Sydney with kids for ideas beyond the city.
Also worth reading before your visit: our guides to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and family-friendly museums in Sydney — both pair well with a Taronga day if you’re making a weekend of it.
Disclosure: Newy with Kids received complimentary admission to Taronga Zoo Sydney for review purposes. However, all opinions are our own.