Taronga Zoo
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Taronga Zoo is a public zoo on Bradleys Head Road in Mosman, Sydney, beside Sydney Harbour. It houses Australian and international wildlife, with views of the city and Opera House.
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Why go
- The Bird Show features native birds flying freely over visitors.
- Critically endangered Sumatran tigers and free-roaming red junglefowl live in Tiger Trek.
- Lions, giraffes, ostriches and plains zebras share the African Savannah area.
- Australian sea lions, Californian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals live in Great Southern Oceans.
- More than 200 regent honeyeaters bred at the zoo have been released into the wild.
Opening hours
Today09:30 – 16:30Show all
Monday09:30 – 16:30
Tuesday09:30 – 16:30
Wednesday09:30 – 16:30
Thursday09:30 – 16:30
Friday09:30 – 16:30
Saturday09:30 – 16:30
Sunday09:30 – 16:30
With kids
- The safari-style overnight stay includes animal encounters and is for guests aged five and over.
- Children can try Wild Squad missions in the zoo app.
- Youth at the Zoo is a volunteer program for ages 13 to 18, with conservation, education and guest activities.
Know before you go
- The zoo is cashless; a vending machine sells prepaid Visa EFTPOS cards.
- General visitors cannot access the Taronga Institute of Science & Learning.
- The Wildlife Retreat Hotel is for overnight guests only.
Tips for your visit
- Book tickets online through the zoo’s website.
- Use the zoo map to find facilities and animal locations.
- Use the zoo app to plan your day, navigate, and learn about animals.
- The Sky Safari gondola closed on 31 January 2023; do not plan your visit around using it.
- Some areas may be temporarily closed or affected by construction.
Facilities
- Food and drinks for purchase Available at the zoo.
- Picnic Visitors may bring a picnic.
- Centenary Theatre Seats 160 and screens wildlife conservation films.
Shorts
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🦭 Taronga Zoo Sydney Seal Show | Amazing Seal Tricks & Cute MomentsOZ Life Snippets
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Chimpanzees at Taronga Zoo Part 3T-Rexcellent Reviews
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Sydney - Taronga ZooSydney Ground Up
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Taronga Zoo Sydney |Maruf Hasan Premon
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Hippo Encounter at taronga western plains zoo dubbo nsw AustraliaPat Zoo Posting
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Taronga Zoo receiving $16 million upgradeNews24
History
The Moore Park site proved too small, prompting the NSW Government to grant 43 acres north of Sydney Harbour for a new zoo. A further nine acres followed in 1916. Later additions included a Platypus House, Nocturnal House, waterfowl ponds and a walk-through Rainforest Aviary.
- 1884New South Wales’ first public zoo opened at Billy Goat Swamp in Moore Park.
- 1908After visiting Hamburg Zoo, Albert Sherbourne Le Souef proposed a new zoo with a bar-less design.
- 1915The Rustic Bridge opened across a natural gully, with stonework designed to evoke Italian grottoes.
- 1916Taronga Zoo opened to the public on 7 October.
- 1967A review shifted the zoo’s focus toward conservation, education and preservation.
Show all
- 2003Backyard to Bush opened in April as the first major item in the master plan. Taronga became Australia’s second zoo to breed a platypus in February.
- 2005Wild Asia opened in July; it was later renamed Rainforest Trail.
- 2008Great Southern Oceans opened in April.
- 2009Luk Chai became the first elephant calf born in Australia.
- 2016The Centenary Theatre opened and began screening wildlife conservation films.
- 2017Tiger Trek opened in August for critically endangered Sumatran tigers.
- 2020The African Savannah precinct opened in June with mixed-species exhibits.
- 2023Nura Diya Australia opened after a five-year redevelopment. The Sky Safari closed on 31 January.
- 2024The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre opened in June, replacing earlier reptile exhibits.
- 2025The zoo’s last two elephants left for Monarto Safari Park.
How to get there
- 12 minBoatTake the ferry from Circular Quay Wharf 4 to the zoo’s lower entrance.
- 30 minBusTake route 100 from QVB to the top entrance.
- BusRoute 238 links the zoo’s upper and lower entrances.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access
- Wheelchair hire
- Mobility scooter hire
- Accessible parking
- Sensory support For guests who need additional assistance.
- Assistance-dog registration
Sources: Taronga Zoo - Wikipedia · Taronga Zoo - Wikipedia (part 2) · Taronga Zoo - Wikipedia (part 3) · Sydney/Lower North Shore - Wikivoyage (see) · Visit Taronga Zoo Sydney NSW | Visitor Informat… · Visitor Information | Taronga Zoo Sydney | Taro… · Taronga Zoo - Wikipedia · Zoo de Taronga - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026
Where
Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
- Website
- taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo
- Phone
- +61 2 9969 2777
Questions and answers
Can I see elephants at Taronga Zoo?
The zoo’s last two elephants left for Monarto Safari Park in 2025.
When is Taronga Zoo open?
Open daily, 09:30–16:30.
Which primates can I see at Taronga Zoo?
A troop of 21 chimpanzees lives in Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and western lowland gorillas live in Gorilla Forest.
Where can I see rhinoceroses at Taronga Zoo?
Rhino Reserve features greater one-horned rhinoceroses and water buffalo.
Which smaller mammals can I see at Taronga Zoo?
Red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs and capybaras are among the zoo’s other residents.
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