Plan Ahead: Tickets, Hours and Tips
Essential Information for Your Day at the Zoo
Make the most of your day at Taronga Zoo by planning ahead. From opening hours and directions to dining options and accessibility, this guide has everything you need to know before your visit. Whether you’re coming by ferry, bus, or car, preparing in advance ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Make the Most of Your Visit – Taronga Zoo Sydney Hours
Opening Hours
Taronga Zoo Sydney is open every day of the year, including public holidays. Hours are from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Last Entry: Entry gates close at 3:30 PM, so plan to arrive early enough to enjoy the full experience.
Best Times to Visit
Morning: Arrive when the zoo opens to catch animals at their most active and enjoy cooler weather, especially in summer.
Weekdays: For a quieter visit with fewer crowds, weekdays during school terms are ideal.
Spring and Autumn: These seasons offer comfortable weather, making it easier to explore the entire zoo at a relaxed pace.
Special Events: Consider visiting during seasonal programs, school holiday activities, or evening events for a different perspective of the zoo.
How to Get to Taronga Zoo Sydney
Address:
Taronga Zoo Sydney
Bradleys Head Road, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
Located just across the harbour from the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo is easy to reach by ferry, bus, car, or even on foot for the adventurous.
Getting There
- By Ferry
- By Bus
- By Car
- By Walking Trail
Taking the ferry is the most scenic and popular option. Ferries depart regularly from Circular Quay Wharf 4, and the trip to Taronga Zoo Wharf takes only 12 minutes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline.
Once you arrive at the wharf, you can either hop on a short bus shuttle to the main entrance or ride the Sky Safari cable car (when in operation) for an aerial view of the zoo and harbour before you even begin your visit.
If you prefer land transport, several buses connect the Sydney CBD and North Shore suburbs to the zoo. From Wynyard Station, buses travel via Mosman and stop directly outside the zoo’s main entrance on Bradleys Head Road.
This is a convenient and direct option if you’re already exploring the city by public transport.
Taronga Zoo is approximately a 15-minute drive from Sydney’s city centre, depending on traffic. The zoo has a large car park on site, located on Bradleys Head Road, just a short walk from the entrance.
Parking is available at both hourly and daily rates. Driving is a good choice for families, groups, or anyone planning to bring a picnic or stay for the full day.
For those who enjoy combining nature and sightseeing, there are several walking tracks through Sydney Harbour National Park that lead to the zoo. One of the most popular is the Bradleys Head to Taronga Zoo walk, a picturesque route with harbour lookouts, bushland, and heritage sites.
The walk offers a unique way to arrive, especially for locals or repeat visitors seeking a new experience.
Dining at Taronga Zoo Sydney
Exploring the zoo is a full-day adventure, and there are plenty of places to stop, recharge, and enjoy a meal.
The View Restaurant: Located near the entrance, this family-friendly restaurant serves hot meals, sandwiches, salads, and kid-friendly options. As the name suggests, it also offers a spectacular outlook over Sydney Harbour, making it a great choice for a sit-down break.
Taronga Food Market: A large, canteen-style dining space with multiple outlets serving everything from pizzas and burgers to vegetarian and lighter meals. It’s designed for quick service, making it perfect for families or groups who want a variety of choices without a long wait.
Cafés and Kiosks: Scattered throughout the zoo, these outlets are handy for grabbing a coffee, cold drink, snack, or ice cream while moving between exhibits. They’re ideal for short refreshment stops without breaking up your visit.
Picnic Areas: Taronga Zoo welcomes visitors to bring their own food. There are several picnic areas inside the grounds, many offering harbour views, where you can enjoy a relaxed, budget-friendly meal surrounded by nature.
Souvenir Stores at Taronga Zoo Sydney
Taronga Zoo’s shops offer more than just souvenirs — many items support conservation projects, so purchases help protect wildlife both in Australia and overseas.
Zoo Shop (Main Entrance): The largest and most popular shop, conveniently located near the exit. It’s the best place to find plush animals, branded apparel, eco-friendly gifts, homewares, and children’s books about wildlife.
Smaller Retail Outlets: Additional stalls and shops are located near major exhibits, making it easy to pick up a gift or keepsake along the way without carrying it all day.
Conservation-Focused Products: Many products are sustainable, plastic-free, or linked to specific wildlife programs. For example, some toys and clothing help raise awareness of endangered animals supported by Taronga’s breeding and conservation projects.
Something for Everyone: From pocket-money souvenirs for kids to high-quality gifts and home décor, the stores cater to a wide range of visitors.
Accessibility at Taronga Zoo Sydney
Taronga Zoo is committed to ensuring that all visitors can enjoy a comfortable and inclusive experience. From mobility support to sensory-friendly spaces, the zoo offers a range of facilities and services designed with accessibility in mind.
Wheelchair Access: The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, lifts, and wide pathways across most areas. Accessible viewing platforms are available at major exhibits, including popular animal encounters and daily shows.
Wheelchair Hire: Manual wheelchairs can be hired free of charge at the zoo’s main entrance, subject to availability. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to ensure availability on the day.
Stroller Hire: Strollers are available for hire at the entrance for families with young children, making it easier to navigate the large grounds.
Accessible Parking: Dedicated accessible parking spaces are available near the main entrance, with direct access to the zoo gates.
Restrooms: Accessible toilets are located throughout the zoo, including near cafés, picnic areas, and major exhibits. Many also include baby-changing facilities.
Service Animals: Accredited assistance animals are welcome at Taronga Zoo, though some restricted areas apply for animal welfare reasons. Staff are available to provide guidance on suitable routes.
Sensory Considerations: The zoo can be busy and noisy during weekends and school holidays. Quieter spaces and shaded rest areas are available for visitors who may need a break.
Digital Assistance: Free Wi-Fi and digital maps are provided to help visitors plan accessible routes through the zoo’s 28-hectare site. Staff and volunteers are also stationed throughout the grounds to provide on-the-spot assistance.
Tips for Your Visit
Arrive Early: Animals are most active in the morning, and you’ll have more time to explore the zoo at a relaxed pace.
Check the Schedule: Daily talks and shows are included with admission — check the times at the entrance or online to plan your route.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The zoo is large and hilly, so sturdy footwear makes walking easier.
Bring Sun Protection: Hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles are a must, especially in summer.
Allow Enough Time: Plan for at least 4–5 hours to see the main exhibits and enjoy presentations.
Use Public Transport: The ferry from Circular Quay is quick and scenic, avoiding city traffic and parking fees.
Book Animal Encounters Early: Close-up experiences like giraffe or koala encounters often sell out fast.
Pack Snacks or Lunch: While cafés are available, picnic areas let you enjoy your own food with great views.
Visit on Weekdays: For a quieter experience, come during the week outside of school holidays.
Check the Weather: The zoo is open rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the forecast.
Taronga Zoo Sydney: Entry Ticket
Highlights
Discover Australia’s iconic animals such as koalas and kangaroos.
Explore diverse habitats, including Australian Walkabout and African Safari.
Attend more than 20 engaging keeper talks and live shows every day.
Observe exotic species like Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and chimpanzees.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour while visiting.
Taronga Zoo Sydney: Entry Ticket + Return Ferry
Highlights
Enjoy scenic ferry rides across Sydney Harbour to and from the zoo.
Explore a wildlife sanctuary housing over 4,000 animals including native Australian species and rare exotic animals.
Attend complimentary keeper presentations and engaging daily live shows.
Watch the impressive free-flight bird exhibition.
Witness entertaining sea lion and seal performances featuring Australian, Californian, and New Zealand species.
Taronga Zoo + Sydney Harbour Hopper Pass (24/48h)
Highlights
Explore one of Sydney’s most popular zoos with over 5,000 animals.
Enjoy engaging keeper talks and daily animal presentations.
Cruise the scenic Sydney Harbour with a 1-hour sightseeing trip.
Return ferry included from either Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.
Take in breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour from the zoo and during the cruise.
Visitor Guidelines
Prohibited Items & Activities: Do not bring animals, balls, balloons, scooters, skateboards, bicycles, alcohol, or other disruptive items. Clothing that could cause offence or nuisance is not permitted.
Respect the Zoo Environment: Do not feed or touch animals, remove vegetation, climb structures, litter, or engage in any behaviour that could damage property or disturb wildlife.
Photography Guidelines: Personal photography is welcome, but flash is not allowed in sensitive animal areas. Commercial filming or photography requires prior approval.
Operating Hours Compliance: Entry is permitted only during public opening hours. Access to restricted areas or staying after closing time is not allowed.
No Smoking: Taronga Zoo is a smoke-free venue, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
Zoo Closures & Changes: Exhibits, presentations, or facilities such as the Sky Safari may close without notice due to weather, maintenance, or safety reasons. Refunds or rain checks are not provided in these cases.
Stay Updated: Check the zoo’s information boards or website for the latest schedules, closures, and exhibit updates before or during your visit.
English 
Deutsch 
Français 
简体中文 
Español 
日本語