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 out of 5![]()
Wonderful zoo with incredible showcasing of animals across many different continents, enclosures are kept neat and tidy and the animals all appear to be well looked after. I would recommend buying tickets well in advance and even if the forecast doesn’t predict rain make sure to bring umbrellas! Not much shelter around the vast zoo so need to be prepared for showers, the zoo does sell ($6) reusable ponchos which allow visitors to stay reasonably dry.
Esnupi - a month ago
Our trip to the Taronga Zoo was absolutely amazing, and the Zoo was one of the highlights of our trip to Australia. The location of the zoo with a view of Sydney Harbour in and of itself is iconic. We also discovered (after leaving the zoo) the Taronga Zoo TV show, which we have been binging since our return to Canada. If you get the chance to watch any episodes before visiting, I think you will appreciate and love this zoo even more. The work the staff do to support the animals in the zoo and wildlife hospital is incredible. Every part of our visit was perfection and we will definitely be coming here again when we return to Australia. The shows were great, and animal enclosures are full of information, and the staff we met clearly love what they do. If you only have one day, I recommend being there from opening, and looking up in advance when the shows are, so that you can get the most from your experience. The lions, gorillas, chimpanzees, meerkats, dingos, giraffes, and Tasmanian devils were some of our highlights, as well as the bird show.
Thank you Taronga Zoo for all you are doing for these animals in the zoo as well as at the wildlife hospital! We are fans for life.
Alyssa Becker - a month ago
Our weekday visit to Taronga Zoo Sydney for a birthday celebration was a fantastic experience that easily earns a full 5 stars. Taking the quick ferry from Circular Quay is the perfect way to arrive. It gives you amazing views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House before you even step foot inside the gates. I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance because doing so allowed us to completely skip the line with absolutely no wait to enter.
There are way more animals at the zoo than what my uploaded photos show! Every visit is unique, and on our trip, several popular animals like the tigers were napping, and we couldn't manage to spot the apes. Still, the overall variety across the park is massive. The reptile and amphibian exhibits were a major highlight. We got to see huge tortoises, detailed monitor lizards, vibrant tree frogs, and snakes right up close. We also loved watching the lively meerkats, visiting the farm animals, and catching the energetic seal presentation.
The zoo itself is huge and built on a noticeable incline, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. The hillside layout provides incredible panoramic views of the harbour, but navigating the steep paths can get tiring by the end of the day.
To make your visit truly memorable, you should definitely plan your trip ahead. Research the weather, check online beforehand to confirm which exhibits are open, and keep an eye on daily keeper schedules to catch the animals when they are most active. Bringing your own snacks is also a great idea to stay energized while exploring the hills. If you take your time and prepare for the walking, it is an exceptional place to celebrate a special occasion!
Mareck Verdan - 3 weeks ago
Beautiful place to take the kids, we had fun, but really need to get in early so can see everything we ran out of time, also need to get in early if want to do the encounters with the animals they sell out fast. We did get to do the koloa encounter was pretty disappointed in that because online said you get 15min we only got 5mintues. The seal show and bird show were fantastic the kids loved it. Parking was easy and good price. Be prepared for alot of walking I suggest dont take too much to carry like we did. All up was a great day.
Kym Bewert - 2 weeks ago
Taronga Zoo is an absolute must-visit when you're in Sydney.
The setting alone is incredible, with stunning views across Sydney Harbour that make the experience even more special. The zoo is beautifully maintained, easy to navigate, and the animal enclosures are spacious and thoughtfully designed.
There was a great variety of animals, and it was obvious how much care goes into their welfare and conservation. The keeper talks were informative and engaging, making it an enjoyable experience for both adults and kids.
We spent the better part of the day exploring and still could have stayed longer. The staff were friendly, the facilities were clean, and there were plenty of places to stop, grab a bite to eat, and take in the views.
A fantastic day out for families, couples, or anyone visiting Sydney. We'll definitely be back on our next trip.
Chaz - 2 months ago
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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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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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

