Taronga Zoo

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

That's one tall giraffe
That's one tall giraffe cc licensed photo by Shayan (USA)

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 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating We had an incredible day at Taronga Zoo with the family! My 8-year-old son absolutely loved it, especially the interactive seal show and the giraffes. The zoo is beautifully situated with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, and the enclosures are spacious and well-designed. It was clear that the animals are well cared for, which made the experience even better. The Sky Safari was a big hit for all of us—it added a fun, unique touch to the visit. Highly recommend for families looking for a memorable day out!
pritiprabha sahoo - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Visitor from Canada. Absolutely loved it. Got free entry as a guest at the wildlife retreat and you can bet I ventured into the zoo at every available opportunity. The enclosures seem well suited for the animals and they all appear happy. Beautiful views of Sydney harbour too. They also do very important conservation work at the zoo and I commend the staff that are trying to protect our wildlife
Jonno Liu - 2 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating Easily one of the nicest zoos I've seen. Show up early to get closer to the koalas ( extra cost). The bus service and ferry was great. Cheaper to buy tickets online. Some Enclosures were a little on the small side, but they have a great Tasmanian devil breeding program from what I understand if you go to sydney , you must go to the zoo.
Shane Crawley - a week ago

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5 Star Rating This is definitely world class zoo and a great way to close and personal with animals. Usually a zoo this size is far away from the city center but this zoo is just a short ferry away. The zoo itself is like a scenic hike with a great view of the city. The seal show definitely is the headliner but there are so many different animals to make a great day trip.
World Explorer - a month ago

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5 Star Rating I absolutely love visiting Taronga Zoo! I have been here on many occasions, and none of my visits have disappointed. There is so much to see and do at the zoo. I recommend picking up a map from the front information desk and using this to navigate your way around. There are clearly marked pathways to follow, depending on what you would like to see. The zoo keeper talks and animal feeding times are also really great. There are many places at the zoo to stop and get something to eat and drink. You can also bring your own picnic lunch! The zoo is very family-friendly with lots of activities for kids. There are a number of playgrounds within the zoo that are well loved. The many staff members and volunteers at the zoo are very helpful, friendly, and caring. There is a paid parking lot at the zoo as well as street parking surrounding it. The zoo is also easily accessible by public bus or ferry. I highly recommend visiting here. It is a very easy, fun, and enjoyable day out!
Map Roy - 3 weeks ago

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Directions

Line Nearest Station Walking Time
L2, T2, T3, or T8 + Ferry F2Circular Quay1 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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