Discovering Sydney’s Taronga Zoo: A Family Guide to Australia’s Wildlife Wonders

Taronga Zoo, also known as the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, is a premier wildlife destination in Sydney, Australia. Not only does this zoo offer animal exhibits, animal encounters, and kid-friendly activities, but it also takes animal conservation and education very seriously. If you are planning a family trip to Taronga Zoo, we have put together a brief family guide to this impressive and family-friendly zoo. Below we will cover how to get to the zoo, ticket options, exhibits, activities, educational programs, dining, and suggested baby gear to bring along with you.

Getting to Taronga Zoo

Located on Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales, the Taronga Zoo can be accessed by ferry, bus, train, and car. If by ferry, families can get to Taronga Zoo from Circular Quay in 12 minutes. The ferry departs every 30 minutes. Bus riders can take the 100 Bus from the city to Mosman or the 238 Bus from Balmoral Beach to the main zoo entrance. Finally, train passengers can arrive at the Circular Quay train station before jumping on the ferry.

Planning Your Visit

Like most zoos, arriving at Taronga Zoo as early as possible and on a weekday is the best time to avoid large crowds. Early morning arrivals also give families a larger chance of seeing active zoo animals. Families can Taronga Zoo tickets online before they arrive or at the gate. If you have any little ones under the age of 4, they can get into the zoo for free! Taronga offers 20% off family tickets for even more savings! For families who plan to visit more than twice, it makes more sense to purchase a Zoo Friends Membership and take advantage of impressive member benefits!

Must-See Exhibits and Animals

At Taronga Zoo, there are over 5,000 animals and over 350 species! Here are some animal exhibits and a few animals that are featured in each:

• Nura Diya Australia: dingo, koala, kangaroo, emu
• Forest Adventure: cassowary, capybara
• Seal Walk: seal, penguins, pelican
• Rainforest Trail: elephants, leaf monkey, pygmy hippo, fishing cat, otter, binturong, bongo, Andean condor, Aldabra giant tortoise
• African Savannah: giraffe, zebra, chimpanzee

To see everything that Taronga offers, download a zoo map or the zoo app for easy directions to any of the exhibits.

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Interactive Experiences and Tours

Taronga Zoo has a full calendar of shows, keeper talks, and animal encounters for families to enjoy. During Keeper Talks, parents and kiddos can learn more about specific animal species and what makes them unique. Animal Encounters allow guests to get up close and personal with species like capybaras, koalas, giraffes, meerkats, and more. Photo opportunities are also available!

Did you know that you can stay the night inside the Taronga Zoo? Roar and Snore is a unique overnight experience where families can experience guided tours and animal encounters unlike no other! Dinner and breakfast are also included, making this experience one that the whole family will remember for years to come.

Finally, don’t forget to check out Wild Lights, held by Vivid Sydney. This after-dark event is seasonal and features 130 lights and lanterns on trails for the whole family to walk and enjoy. 

Kids’ Activities and Play Areas

From the main entrance, families can find Kids Trail, a kid-friendly play area, by walking towards the back left corner of the zoo. Kids Trail features a large and safe playground to climb around in. There is also a water feature, so make sure your kiddos are dressed accordingly if they are going to enjoy that!

When it comes to activities, there’s a unique feature in the Taronga Zoo app called Wild Squad Missions. These interactive missions motivate kids to explore the zoo and learn valuable facts about conservation. Looking for even more excitement? The Wild Ropes Treetops Adventure course is set to be open for juniors and adults soon!

Educational Programs and Resources

The Taronga Zoo highly values animal conversation and education, to say the least. If there are animals that are being threatened in the wild, the Taronga Conservation Society steps in to help. The Wildlife Hospital takes in 1,400 animals each year that have been left alone and are in need of care. Step-by-step, these animals are cared for and rehabilitated. 

To teach and inspire others about animal conservation, Taronga Zoo offers educational programs starting at the preschool age.

Dining and Shopping Options

When it’s time to take a break and refuel, families can stop at one of four Taronga Zoo dining areas. Forage and Graze, near the Wild Ropes course, offers snacks, hot food, cold food, and beverages such as tea and coffee. The Taronga Food Market features gourmet sandwiches, pies, sausage rolls, and Peters ice creams. For those interested in seafood, stop at the Saltwater Bistro for fish tacos, fish fingers, chips, and more. Finally, families can choose to eat their own food from home at one of Taronga’s picnic areas.

Essential Baby Gear for Your Taronga Zoo Visit

If you have little ones that need to be carried or who may need to rest their feet every so often, make sure to bring your own stroller or pram to the zoo. Stroller and pram rentals are available inside the zoo grounds, or if you prefer a specific model, you can rent a stroller from a baby gear rental service.

More baby gear and items that should be brought along include sun lotion, hats, and sunglasses. Stroller sunshades are handy for providing shade to your baby while you walk around the zoo. An umbrella or poncho is a good idea if the weather is looking iffy. Of course, make sure to pack the essentials if you have a tiny one, like diapers, wipes, bottles, etc. Snacks are also good to have on hand if you don’t want to pay at the zoo.

Conclusion

Clearly, there’s so much to do for everyone in the family at Taronga Zoo. If you’re not already fascinated by all the Australian animal exhibits, you’ll be swept away in awe after experiencing a Keeper Talk, animal encounter, or exclusive tour during an overnight stay! Taronga Zoo is the best place to explore the wildlife wonders of Australia. Get your camera ready because you’ll be taking lots of family photos at Taronga Zoo!