I’ve been visiting Taronga Zoo for over 30 years. And every time I go, I fall in love with it all over again. It’s not just the animals – although of course, they are the star of the show – it’s the sincerity of the volunteers, the passion of the zookeepers and the magical views of Sydney Harbour that combine to make Taronga Zoo one of the best experiences you can have in the harbour city.
You can catch a ferry to the zoo
Catching the ferry to Taronga Zoo just adds another element of fun and adventure to an already action-packed day. The ferry ride takes approximately 12 minutes from Circular Quay, but this is more than enough time to take in the majesty of one of the most spectacular harbours in the world. Once you arrive at the wharf, you can either hop on a bus or the Sky Safari cable up to the main entrance.
Roar and Snore
If you think you’ve experienced everything Taronga Zoo has to offer, think again! Roar and Snore is an overnight experience like no other, giving you the chance to see the zoo and its inhabitants in a completely new light. The experience includes:
- safari-style accommodation with views of Sydney Harbour
- a guided night safari with the chance to get up close to some of Taronga’s friendly residents
- buffet-style dinner and continental breakfast
- canapés and a selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages on arrival
- complimentary admission so you can explore the zoo at your own pace the following day.
Make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak periods. Children must be at least 5 years old to attend (adults only nights also run throughout the year).
Free Flight Birds
The Free Flight Bird Show has been operating for over 20 years and is still one of the most popular shows at the zoo. Expect to see Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, Galahs, Andean Condors, eagles and many more exotic birds in flight against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. It’s free with zoo entry, but you’ll need to secure your seat early for both shows – 12 pm and 3 pm daily.
Sky Safari
The Sky Safari is Sydney’s only cable car and yet another feature that makes Taronga Zoo such a special experience. Little legs and big legs alike will appreciate the reprieve from walking the hilly terrain of Taronga, and it’s also a great way to get a feel for the layout of the zoo from up high. The Sky Safari is included in the price of admission and is open from 10 am to 3 pm daily (school holidays hours may differ).
Zoo Friends Annual Pass
If you live in Sydney, you really should consider upgrading to a Zoo Friend Annual Pass next time you visit Taronga Zoo. Depending on the size of your family group, the upgrade to an annual pass can cost as little as $19.00. Zoo Friends receive free entry every single day of the year, as well as a variety of other benefits including:
- entry to Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo and interstate zoos in Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth zoos
- discounts on food, drinks and shop purchases
- discounts on experiences and accommodation
- priority seating at bird and seal shows.
All proceeds from your Zoo Friends purchases go towards Taronga’s conservation projects, so you will also be contributing towards the protection of wildlife and their habitats, both in Australia and overseas.