A harbourside zoo on the lower North Shore, Taronga is home to over 4,000 animals including koalas, platypus, Tasmanian devils, and a Sky Safari cable car with panoramic Opera House and skyline views over the enclosures.
Taronga Zoo occupies a steep hillside site on Sydney Harbour's lower North Shore, and much of its appeal lies as much in the setting as in the animals: several enclosures, including the giraffe habitat and the entrance plaza, frame direct views across the water to the Sydney Opera House and city skyline. The zoo has operated on this site since 1916 and today holds more than 4,000 animals across roughly 350 species, with a strong focus on Australian native wildlife alongside African and Asian collections.
Highlights include the nocturnal platypus house, a walk-through kangaroo and wallaby enclosure, Tasmanian devils, and a colony of koalas with regular keeper talks. The Sky Safari cable car carries visitors from the lower ferry-wharf entrance up through the tree canopy to the main upper entrance, cutting out a steep uphill walk and providing an aerial view of both the exhibits and the harbour. Most visitors arrive by the frequent ferry service from Circular Quay, itself a scenic 12-minute harbour crossing that is part of the experience.
| Admission | Adult AUD 60 / approx. USD 43 · Child AUD 36 / approx. USD 26 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9AM-5PM (extended to 4:30PM last entry) |
| Typical visit | 4-6 hours |
| Best time | Morning, right at opening, for cooler weather and active animals |
| Getting there | Sydney Ferries direct from Circular Quay Wharf 2 to Taronga Zoo Wharf (12 minutes); the Sky Safari cable car connects the wharf entrance to the upper zoo |
| Address | Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088 |
Good to know
- Best for
- family, wildlife, photography
Location
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
-33.8433, 151.2411 View on map
Highlights
- Ride the Sky Safari cable car over the enclosures with harbour views
- Watch keeper talks at the koala and platypus exhibits
- See the nocturnal platypus house and Tasmanian devils
- Walk through the kangaroo and wallaby walkabout enclosure
- Take the scenic ferry from Circular Quay to the zoo wharf
Tips for visiting
- Buy the ZooPass combo ticket which bundles the ferry from Circular Quay with zoo admission for better value than buying separately
- Ride the Sky Safari cable car up from the ferry wharf entrance to the top gate, then walk downhill through the exhibits back to the ferry
- The koala and platypus encounters have specific keeper talk times posted at the entrance — check the daily schedule board first
- Visit on a weekday to avoid school holiday crowds, especially in the January and April school break periods
When to visit
Visit on a weekday morning outside school holidays for the smallest crowds and the most active animals before the midday heat.
Accessibility
Taronga Zoo has wheelchair and pram-accessible paths throughout, though the site is built on a steep hill; the Sky Safari cable car and a free internal shuttle bus help visitors avoid the steepest sections. Accessible restrooms are located throughout the grounds.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get to Taronga Zoo?
The ferry from Circular Quay Wharf 2 is the most scenic and popular option, taking about 12 minutes. A combined ZooPass ticket covers the return ferry and zoo admission.
How much time should I allow?
Most visitors need 4 to 6 hours to see the main exhibits at a relaxed pace, including keeper talks. Arriving at opening time allows the most time before midday crowds and heat.
Is Taronga Zoo good for young children?
Yes, the zoo has wide accessible paths, a children's playground, and shorter walk-through habitats like the Australian animal walkabout that work well for young children, though the hillside site does involve some uphill walking.