The Ultimate Guide to Taronga Zoo for the Best Trip Ever

Good news—the wildlife haven right in the heart of Sydney CBD is now open to kids under 16 and fully-vaccinated guests aged 16 and above! Delve into Taronga Zoo’s animal world, from Australia’s local faves to species from all over the world all with a picturesque view of the iconic Sydney Harbour in the backdrop.

Before you grab your little ones and your proof of vaccination, here’s everything you need to know about Taronga Zoo for a hassle-free visit.

Taronga Zoo is open at 9:30 AM and closes at 5 PM, which gives you plenty of time to explore. There are over 350 species to see, so take your time! Sky Safari, the beloved gondola service that offers you a sky-high view of the entire zoo and beyond, operates from 10 AM to 3 PM. 

You can also enjoy facilities available for groups and families throughout the day such as the Taronga Food Market and picnic areas.

Many Taronga Zoo patrons would say that any time of the day is a great time to visit. But arriving as early as the opening hour has its benefits, such as the fact that most animals are more active in the morning. If you’re not a big fan of crowds, you might want to visit during the weekdays. But if you thrive off of the vibrant energy of holidays and weekends, feel free to go during those times!

Weather-wise, late spring is a favourite among visitors, especially from August to November. The weather is just right—not too hot or too cold—to explore the open-air attraction. To have the best experience possible, check the weather forecast before going.

One of the popular ways to go to Taronga Zoo is a 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. You can also catch the  M30 Metro Bus from Central, Town Hall, or Wynyard station which takes roughly 10-15 minutes. You can also drive there and enter from Bradleys Head Road. There’s parking available at Taronga Zoo with an all-day parking rate of $19 AUD.

If you’re looking for Taronga Zoo accommodations, you can just book a spot in the Sydney CBD since Taronga Zoo is highly accessible from the city.

The easiest way to grab tickets for Taronga Zoo is through Klook! Choose your desired date (the ticket is on a fixed date basis) and book your tickets; you’ll receive instant confirmation in your email. If something comes up and you need to cancel, you can do it for free within a 24-hour notice!

Pro-tip: you can get $25 off on your Taronga Zoo tickets using your Discover NSW voucher!

This zoo in Sydney CBD is home to a wide variety of animals—5,000 of them, to be exact, with over 350 species. If you check your Taronga Zoo Map, you’ll see several themed areas, all home to different species most likely to inhabit that zone in real life.

The African Savannah, for example, lets you get an up-close, immersive interaction with African animals. On the other hand, Wild Australia features several subzones highlighting our favourite Aussie animals—from koalas, kangaroos, to bushland wildlife. 

The Great Southern Oceans Exhibit showcases animals from the cold Antarctic region, such as the Subantarctic fur seal and various penguin species. 

Several educational shows and talks run throughout the day in the zoo. A crowd favourite is the Seals for the Wild, where you’ll see the Australian and Californian sea lion, as well as the Long-nosed fur seals in action.

You can also learn about the zoo’s diverse wildlife from Taronga Talks, a podcast hosted and produced by Hayden Turner, Taronga’s Manager of Guest Experience, People and Programs. 

Want to see more zoos in Sydney? You can also check out WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, these fantastic Dine & Discover NSW eligible zoos, and this definitive list of nine best wildlife parks in Sydney.