Taronga Zoo in Sydney is one of the top tourist spots in the city. Officially opened in 1916, this particular zoo has quickly become one of the most famous zoological parks in the world.
In this guide, I have included useful information on how to get here, how much it costs, and what to expect when you arrive at the zoo.
WHERE IS TARONGA ZOO & HOW TO GET HERE
Taronga Zoo is located in the suburb of Mosman, on the north side of Sydney Harbour.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
If you’re already over on the north side of the harbor bridge, you can easily catch buses and taxis to the zoo.
Equally, if you’re close enough you can take the walking trail along the coast and into the zoo.
If you’re in the central city, then getting to the zoo is pretty simple. Simply board one of the ferries at Circular Quay and take the peaceful, relaxing ride over to the Zoo.
Taronga Zoo has its own ferry wharf, making it super simple to access the zoo.
TARONGA ZOO PRICES
An adult ticket to Taronga Zoo will cost you around $47 AUD and a child ticket will be around $37 AUD.
Get a discount by booking online in advance with Klook.com.
WHAT TO EXPECT
If you have the time, I honestly would set aside the best part of an entire day to explore the zoo. From gorillas to seals and everything else in between, you’ll never be left wanting more from Taronga Zoo.
From the entrance, the very first exhibition you’ll see is the most iconic animal in Australia, the Koala bears.
From here you’ll pick up a map of the zoo and make your way around each and every exhibition, making sure you check out what time the shows, feeding times, and animal talks are on.
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Throughout the day, keepers will host talks and shows with the animals to give you a closer insight into what this zoo has to offer and to learn about the incredible animals they have on-site.
A favorite of mine is the seal show which is usually on at around 2:00 pm every day.
Grab lunch in the huge on-site cafe with front-row seats to the elephant enclosure before taking on the tiger trail and Australian bushwalk.
Come face to face with kangaroos and experience the true beauty of these animals.
Get Your Ticket → Taronga Zoo
A DAY AT TARONGA ZOO
A day at the zoo is not only a great way to explore the most iconic zoo in the world but to also slow down your pretty fast-paced trip to Sydney.
A day at the zoo will most likely include a very glacial-paced walk around as you learn about each animal in the enclosure.
You’re in for a great day but a very slow-paced one. Sometimes you need a day like this.
Finish up with ice cream on the wharf as you wait for your ferry to arrive, to take you back to the city.
RELATED ARTICLE → SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB
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TARONGA ZOO FACTS
- Taronga Zoo has 4000 animals in its care and over 350 species.
- It’s Australia’s largest zoo and officially opened its doors in 1916.
- Taronga is an aboriginal word meaning Beautiful View.
- In 2003 it became the 2nd zoo in Australia to breed the platypus.
WHERE TO STAY IN SYDNEY
Sydney has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Sydney to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Hyatt Regency Sydney
Probably one of the most luxurious and top-rated hotels in Sydney, the Hyatt Regency.
Located right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this hotel is at the height of luxury with a swimming pool, restaurants, open-air bars, and a 24-hour fitness center!
Spacious rooms with large comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and free wifi throughout as well as those incredible views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Mid Range: Ryals Hotel Broadway
This is the perfect mid-range option in Sydney.
Located in Glebe, this stylish and modern hotel offers great value accommodation with luxury rooms, large comfortable beds, free breakfast every morning, wifi throughout, and even washing services.
Located just a 40-minute walk from Circular Quay or if you’re not feeling the walk, then hop on the tram from the station about 10 minutes from your door.
Budget: Holiday Lodge Hotel
A family-run hotel, located in Potts Point, just 10 minutes by public transport to the Harbour Bridge.
A small, quaint, and very unique hotel, offers you a wonderful stay during your time in Sydney, at a really reasonable price.
With rooms that sleep up to 5 people, this accommodation offers something for everyone.
WHAT TO PACK FOR SYDNEY
When visiting Sydney, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
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FINAL THOUGHTS – TARONGA ZOO
Taronga Zoo will definitely be a highlight of your trip. Especially as they’re currently expanding the African Exhibition to add even more animals to the zoo, you’ll definitely see away a few hours here.
It’s a staple, tourist hotspot in Sydney, it has some of the most spectacular views of the city and it’s one of the most iconic zoos in the world. What’s not to like?
If you have any questions at all about visiting this zoo, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
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THANKS FOR READING
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