Taronga Zoo Sydney

1. Nura Diya Australia

Nura Diya Australia is Taronga Zoo Sydney’s reimagined Australian wildlife precinct, celebrating native animals, landscapes, and First Nations storytelling. This expansive area showcases kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and other native species within carefully designed habitats inspired by Australia’s diverse environments.

A key highlight of Nura Diya is the Blue Mountains Bush Walk, which immerses visitors in a cool-climate Australian ecosystem, as well as the Dingo habitat, offering insight into one of Australia’s most culturally significant and misunderstood animals. While walk-through paths form part of the experience, animals such as emus are typically viewed from perimeter enclosures rather than shared spaces, ensuring both animal welfare and visitor safety.

2. African Savannah

The African Savannah recreates the open grasslands of Africa and is home to giraffes, zebras, lions, meerkats, and the much-loved Fennec Foxes, a standout species within this precinct. Elevated viewing platforms and wide enclosures allow guests to observe animals in environments designed to mirror their natural habitats.

This area is particularly popular for its harbour-facing viewpoints, combining wildlife encounters with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. The precinct also highlights Taronga Zoo’s involvement in international conservation and breeding programs for African species.

3. Rainforest Trail

The Rainforest Trail takes visitors through lush tropical environments representing forest ecosystems from around the world. This zone features red pandas, gibbons, exotic birds, and other rainforest species, with habitats designed to reflect dense vegetation, flowing water, and elevated canopies.

While this area focuses on rainforest biodiversity and conservation messaging, flagship species such as tigers are housed separately in dedicated precincts, allowing for more specialised and immersive experiences.

4.Tiger Trek

Tiger Trek is a state-of-the-art precinct dedicated to the conservation of Sumatran tigers. The experience begins with a simulated flight journey to Sumatra, transporting visitors into a realistic Indonesian village setting before arriving at expansive tiger habitats.

Through immersive storytelling, interactive displays, and multiple viewing points, Tiger Trek educates guests on the threats facing Sumatran tigers and the conservation work being carried out both in Australia and Southeast Asia to protect this critically endangered species.

5.Great Southern Oceans

Great Southern Oceans explores Australia’s marine environments and the wildlife that inhabits its coastal waters. The precinct is home to Long-nosed Fur Seals and California Sea Lions, which are the stars of the popular Seals for the Wild presentation.

The area also features Little Penguins and the rarer Fiordland Penguins, offering visitors the chance to observe these fascinating seabirds up close. Interactive exhibits and daily talks focus on marine conservation, ocean ecosystems, and the protection of Australia’s coastal wildlife.

6. nguwing nura (Nocturnal Country)

nguwing nura, meaning Nocturnal Country, is an immersive indoor experience integrated within the Nura Diya Australia precinct. Designed with low-light environments, this area highlights rare and endangered Australian nocturnal marsupials, including the Greater Bilby, Chuditch (Western Quoll), and Platypus.

The experience focuses on the unique adaptations of nocturnal animals and the conservation challenges they face. It provides a quiet, atmospheric contrast to the outdoor exhibits and offers one of the best opportunities to see these elusive species active during visiting hours.

Taronga Zoo Sydney offers a range of dining options designed to suit different visit styles, from quick café stops and takeaway meals to scenic sit-down dining and picnic areas. Dining venues operate on varying schedules, and several options are accessible without a zoo admission ticket. All food and beverage outlets at Taronga Zoo are cashless, accepting card and digital payments only.
 

1. Main Entry & Public Dining Hub

• Forage and Graze

Forage and Graze is considered the primary dining hub for many visitors due to its location and extended hours. It is accessible without a zoo ticket, making it popular with ferry arrivals and guests visiting nearby attractions.

• Operating hours typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Coffee, tea, and cold beverages
• Light meals, baked goods, and grab-and-go snacks
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options available
   

2. In-Zoo Casual Dining

• Taronga Food Market (Food Market / Taronga Food Market & Café)

The Taronga Food Market is the zoo’s largest in-park dining venue and offers the widest variety of casual meal options once inside the zoo gates.

• Typically operates around 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
• Hot meals such as pies and sausage rolls
• Gourmet sandwiches, wraps, and salads
• Pastries, desserts, snacks, and cold drinks
• Plant-based and vegetarian options available
   

3. Mid-Range Dining

• Saltwater Bistro & Saltwater Express

Saltwater dining operates across two levels, with different services available depending on the day.

Saltwater Express (Lower Level):

• Operates primarily as a takeaway kiosk

• Typically open Friday to Monday

• Offers quick meals, drinks, and snacks

Saltwater Bistro (Upper Level):

• Offers full dine-in service
• Open on weekends (Saturday & Sunday) and during NSW school holidays
• Features a contemporary Australian-style menu
• Provides harbour-facing views from the upper level seating
   

4. Premium Dining Experience

• Me-Gal Restaurant (Wildlife Retreat at Taronga)

Me-Gal is Taronga Zoo’s premium dining venue, located within the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, outside the main pay-to-enter zoo gates.

• Zoo admission ticket not required to dine at Me-Gal
• Accessible via a separate entrance near the Wildlife Retreat
• Guests inside the zoo must exit through the nearby gate to access the restaurant
• Modern Australian cuisine with Australian wines and cocktails
• Overlooks the African Savannah habitat, with Sydney Harbour views most prominent from the terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows
• Some indoor tables may have more limited skyline views
• Advance booking strongly recommended
   

5. Kiosks & Refreshment Stalls

Smaller kiosks and takeaway stalls are located throughout the zoo, offering quick refreshment options.

• Ice creams and frozen treats
• Cold drinks and bottled beverages
• Light snacks for on-the-go visitors

6. Picnic Areas & BYO Food Policy

Taronga Zoo Sydney allows visitors to bring their own food, offering flexibility for families and longer visits.

• Designated picnic areas available throughout the zoo grounds

For animal safety and welfare, the following items are strictly prohibited:

• Alcohol
• Glass containers
• Knives (including picnic knives)
• Balloons
• Single-use plastic straws brought from outside
• Paper straws and sip-lid alternatives are provided at all zoo food outlets.
   

Payment Information

Taronga Zoo Sydney is a fully cashless venue. All dining outlets, kiosks, and restaurants accept card and digital payments only.

From a quick coffee stop to a relaxed weekend dine-in or a premium dining experience overlooking wildlife, Taronga Zoo Sydney offers flexible and clearly structured dining options to complement your visit.

1. Diverse Wildlife Collection

Taronga Zoo Sydney is home to over 5,000 animals representing approximately 340-350+ species, making it one of Australia’s most diverse wildlife attractions. The zoo features a wide mix of native Australian animals and rare international species, housed in naturalistic habitats designed to prioritise animal welfare, conservation outcomes, and engaging visitor experiences.

2. Tiger Trek Experience

Tiger Trek is one of Taronga Zoo’s flagship attractions and a global leader in immersive conservation storytelling. The experience begins with a short pre-show video and motion experience (approximately two minutes) that symbolically “transports” visitors to Way Kambas National Park in Sumatra. Guests then continue along a walking trail through a recreated Sumatran village environment and expansive habitats for critically endangered Sumatran tigers. 

Interactive displays and educational elements highlight Taronga’s direct involvement in tiger conservation and habitat protection in Indonesia.

3. Seals for the Wild Presentation

Seals for the Wild is one of the zoo’s most popular daily educational presentations. The experience takes place in the purpose-built Seal Theatre within the Great Southern Oceans precinct, where visitors can observe Long-nosed Fur Seals and California Sea Lions in a controlled aquatic environment.

The presentation focuses on marine conservation, rescue efforts, and the threats facing ocean wildlife, combining education with engaging animal behaviour demonstrations.

4. Nura Diya Australia Precinct

Nura Diya Australia is Taronga Zoo Sydney’s reimagined Australian wildlife experience, centred on native landscapes, cultural storytelling, and conservation. The precinct’s core highlights include the Dingo habitats and the immersive Blue Mountains Bush Walk, which reflects cool-climate Australian ecosystems.

While koalas remain a major highlight of the zoo, they are primarily featured in the adjacent Koala Walkabout / Koala Rooftop area, which complements but is distinct from the main Nura Diya track.

5. nguwing nura (Nocturnal Country)

Integrated within the broader Nura Diya Australia experience, nguwing nura (Nocturnal Country) is an indoor, low-light environment showcasing rare and endangered Australian nocturnal species. Key residents include the Greater Bilby, Chuditch (Western Quoll), and Platypus, offering one of the best opportunities to observe these elusive animals during visiting hours.

6. Educational Shows & Keeper Talks

Taronga Zoo Sydney offers a daily schedule of keeper talks, feeding sessions, and educational presentations across multiple precincts. Led by experienced wildlife keepers, these sessions provide insight into animal care, enrichment, conservation challenges, and how visitors can support wildlife protection efforts.

7. Conservation-Focused Experiences

Taronga Zoo plays a leading role in national and international conservation programs, including endangered species breeding, wildlife recovery projects, and field conservation initiatives across Australia, Asia, and Africa. Many exhibits connect directly to real-world conservation outcomes, helping visitors understand how their visit supports long-term wildlife protection.

8. Scenic Harbour Location

Located in Mosman on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo offers one of the most scenic zoo settings in the world. Harbour views, native bushland, and elevated viewing areas provide outstanding photo opportunities and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere that sets Taronga apart from traditional urban zoos.

9. Visitor Transport Within the Zoo

The Sky Safari cable car is currently closed, with the original system retired in 2023. Construction of the Revitalised Sky Safari is underway and is scheduled to open in late 2027 or 2028.

In the meantime, Taronga Zoo operates a shuttle bus service to assist visitors travelling between the ferry wharf and the upper zoo entrance, ensuring accessibility across the site.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings are generally the least crowded and ideal for a relaxed visit. Arriving early increases the chances of seeing animals when they are most active and allows visitors to attend scheduled keeper talks and feeding sessions before peak crowds arrive. Weekends, public holidays, and school vacation periods tend to be busier, particularly from late morning onwards.

Entry & Ticketing

Taronga Zoo Sydney supports digital ticketing, allowing visitors to scan mobile tickets for fast and contactless entry. Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during weekends, school holidays, and peak tourist seasons, as entry capacity may be managed. Visitors can enter via the Lower Entrance (ferry wharf) or the Upper Entrance (Mosman), depending on their arrival method.

Child Supervision Policy

Under Taronga Zoo Sydney’s 2026 Terms of Entry, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a person aged 16 years or over at all times while inside the zoo. This policy aligns with Taronga’s ticketing and safety guidelines and applies across all exhibits and precincts.

Operating Hours

Taronga Zoo Sydney operates on seasonal hours:

• Summer (September to April):

• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Last entry strictly at 4:00 PM

Winter (May to August):

• 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

• Last entry typically earlier to allow sufficient exit time

Operating hours may be extended during special events or peak holiday periods. Visitors are advised to check the official schedule close to their visit date.

Getting Around the Zoo

Taronga Zoo is spread across a large, sloped site with upper and lower access points.

• The Sky Safari cable car is currently closed and under redevelopment
• A public bus (Route 238) runs frequently between the ferry wharf and the top entrance for a small fee
• A free Taronga-operated accessible shuttle is primarily guaranteed during school holidays and peak weekends, typically operating between 9:15 AM and 3:30 PM
• Outside peak periods, visitors usually rely on the public bus or the short walk from the Lower Entrance
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the zoo’s size and terrain.

Accessibility

Taronga Zoo Sydney offers a range of accessibility services, including accessible pathways, shuttle support during peak periods, and manual wheelchair hire.

Due to high demand, advance booking (at least 24 hours prior) is now strongly recommended to guarantee wheelchair availability. Visitors requiring mobility assistance are encouraged to plan ahead rather than relying on same-day availability.

Start at the Top, Walk Down:
Take the bus from the ferry wharf to the Main (Top) Entrance and explore the zoo downhill toward the wharf. Beginning at the bottom means a steep uphill walk that can be exhausting.

• Sky Safari Is Closed:

The Sky Safari cable car is currently not operating. Use the public Route 238 bus or the free Taronga shuttle (available during school holidays and peak weekends) to travel from the ferry wharf to the top entrance.

• Visit Tiger Trek Early:

Head to Tiger Trek first in the morning. The short simulated flight pre-show often develops queues later in the day, slowing entry to the trail.

• High-Demand Areas Fill Quickly:

 

• Tiger Trek and Nura Diya Australia are currently the most popular experiences.
• Visiting these earlier helps avoid wait times.

 

• ​Reapply Sunscreen Frequently:

Harbour breezes can be deceptive. Sunlight reflecting off the water increases UV exposure, so reapply sunscreen more often than you normally would.

• Plan Around Keeper Talks:

Check the daily schedule on arrival or via the zoo app. Timing your route around talks and feedings enhances the experience and reduces backtracking.

• Allow Extra Time for Hills:

Even when walking downhill, distances between habitats are larger than they appear on the map. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for rest stops and viewpoints.

 

Nearby Attractions (Mosman & Surroundings)

• Bradley’s Head & Athol Bay

Located immediately next to Taronga Zoo, Bradley’s Head offers scenic walking trails, picnic spots, and lookout points with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. It’s ideal for a relaxed walk before or after your zoo visit.

• Balmoral Beach

Just a 5-minute drive from Taronga Zoo, Balmoral Beach is one of the closest and most family-friendly beaches in Sydney. Calm waters, seaside cafés, and shaded picnic areas make it a better nearby swimming option than Bondi.

• Mosman Village

 Around 3 minutes by car from the zoo, Mosman Village is the local hub for boutique shopping, cafés, bakeries, and casual dining, perfect for a meal or coffee after leaving the zoo.

Sydney CBD Attractions (Accessible via Ferry)

• Sydney Harbour Ferry (Taronga Zoo Wharf)

The ferry ride between Taronga Zoo and Circular Quay takes approximately 12 minutes and is one of Sydney’s most scenic public transport experiences, offering views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and city skyline.

• Sydney Opera House

Visible from the zoo but located in the CBD, the Opera House is accessed via a ferry ride to Circular Quay. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, performances, or explore the surrounding harbour promenade.

• Sydney Harbour Bridge

Also located in the CBD near Circular Quay, the bridge is reachable by ferry from Taronga Zoo. Popular activities include walking across the bridge or the iconic BridgeClimb experience.

City-Centre Attractions (Darling Harbour)SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Located in Darling Harbour, this attraction requires a ferry trip from Taronga Zoo to Circular Quay, followed by onward transport (walk, train, or light rail). It features underwater tunnels, shark exhibits, and Great Barrier Reef displays.

• Madame Tussauds Sydney

Situated next to SEA LIFE in Darling Harbour, this interactive wax museum showcases global celebrities, sports stars, and Australian icons. Like other Darling Harbour attractions, it is best described as a CBD experience, not a nearby one.

Other Popular Sydney Attractions

• Luna Park Sydney

Located at Milsons Point, Luna Park is not directly accessible by ferry from Taronga Zoo. Visitors must first ferry to Circular Quay and then transfer to a second ferry or train. It’s a classic Sydney amusement park with harbour views and family-friendly rides.

• Bondi Beach

While Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s most famous destinations, it is not close to Taronga Zoo. Travel from Mosman typically takes 45–60+ minutes by car, especially during peak traffic hours, as routes pass major bridge and tunnel bottlenecks.

Travel Tip

If your goal is to stay close to Taronga Zoo after your visit, Balmoral Beach, Bradley’s Head, and Mosman Village are the most convenient and time-efficient options. For iconic Sydney landmarks, the ferry connection to Circular Quay makes the CBD attractions easy to combine with a zoo visit.

Q1. Is Taronga Zoo Sydney suitable for young children?

Yes, Taronga Zoo is highly family-friendly. It offers stroller-accessible paths, interactive exhibits, playground areas, keeper talks designed for kids, and educational experiences that make learning about wildlife engaging and fun.

Q2. Is Taronga Zoo fully outdoors?

Taronga Zoo is primarily an outdoor attraction set across a large hillside overlooking Sydney Harbour. However, it also includes shaded walkways, indoor exhibits, cafés, rest areas, and climate-controlled spaces to ensure comfort throughout the visit.

Q3. Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially on weekends, public holidays, and NSW school holidays. On peak dates such as Easter, Christmas, or Boxing Day, Taronga Zoo may move to mandatory pre-booking only to manage capacity, so booking online ahead of time is advised.

Q4. Is Taronga Zoo accessible for People with Disabilities?

Yes, Taronga Zoo offers accessible pathways, restrooms, and mobility assistance options. However, due to the zoo’s steep hillside terrain, some accessible routes may still involve significant gradients.

Manual wheelchair hire must be booked at least 24 hours in advance via Taronga Zoo’s website or phone, as availability on the day cannot be guaranteed. Visitors who prefer to avoid steep paths are advised to use the public Route 238 bus or the Taronga-operated accessible shuttle (available during school holidays and peak weekends) to reach the Top Entrance.

Q6. What is the best way to get to Taronga Zoo?

The most popular option is the Sydney Harbour Ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf (approximately 12 minutes). From the wharf, visitors are advised to take a short bus ride to the Top Entrance, allowing them to walk downhill through the zoo toward the ferry.

While it is technically possible to walk uphill from the wharf to the Main Entrance, the climb is very steep and not recommended for most visitors, especially with children, strollers, or mobility concerns. This “top-to-bottom” route is the standard recommendation in 2026, particularly while the Sky Safari cable car remains closed.

Q7. Can I bring my own food into Taronga Zoo?

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy it in designated picnic areas. For wildlife safety and guest security, the following items are not permitted inside the zoo:

• Alcohol
• Glass containers
• Knives (including picnic knives)
• Balloons
• Balls (such as soccer or tennis balls)
• Single-use plastic straws

Paper straws and sip-lid alternatives are provided at all zoo dining outlets.