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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

Australia is blessed with a wealth of unusual and exotic species you won’t find anywhere else – koala, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, platypus. And Sydney’s beloved Taronga Zoo – built into the side of a harbourside cliff and surrounded by bushland – is the ideal place to see them all.

Combine all that with a scenic ferry ride and terrific views across the harbour and a trip to the zoo

is worthwhile for everyone – even if zoos are not usually your thing.

Stay the night

One of the zoo’s most popular innovations, ‘Roar & Snore’, allows you to spend the night at the zoo, staying in specially-designed safari tents and waking up with the animals before the crowds arrive. For something a bit more luxurious, check out the zoo’s new Wildlife Retreat.

Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The fastest (about 12 minutes) and nicest way to get to Taronga is by ferry from Circular Quay. Ferries depart every 30 minutes on weekdays, and every 20 minutes on weekends and public holidays.

Captain Cook Cruises operate the Zoo Express, an all-day hop on hop off service from Darling Harbour. The 100 bus runs every 10 minutes from Queen Victoria Building in the city to Taronga Zoo.

Book one of the excellent guided tours, such as the Wild Australia Experience or Wildlife Hospital Tour – see the website for a selection of options.

When to do it

The zoo is open all year round, seven days a week.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Sydney Harbour Ferry with Taronga Zoo Entry Ticket

Sydney

Sydney Harbour Ferry with Taronga Zoo Entry Ticket
Enjoy a fun-filled day cruising through beautiful Sydney Harbour and visiting Taronga Zoo. See iconic Sydney landmarks from the water and meet the animals of Taronga Zoo.

Price: A74

Rating 4.33 / 5 [277 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sydney Harbour Hop On Hop Off Cruise with Taronga Zoo entry

Sydney

Sydney Harbour Hop On Hop Off Cruise with Taronga Zoo entry
Enjoy the freedom of a 2-Day Hop On Hop Off cruise pass allowing you to visit up to 6 famous harbourside precincts including Circular Quay, Shark Island, Manly, Watsons Bay, Clifton Gardens and Taronga Zoo along with entry to Taronga Zoo. Cruise pass valid for two consecutive days, and Zoo entry valid on one day.

Price: A80

Rating 4.15 / 5 [19 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sydney Taronga Zoo's Australian Animals Tour

Sydney

Sydney Taronga Zoo's Australian Animals Tour
Get the VIP treatment and see Sydney’s Taronga Zoo from a different perspective. On this small-group tour you will be led by a zoo guide who will take you on a walk through the zoo for an introduction to Australia’s unique and unusual wildlife. Meet some of the zoo’s hand-raised native animals. This is a not to be missed experience for animal lovers. 

Price: A105

Rating 4.65 / 5 [170 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Sydney

New South Wales, Australia

Sydney opera house at night

One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people.