We absolutely love Taronga Zoo and always try to visit when we are in Sydney, this time we took our little nephew Leo along and had a great day out in Sydney’s winter.
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First a bit of Taronga Zoo History….
The first public zoo in New South Wales was built in 1884 in what is now Moore Park (where Fox Studios currently resides). It was moved and reopened officially in 1916 to its current spot right on the harbor.
Originally a site of entertainment, Taronga Zoo now focuses on conservation and education and has a rescue and rehabilitation outreach as well.
Taronga is an aboriginal word meaning ‘Beautiful View’
What to see at Taronga Zoo?
Taronga Zoo is home to over 4000 unique animals from around the world and zoo is divided into different wild world areas.
We had loads of fun exploring the Zoo itself which is huge!
They’ve divided it into countries, so we explored the African Savannah trail seeing giraffes, zebras and getting too close to a sleeping tiger (Leo was very scared!).
We took the Rainforest trail winding past the elephants and checking out the crazy looking Bongo, Pygmy hippos and to my sister in laws favourite – the cute otters.
The penguins & seals were amazing to see in their arctic style enclosures but of course we had to do the Australian Walkabout trail to see the Koalas, platypus, red kangaroo and Tasmanian devils.
**Get in early to get up close and personal with a Koala Experience – for an additional cost. Sadly they were already booked up on our visit.
Leo loved the Free Flight Birds Show where birds of prey flew and demonstrated how they hunt. One bird casually brushed Greg’s hat as it flew past!
Don’t miss the seals as they put on a wonderful show emphasizing ocean conservation and showcasing their powerful fins and splashing us all.
Zoo opening hours are 9.30 – 4pm daily (except Xmas day) and the Zoo has a daily schedule of changing activities and events.
We downloaded the Taronga app for the map of where animals are and to get times of the daily free shows.
We were surprised by sheer amount of animals and the beautiful layout of the zoo. The Tiger Trek in particular has fantastic Indonesian structures to make you feel like you are in Sumatran jungle!
Turn a corner and you are presented with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera house, it is incredibly beautiful!
What to Wear
We visited Taronga Zoo in May 2021. Winter in Sydney can feel pretty mild (especially coming from other countries). The sun still shines and you only need a light jumper for the afternoon as the sun goes down.
Summertime wear shorts / t-shirts and lots of sunscreen! I’d also pack an umbrella for when you need a little shade. There are plenty of trees and shady spots for picnics too.
Visit Taronga Zoo for world class views of Sydney Harbour!
Is it worth the ticket price?
We say YES!
We went with our family and our 2 nephews Seb (12) Leo (3), it fun and entertaining for all ages, Covid safe as its outdoors, we had loads of fun but didn’t get to see all the animals as its so big, but did get some great views of Sydney Harbour!
You can get discounts on tickets (see below for prices) which make it a little easier on your wallet.
The sheer amount of animals you can see, plus the views of Sydney Harbour at almost every turn means you can spend an entire day and still not quite get through everything.
My nephew Leo (3 years) and Greg (old) both loved the Free Flight Bird Show and Seal Show, definitely a great thing to do in Sydney with kids!
Taronga Zoo also has a cable car called the Sky Safari which is included in the price and you can fly over all the animals as it takes you back to the top entrance.
Sky Safari https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/must-see/sky-safari
Top Tips for Visiting
- Get a discount on tickets. Currently they are taking Dine & Discover vouchers which gives you $25 off.
- Bring your own food. Due to Covid a large number of the eateries were closed and lunch queues to buy food were huge, and once we finally got to the front the offerings were really disappointing. Soggy sandwiches, fatty sausage rolls and crisps. You are welcome to bring a picnic with you so we would suggest you do!
- Take the Sky Safari -Start at the top and work your way down, then catch the Sky Safari back up!
- Take the ferry to the Zoo, you can get a ferry from Circular Quay over there and be treated to world class views of Sydney Harbour!
- Catch the bird show: Top local tip from our sister in law, the birds are fantastic to see, the view is wonderful!
- Seal show: sit at the front in the SPLASH ZONE! But you may get a little wet ; )
- App Map Get the app map which also details the show times and helps you navigate the zoo itself. It is big!
- If you are feeling adventourous try the new Wild Ropes – a zipline / rope course which takes you above the animals! **Please note Wild Ropes is an additional cost. Wild Ropes https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/wild-ropes
- Koala Encounter – years ago you could hold a koala (not now) but with the encounter you can get up close and personal with them instead. Although this does cost extra and there is usually a waiting list (so get there early!).
Zoo Opening Hours
9.30 -4 .30 daily (except Xmas Day).
9-3pm Sky Safari
Zoo Tickets
Tickets are fairly pricey but at time of writing Dine and Discover vouchers are being taken, which takes $25 off the overall price – making it much more affordable.
Buy tickets to Taronga Zoo here
Zoo Admission Prices 2021
Adult $44.10
Child (4-15) $26.10
Concession $35.10
Infant (0-3) Free
Family Tickets – you save 20%
1 adult & 2 kids $85.60
2 adults & 1 kid $101.60
2 adults & 2 kids $124.80 ****WAIT!
**You can get an ZOO FRIENDS Annual pass for a family 2 adults 2 kids for $99 which also gives you access to Taronga Zoo at Dubbo https://taronga.org.au/zoo-friends
We had a wonderful time and hope you guys do too. Please do leave us your thoughts below and share our blog!
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