Taronga Zoo

About Taronga Zoo

Located on the shores of Sydney Harbour, the Taronga Zoo is the perfect place for a thrilling vacation. The zoo houses more than 5,000 animals and species, with a special focus on their natural habitat. It is equipped with many fun activities for your family and friends to enjoy, like visiting the ARC (Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre), where you can experience more than 42 different species, including the eyelash viper and the tiny pygmy python, in six different interactive zones. 

Interact with koalas and many endangered species, all protected in their natural habitat, and learn about them from professional zookeepers via Taronga Zoo guided tours. For the adventurer in you, the zoo offers a wild ropes activity and a high rope course. It also provides accommodation to travelers with amazing views of koalas and beaches. To witness the wildlife adventures of interesting species, visitingTaronga Zoo is a must for all thrill seekers.

Taronga Zoo provides a unique and exquisite experience that combines fun and awareness. The zoo opens at 9:30 every morning and closes by 4:30. During summer, you can enjoy an extra half an hour (September – April). The beauty of this zoo lies in its inclusivity and the range of different species available for you to enjoy with your people.

Start by witnessing adorable baby animals in their natural habitat, like tiny chimps learning ropes, little hippo calves learning how to dive, and unique twin red panda cubs. Watch exotic birds flying in the sky with everyday bird-watching sessions in the open grounds of the zoo at 12 pm and 3 pm. Spot Andean condor and black cockatoo flying in the beautiful scenic view of Sydney Harbor. 

The zoo features animals from various regions. These include vulnerable marine animals like Fiordland penguins, meerkats, giraffes, African lions, Dingoes, kangaroos, platypus from Australia, Sun bears, and elephants from Asia. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., enjoy the seal show, where seals like California seals, Australian seals, and long-nosed seals perform stunts and showcase their talent.

History of Taronga Zoo

The Taronga Zoo was opened in 1916 to protect wildlife. By 1940, exhibits for giraffes, tigers, and aquariums were developed, and later, under the leadership of Edward Hallstrom, the habitat for apes, koalas, and gorillas was built. The zoo’s approach to conservation was enhanced after 1967, and research was directed towards the preservation of nocturnal species and the building of veterinary centers. 

Activities such as monkey circuses and elephant rides were canceled, and seal theatres opened for educational presentations, which visitors love today. Since 2016, the zoo has pledged to conserve wildlife by introducing legacy species; this program protects the future ten critically endangered species native to Australia and Sumatra, including the platypus and the bilby. 

In the past 100 years, the zoo has transformed from just an entertainment zone to a protective wildlife site providing a safe zone where humans and animals can interact.

Tips for Your Visit to Taronga Zoo

The opera house is a beautiful place to visit. If you are a traveler visiting Sydney Opera House, please consider the following points before going out for a smooth and travel-friendly experience. 

• The zoo provides wheelchair access and assistance parking. 
• There are no lockers available at the zoo, so avoid carrying luggage in the zoo. 
• Download the zoo map to access washrooms, first aid zones, and animals easily. 
• Don’t touch animals without a zookeeper’s permit, and maintain a safe distance from them. 
• Don’t carry food openly or feed animals without permission. 
• Carry binoculars for bird watching and hats to protect yourself from sunburns. 
• Follow signage and strictly follow the rules of the zoo.

How to arrive to Taronga Zoo

Here are your options to reach this location:

• Bus: Take bus number 100 to travel from Taronga Zoo to the Queen Victoria building in Sydney from morning till midnight. 
• Ferry: Arrive at Taronga Ferry Wharf and take bus route 238 to the entrance of the Taronga Zoo. The zoo’s free shuttle buses are available during the school holiday season from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Note: You can also take Hop-on and hop-off buses from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. Parking is available on Bradley Head Road and costs $22 for the whole day. It is free if you only visit for 90 minutes before 4 pm.