Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo
4
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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
About
Taking a ferry directly from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, located in the suburb of Mosman, is the first unexpected joy of visiting the animal park. Once there, the leisurely trails and opportunity to see some of Australia's distinct wildlife become apparent, as does the striking view of the Harbour Bridge from the seating at the aerial bird show. Advance booking can give you the chance to see koalas up close, or stay overnight and 'camp' in the zoo.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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from AU$51.00
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Top ways to experience Taronga Zoo
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Mosman
With a variety of outdoor attractions, the sophisticated harbour suburb of Mosman has something for everyone. Shoppers can stroll Military Road for its unique offering of antiques, designer labels, and hip restaurants and cafes. Nature lovers can take in spectacular bushwalks like the Taronga to Balmoral walk, while families can enjoy snorkeling in the sheltered beaches of Balmoral Beach or scuba diving at Chowder Bay. History lovers enjoy exploring the fortifications at the end of Old Fort Road in Middle Head, which date back to the 1800s. Even the exhibitionist set can find entertainment in Mosman, with several nude beaches located in the area.
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See what travellers are saying
- ISE216 contributionsGreat day outLovely location, plenty to see and do. We arrived across the harbour and up to the zoo by cable car. Great views across the harbour followed by a great day at the zoo. Certainly worth a visitVisited November 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 April 2023
- Paula RSunshine Coast, Australia33 contributionsZoo With A ViewA beautiful zoo looking out on Sydney Harbour. Definitely worth a visit. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay. Once you arrive you can catch the shuttle bus to the main entry or walk up the hill (could be a hard walk for some) to another entry point. I would recommend catching the bus to the main gate and then making your way down through the zoo eventually finishing at the bottom where you have a short walk to the ferry. Food is very expensive for what is available. Time spent at the zoo was 3-4 hours.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 September 2023
- hichelleBoston, Massachusetts190 contributionsRainy morning to visit Taronga ZooThis was my husband & I's 1st Australia visit & we were only spending 2 nights in Sydney. in Circular Quay area. On our 2nd day, we took nearby ferry, it was lightly raining on and off but was supposed to clear up in early afternoon. It helped cut down on the crowds too. We wanted to see some native animals before flying North to rainforest and reef. The ferry ride was quick then you can either walk up hill to entrance or take shuttle. We opted for the shuttle and paid $102 AUD for 2 entry tickets, around $25 for 2 Koala encounters (no holding of touching) but photos allowed and about $140 AUD for 2 Dingo experience tickets. We walked around and loved seeing the elusive platypus , Tasmanian devil and different kangaroos and of course koalas sleeping in their trees. The zoo is pretty well laid out and is expanding with reptile exhibit later this year. The koala experience was 1st and you go in with guide to enclosed area where there were about 4 sleeping koalas (who sleep over 20 hours daily) there could only be a few people at a time and we were limited till about 10 minutes but were able to get decent pics. Then it cleared up and more of the animals came out. The Dingo experience was with a small group and the keeper brought the male and female out of pen and they were allowed to sniff us but again we couldn't pat them or anything but got a few pics. We both decided that what we paid was too much for the experience which got shortened due to keeper explaining that female was distracted by 1 of groupees sneakers and needed to go back in their pen sooner. They did lick us and that was discourage, so again especially for my husband the experience was shortened. We have had dogs through the years, though wild, the Dingo couple dind't show any signs of assertive behavior We enjoed seeing the Australia animals and were glad to be able to fit into trip. We didn't have time to go to Irwin zoo near Brisbane.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 September 2023
- GalpoLiverpool, United Kingdom18 contributionsAmazing ZooA great experience and one of the leading not for profit zoos in Australia. I am very lucky to have Chester zoo on my doorstep where no other zoo has come close to being of the same standard but this exceeded my expectations and would attend again in the future given the opportunity. It is clean, animals look in good shape and the staff are friendly. The food is also not too expensive which is good!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 September 2023
- Jess KaCairns, Australia121 contributionsLots under constructionSadly a little disappointed with my first visit to Taronga Zoo. Stunning location, but found a few negatives on the day. Firstly the paper map was confusing, the listed shows weren’t correct so I ended up downloading the app on my phone and threw the paper map out. The zoo layout is very spread out, with quite a walk between some of the animal enclosures. It’d be great to add more enclosures. There were filtered water fountains here and there, but there definitely needs to be more installed. Pram/wheelchair access wasn’t very good. At one point the escalator and the lift were out of service so we had to carry the pram up multiple flights of stairs. Not good during school holidays on a 36 degree day with 3 small children. The seal show was fantastic. The animals look to be very healthy and well looked after. The variety of animals was good. Very big day out if you have children or are mobility challenged. Be ready for the hills and shortage of toilets.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 October 2023
- mcsquaredAuckland Central, New Zealand4 contributionsNice enough zooWe travelled from Circular Quay, purchasing our own ferry tickets and zoo tickets online whilst on the ferry. The ferry trip is great with great views of the city, bridge etc. From the ferry we walked up the hill to the southern entrance. First pro tip: In hindsight we should have taken the shuttle to the top main entrance. The zoo is spread out on a steep hillside. We effectively walked to the top and am back down again, starting from the top would be easier. The zoo itself was nice (with the usual moral conflict of wild animals being kept in very small enclosures) highlights being the koalas, Tasmanian Devils and some very large lizards running around the gardens. Along with the usual range of exotic animals it also cames with the ubiquitous outrageously over priced sub-par food - Second pro tip: stop at Woolworths and bring your own lunch. All up, a pretty good one for the kids.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 October 2023
- guennie3Cambridge, United Kingdom254 contributionsZoo with a viewWhat a fantastic zoo. My husband and I spent a most pleasant afternoon here, ambling around and looking at the many interesting animals in their very well set up and natural surroundings. We arrived by ferry from Circular Quay and then got the bus up to the zoo. The view of the city and harbour is amazing from here.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
- AshleighBridgwater, United Kingdom18 contributionsLovely day outOn my solo trip to Australia i decided to do a day out to Taronga zoo. I didn’t manage to see everything as it is so big! Loads of animals and what made it extra special was the view looking out onto the opera house and harbour. Although there are a lot of families here i think it’s definitely worth going a solo day trip too!Visited April 2023Travelled soloWritten 15 January 2024
- LindajwilHeathcote, Australia255 contributionsHard WorkIt’s certainly a lovely zoo. Perfectly placed on the amazing harbour but as far as user friendly- not so much. The ferry trip across from Circular Quay is easy but then after a nasty bus shuttle up the steep hill (never consider walking) to the entrance it is pretty cramped and maize like to get around. The animals habitats are well marked but I still am not convinced that their map was user friendly and once inside - it is hard to navigate a path back down to the outward ferry. Look, I am whinging but it should be easier to navigate with clearer signage.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 January 2024
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4.0
7,633 reviews
Excellent
4,099
Very good
2,106
Average
861
Poor
341
Terrible
227
Lisa F
15 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Excellent zoo. 3 hours is enough but maybe a tad rushed. Accessible via ferry from circular quay. There is a senior discount, you have to ask at the desk where you buy tickets in person. It’s $39 AUD. Plenty of spots to take good pictures. There’s even an area where you can see the kangaroos pretty up close. Highly recommend.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaron
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia130 contributions
Great weekend activity! Accessible via the ferry but I took the bus from QVB instead to avoid the ferry crowd. The zoo is huge; so much to do and see! There are also few spots to oversee the harbour.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John
Niagara Falls, Canada4 contributions
We were very fortunate to be able to have a guided tour with Pat and Wendy during our visit. They are two of the volunteers who take people around to explain all the different things to watch for and what makes them so special. They were fabulous. The zoo has a wide range of different areas of the world that the animals are grouped into, but the area we wanted to see the most was the native Australian animals. They have a wonderful variety and easy to reach displays. Having the guides explain what to watch for and point out things that we would have missed completely made all a difference in the world. Without them, we would never have seen all the things we were lucky enough to spot. Thank you, ladies!
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Narelle D
Gosford, Australia1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
My daughter and I have always loved coming to the zoo, for her 25th birthday her partner came with us. I felt like every thing was incredible, all the staff were amazing from the get go. My daughter did the Meerkat encounter and loved every minute. I was lucky enough to join in with the Dingo encounter, the gent who led the experience was next level, had so much knowledge. I will never forget this encounter. It was a Sunday, no excessive crowds and with a bit of foresight you can pack a lot in. Will definitely invest in a friends of the zoo annual pass.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane
19 contributions
The taronga zoo preserve in itself if nice and modern. The lounge is cozy and inviting and the rooms are very small but nice (although very expensive!). The reception staff was very friendly and professional. The view from the lounge (sunset) is fantastic.
I loved the fact that we had 2 private tours (one at night with no one else)and the guides were amazing and very knowledgeable!
The area of improvement would be at the lounge-bar… there’s absolutely no service. The barman was lazy and everyone had to go order at the bar (for food or drinks), to get the menu or for anything else…and it was not busy. Also, they only open at 2pm… which is not practical if you want to have lunch…you have to go to the zoo grab fast food. The lounge menu is also very limited. You only have 3 choices.. ! That’s a huge disappointment. As a luxury hotel, they should improve that…
Also, the wifi didn’t work for most of my stay. The front desk told me they didn’t have a reliable internet provider. It’s not acceptable for a luxury hotel in a city like Sydney. They should look at changing provider!
For elderly people: please note that the parking is very far. There’s parking in front of the hotel in the street but we can’t use it.
Also, the air in the room was stifling (there’s no opening windows). I had to open my door for a good 2 hours to get the air circulating. I kept sneezing every time i entered the room. The beds were very comfortable but their air wasn’t.
The zoo in itself is under massive renovations for a lot of areas closed.
They should improve the signalisation… I saw a lot of people that were completely lost …. Not a good customer experience.
Overall a nice place that needs to address a few issues.
I loved the fact that we had 2 private tours (one at night with no one else)and the guides were amazing and very knowledgeable!
The area of improvement would be at the lounge-bar… there’s absolutely no service. The barman was lazy and everyone had to go order at the bar (for food or drinks), to get the menu or for anything else…and it was not busy. Also, they only open at 2pm… which is not practical if you want to have lunch…you have to go to the zoo grab fast food. The lounge menu is also very limited. You only have 3 choices.. ! That’s a huge disappointment. As a luxury hotel, they should improve that…
Also, the wifi didn’t work for most of my stay. The front desk told me they didn’t have a reliable internet provider. It’s not acceptable for a luxury hotel in a city like Sydney. They should look at changing provider!
For elderly people: please note that the parking is very far. There’s parking in front of the hotel in the street but we can’t use it.
Also, the air in the room was stifling (there’s no opening windows). I had to open my door for a good 2 hours to get the air circulating. I kept sneezing every time i entered the room. The beds were very comfortable but their air wasn’t.
The zoo in itself is under massive renovations for a lot of areas closed.
They should improve the signalisation… I saw a lot of people that were completely lost …. Not a good customer experience.
Overall a nice place that needs to address a few issues.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skiahlc
Legend, Hungary169 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Interesting but very old Zoo (historic) built along a hillside. Flow wasn't very convenient to seeing everything without backtracking a few times. Some exhibits have been or are going to be updated but it's a construction zone now.
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunbonnettrio
Vancouver, Canada6 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We LOVED our time at the Taronga Zoo and we are not big zoo people. I was so impressed with the quality of the exhibits. Make sure to attend the zookeeper talks for animals you're interested in - we planned our day around these talks. Also the tiger exhibit is extremely cool and immersive. The ferry ride there is also a great Sydney experience.
Written 19 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsCockburn
45 contributions
We caught the ferry over to the zoo and had a lengthy wait for the bus (not free) to take us up to the main entrance of the zoo. If you’re feeling fit you can hoof it uphill to the lower zoo entry and navigate yourself up from there.
It was an incredibly hot day & although a lot of the animals were sleeping/chilling there was lots to see. The keeper talks were brilliant & the animal enclosures were large & clean.
There is a lot of walking involved and most of it uphill but the views of Sydney are well worth it.
The bird show is a definite must see & it was wonderful to hear & see first hand how these beautiful birds are being encouraged to thrive at Taronga. We would visit again 🐨🦁🐯🦒🐒🦧
It was an incredibly hot day & although a lot of the animals were sleeping/chilling there was lots to see. The keeper talks were brilliant & the animal enclosures were large & clean.
There is a lot of walking involved and most of it uphill but the views of Sydney are well worth it.
The bird show is a definite must see & it was wonderful to hear & see first hand how these beautiful birds are being encouraged to thrive at Taronga. We would visit again 🐨🦁🐯🦒🐒🦧
Written 13 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Although it was 30 degrees in shade , most animals were out of sight or sleeping!
Picked a bad time to visit on a Sunday at 3 pm .
Picked a bad time to visit on a Sunday at 3 pm .
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploration787907
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Wonderfully laid out zoo! So great to see so many animals in open and spacious areas for viewing. Of course seeing koala's and kangaroo's was our highlight. It was great to see how respectful the guide and staff are with respect to the animal sensitivities. They deftly handled the tourists who felt they had a right to touch and hold animals that were legally protected. We have great respect for how the guides balanced the experience with care for the animals. Overall a wonderful experience and we recommend allowing a whole day for this visit!
Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do you book animal encounters & find times for the various animal talks & shows? I couldn’t find any precise info on their website.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
I suggest that you email them. I that fails, ring them up.
l0ve2travel93
London, UK230 contributions
How do you book animal encounters & find times for the various animal talks & shows? Couldn’t find any clear info on their website
Jellyhead91
Albion Park13 contributions
Hi, animal encounters can only be booked on the day. I believe it’s a first come, first served basis. The animal talks and shows run every half an hour or so, you can collect a map on your way in which shows all the times on there.
If you want to see the seal show I suggest lining up half an hour before the show so you don’t miss out as there’s limited seating.
jay r
Prescott Valley, AZ7 contributions
We are flying into Sydney's international airport and staying at the Wildlife retreat Taronga. Is it possible to take public transportation from the airport to the Taronga zoo ?
Maree B
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Yes, public transport is actually the fastest way to the Zoo. First just catch a Public Train from the Airport to Circular Quay. Then just find the Taronga Zoo Wharf for a 12 minute Public Ferry ride direct to the Zoo.
MizSazzy
Sydney, Australia157 contributions
Whats it like during these covid times im guessing no animal encounters? I read on their site they are still doing the bird show with reduced capacity but what about the seal show?
Simon D
338 contributions
I always like to be positive, particularly about Taronga Zoo as I have been there many times over the years. But my opinion the zoo barely meets a good standard. There is much construction which precludes seeing much of the Savannah enclosures, refreshments/food very hard to get too, one entrance only (top only). So, through no fault of the zoo I think during COVID times I would go elsewhere. Perhaps when some of the restrictions that impact are lifted it would be worth it.... Sorry about that but the zoo is impacted in a big way but only my viewpoint.
Nigel S
Perth, Australia46 contributions
What are the must see areas of the zoo, do they have a discount for concession card holders?
Hilmar Horst D
Woodvale, Australia254 contributions
There is a concession price for seniors, around 10% off the normal entry price ($43) . Our daughter had the entertainment book luckily which allowed us access to the zoo for $36.75, so it paid for itself really on the day!
The seal show is a hoot, and was great fun for our grandkids to watch. However, get there before the allotted start time as seating can be a bit difficult if you find standing challenging for a half hour show. Plus, do not sit in the front row,it can get a little wet!
dan_08
Essex42 contributions
Is it best to pre book a ferry ticket & zoo entry before heading to Australia? Is it easy getting to & from the cable car form the ferry?
Scott C
Woodbury, MN229 contributions
You should have a reservation for the Zoo if you plan on any special tours or guides. Plus prebooking allows you entry into the cable car. Otherwise you have to take a bus ride to the ticket counter.
As for the Ferry. No need for a reservation. Just walk up and use the opal card. The opal card is Sydney’s train, bus and ferry prepaid entry card. You just add funds to it as needed.
Have a great time.
Rose P
Sydney, Australia15 contributions
Will the Zoo extend the 6 month expiry of general admission tickets? We have run out of time to go there.!
WorldTraveler1976
NYC243 contributions
Why ask this on TripAdvisor?? Ask them directly.
Is there any animals that you can feed for free
deepikarocks22
100 contributions
There are animal encounter at specific time, but not sure they allow to feed or not
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Claim your listingTaronga Zoo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Taronga Zoo
- Taronga Zoo admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost AU$52.36, while a popular guided tour starts around AU$13.75 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Taronga Zoo:
- Sydney Taronga Zoo General Entry Ticket (From AU$52.36)
- Sydney Harbour Ferry with Taronga Zoo Entry Ticket (From AU$76.67)
- Sydney Harbour Hop On Hop Off Cruise with Taronga Zoo entry (From AU$87.63)
- Sydney Taronga Zoo's Aussie Backyard Adventure Tour (From AU$107.81)
- Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off Cruise (From AU$41.07)
- Hotels near Taronga Zoo:
- (0.02 km) Roar & Snore at Taronga
- (0.12 km) Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
- (1.29 km) Cremorne Point Manor
- (1.36 km) THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE-WATERFRONT APARTMENT WITH AMAZING SYDNEY HARBOUR VIEWS
- (3.34 km) Quest North Sydney
- Restaurants near Taronga Zoo:
- (0.24 km) The View
- (0.31 km) Taronga Zoo
- (1.20 km) Four Frogs Creperie Mosman
- (1.16 km) Ripples at Chowder Bay
- (0.58 km) Athol Hall Cafe
- Attractions near Taronga Zoo:
- (0.28 km) Taronga Zoo to Manly Beach Walk
- (0.34 km) Robertson Point Light
- (1.28 km) Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay Walk
- (3.28 km) Sydney Harbour
- (3.04 km) Sydney Opera House