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

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
Such a gorgeous zoo! Everything about it was amazing. If you plan on visiting, it is definitely a walk—but totally worth it! I especially loved the walk-in area where you can see a species of kangaroos up close—such a cool experience. The views throughout the zoo were also absolutely stunning. Highly recommend! 🦘🌿✨
Alexya D’Ann - a month ago
If you’re ever in Sydney, whether it being your first time in Australia, do check this place out! The zoo is pretty big so you’ll probably spend a good amount of time here. The place is well maintained by the keepers and the animals are very well taken care of. Better yet, all the proceeds and money you’ll spend at the zoo whether it being the store or cafe, it all goes to the animals to help them even further. There’s giraffes, koalas, monkeys, foxes, seals and many more!
Oh and one more thing to add, I recommend buying tickets online as it is $10 cheaper than buying it physically
Keane Wee - a month ago
Taronga Zoo is absolutely beautiful!
The animals are clearly well taken care of, with spacious, natural habitats that make you feel like you're seeing them in the wild. The whole zoo is set in a stunning location with amazing views of Sydney Harbour, adding to the experience.
It's a big zoo with a wide variety of animals from all over the world. Everything is clean, well-organized, and easy to walk around.
Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or on your own, this place is a great day out. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Sydney!
Bishal Adhikari - a month ago
Amazing zoo the nocturnal animal area was amazing! We were able to see most if not all of the animals active.
Amazing views of Sydney from the zoo itself
Best red panda enclosure I’ve seen! Both pandas were very active!
Honestly now I’m thinking about it all the animals we saw were very active and well kept.
Food is what you would expect at a zoo with prices but it did come with more options than other places.
If you have issues with walking be aware lots of hills.
Tip: If you have a zoo membership with certain zoos you can use them here. (We have a Melbourne zoo membership and it worked here)
shae albert - 2 weeks ago
Spent the day at Taronga Zoo with family and a few mates, and it ended up being a really chilled, memorable outing. The setting is gorgeous - overlooking Sydney Harbour, with animals just casually living their best lives in front of that view. The place is well set out, not too overwhelming, and easy to get around. Loved the gorillas and elephants, and the seal show was a nice surprise. Unfortunately the cable car was not in use, and we were not sure why. It’s one of those spots that makes you slow down a bit and just enjoy being out. Would definitely go again, especially with kids or visitors.
hawksoccer33 - a month ago
Directions
Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
L2, T2, T3, or T8 + Ferry F2 | Circular Quay | 1 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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Accommodations near Taronga Zoo:
Photo Gallery
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Gondola from the Ferry Wharf at Taronga Zoo cc licensed photo by BeauGiles -
Ape on a rope! cc licensed photo by Robert Linsdell -
Careful - you are being watched cc licensed photo by Andy Tyler -
Photo Credit: hugh llewelyn - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: hugh llewelyn - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: hugh llewelyn - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: hugh llewelyn - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: hugh llewelyn - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: hugh llewelyn - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: hugh llewelyn - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: hugh llewelyn - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: hugh llewelyn - cc license via Flickr