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Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is certainly a must-see if you visit Sydney. It is very accessible from the city and you will live a unique experience discovering a wide range of Australian and worldwide animals, overlooking one of the most beautiful harbour in the world. It will probably be your best chance to see a kangaroo in Sydney …
What can I see in the Taronga Zoo?
There are over 3000 animals in the Taronga Zoo, coming from every continent.
The signs will give you many clear explanations about them : did you know, for instance, that penguins live only in the southern hemisphere? And that there are seventeen species of penguins (all represented with full-scale statues)?
You can also see farm animals and peacocks, and if you are going with kids, they will definitively enjoy the kid zoo!
You can walk among kangaroos and emus and take pictures with giraffes, or watch one of the daily shows: owls, seals or both? There are several sections in the Zoo : Australian Wildlife, Wild Asia, Great Southern Oceans, African Waterhole, Bush to Backyard, Reptile World…
During our last review of the zoo (August 2010), we noticed construction work going on all over the zoo, but most animals are still on display and your visit will not be ruined in any way. There should be a new Chimpanzee Exhibit and a Tasmanian Devil exhibit coming soon.
Why should I go to Taronga Zoo?
Obviously if you consider going to a zoo, seeing animals should be your first motivation. It is a nice introduction to the incredible Australian wildlife (seeing a platypus, the most bizarre creature on Earth, is worth it !), but you will enjoy just as much the cuteness of baby elephants or the majesty of the tiger.
The location of the zoo is also amazing, with an incredible view on Sydney Harbour. You will certainly enjoy walking amongst the well-treated creatures of this beautiful park and relax in this peaceful and majestic environment.
New babies !
March 2010:
- Pathi Harn, a baby elephant was born ! He plays a lot with Luk Chai, the other baby elephant of the herd who turned one in July.
- A baby black rhino was born. She was named Kufara, which means happiness, after a vote on the Channel 7 Sunrise.
August 5th 2010:
- Kambiri, a female baby pygmy hippo was born ! She is very cute, and her birth is only the fifth birth of pygmy hippo in Australia over the last two decades.
Ideas of gifts and surprises related to Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo visitors’ boutique is obviously full of souvenirs and cute cuddly toys, but here are some special ideas that Taronga Zoo has developed to continue its conservation work:
- Sleep at the Zoo – the Roar and Snore program. Sleep in a beautiful safari tent, and go “behind the scenes” early in the morning, before the crowd arrives.
- Learn how to take amazing pictures – 3 times a year, a two-day program with professional photographers
- Sponsor an animal – There are several “levels” of sponsorship and adoption. If you become an animal parent, you will get free access to the zoo as well as helping out !
- And much more !
Find out more on the Taronga Zoo website
Our personal favorites
- Petting the kangaroos
- The seal show – instructive, funny and impressive !
- The amazing view
Practical information
You can get there either by bus (n°247), by car or by ferry. Ferries depart from Circular Quay every 30 min, and you can get a zoo pass there (it will save you 10%). The zoo is located on Bradleys Head Road in Mosman.
Official Website
You should bring a picnic instead of paying the zoo food. You can eat it at the food market, but there are also picnic areas in the zoos, including one near “Wild Asia” with a great view. Taking a tour of the whole park should take you about half a day.
Rates
- Adults AU$43
- Children (4-15 yrs old) AU$21 - Children (under 4) Free - Students AU$30. Note that the animal encounters are really expensive : AU$20 to get in the cage, and another AU$10 to get your picture !