Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful zoos

That's one tall giraffe
That's one tall giraffe cc licensed photo by Shayan (USA)

A fun 12 minute ferry ride across Sydney Harbour lands you right at beautiful Taronga Zoo. The name Taronga means beautiful view and is certainly appropriate. The zoo is located on a 52 acre site situated right on the north side of the harbour across from downtown Sydney.

Taronga Zoo first opened in 1916 replacing the first zoo in New South Wales that opened in Moore Park in 1884. The concept was to avoid bars and create a more natural environment for the animals. Today the zoo continues with a tradition of conservation and education. It is the first zoo in Australia to successfully breed an elephant and the second to breed a platypus. You can see, photograph and even interact with some of the 2600 animals representing 340 species. Zoo keepers hold interesting talks throughout the day.

For even more spectacular views you can enjoy a ride on the gondola which carries you above the zoo from the Ferry Wharf to the Main Entrance. Since you will probably want to spend the better part of a day here you can get something to eat form Bakhits's Cafe which has a regular dining area or take-out. You can also pack you own picnic lunch taking advantage of the picnic and BBQ facilities located around the Zoo's walking circuit.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes.

Taronga Zoo Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia

Phone: (02) 9969 2777

Official Website: Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Incredible experience for all the family. It is a place you can go back to on a regular basis because they have made a lot of improvements and continue to build a better place to see animals as natural as possible. What is a stand out are the shows. You also need to make sure to get to the earlier shows such as those that are a must see, the bird and the seal show. The earlier shows tend to get less of a crowd. If you miss them, you may need to get there early to the later shows or risk not getting a seat. There is a need for a lot of walking and it is very hilly so make sure you look at the map to see as much as possible. It can be warm so bring water bottles that you can fill up for free around the place. We drove and got the car park when it was opening and therefore had no issues with parking. In the past we have caught the ferry and train, which is a great experience. It was a 35 degree day and so felt this time the car was the best way. This is a must see in Sydney, if only to check out the brilliant view of the city whilst standing next to giraffes.
Christian Bates - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating It only takes 30 minute from Circular Quay by Ferry. It has great view over the ocean with Sydney Skyline. We have great time with watching many animals and birds. We loved time with exotic birds all around. Special feature is provided with the Rope adventure course and Zip-wire. Father and son really enjoyed difficult course reminding of Military Boot Camp.
신영수 - 3 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating 🌟Top Rated Reviewer🌟 I recommend buying tickets for zoo entry only, either on-site or in advance (same price, no lines) - it's not necessary to buy entry plus the ferry ride, because you can use ferries in Sydney just like they are part of the subway system. You simply tap a card or phone with NFC to board the ferry to the zoo from Wharf 4 or 5 outside of the Circular Quay subway stop. Once you get to the zoo, it's worth the wait to take the free bus to the main entrance. The main entrance is at the top of the hill the zoo is on, so this way, you're walking downhill your whole way throughout the zoo. There are lots of neat exhibits, but I would just spend most of the time on the Australian section, since these are all of the animals that are unique to this country in this area, you can get up and close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingos, Tasmanian devils, and anteaters. They also offer a 15 AUD koala experience, but no touching or hugging the animals is allowed. This is really the only drawback, as it's a common expectation (minus one star) and would be nice to have a touching or petting experience with this or other animals in the zoo. I would have happily paid more for that. Expect to spend about 2 hours to see all major attractions quickly, or longer to see every last inch. ❤️👍 if helpful, thanks! 🙏
Anne Bet - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Loved the zoo, especially the chimps and gorillas. Great location for the amazing bird show with full view of the Sydney harbour. Sea lion show is very popular, make sure to join the queue ahead of time for a seat in shade. Public transport options are very good, both the bus and ferry. Tiger, lions and a few other animals were sleeping on a hot day. The themed sections are easy to navigate with a map.
A D - a month ago

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Directions

Line Nearest Station Walking Time
L2, T2, T3, or T8 + Ferry F2Circular Quay1 minute

How to get to Taronga Zoo by

By Train and Ferry: Make your way to Circular Quay Station by Train or Bus and board the F2 Taronga Zoo Ferry which usually operates out of Wharf 2. This is an enjoyable 12 minute ferry ride that departs every 30 minutes at 10 and 50 minutes past the hour on weekdays and every 20 minutes at 0, 20 and 40 minutes past the hour on weekends. Exit the ferry and follow the walkway around the perimeter of the cul-de-sac to the stairs or elevator up to the zoo entrance.

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