Zoo in Sydney

A visit to a zoo in Sydney is among the favourite ways to spend time for families and animal lovers. These places offer a chance to see wildlife from around the world. MakeMyTrip features 787 zoo attractions in Sydney for 2025, each with safe enclosures and engaging exhibits. From exotic animals to interactive spaces for children, every corner of the zoo is designed to educate and entertain. Shaded areas, cafes and rest stops make it easy to spend a full day exploring. With Sydney zoo ticket prices starting from INR 266, it’s an affordable outing for all ages. Spend time with your loved ones this October by booking your Sydney zoo tickets through MakeMyTrip.

Zoos in Sydney: Urban Wildlife Journeys in Australia’s Harbour City

Sydney is a city where global culture, spectacular scenery and a love for the outdoors come together. Beyond its famous harbour, beaches and architectural landmarks, it is also home to two remarkable zoological destinations that rank among the most visited attractions in New South Wales. These zoos in Sydney are not just about seeing animals; they are immersive spaces designed to foster connection with nature, encourage conservation and create unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Each zoo offers its own personality and appeal. One delivers a contemporary, flat-layout experience perfect for young families and accessibility, while the other combines heritage charm with world-class conservation programmes and unmatched harbour views. Whether you are a resident seeking a day out or a traveller wanting to explore Australia’s native wildlife alongside exotic species from around the globe, visiting a zoo in Sydney promises a journey filled with discovery, learning and moments worth capturing.

With easy transport links, year-round events and a variety of ticket options, both zoos make it simple to plan a visit that suits your schedule and interests.

Why Visit a Zoo in Sydney

Up-close and Safe Wildlife Encounters
Observe wildlife in thoughtfully designed environments, enjoy feeding experiences with expert supervision, and capture those moments without disturbing the animals’ natural behaviours.

Innovative Habitat Design
Enclosures mimic natural habitats, from open plains to shaded rainforests, encouraging natural behaviour while providing visitors with immersive and visually engaging landscapes to explore.

Educational for All Ages
Keeper talks, interactive displays, and guided tours make learning enjoyable for everyone, offering valuable insights into animal care, conservation, and species-specific adaptations.

Easy to Reach
Accessible by public transport, ferry, or car, each zoo is well-connected, with clear signage, parking options, and smooth entry points for a stress-free start.

Value for Money
Online booking discounts, memberships, and family passes help you get the most from your visit while supporting ongoing animal welfare and conservation programmes.

Perfect for Photography
From harbour panoramas to close-up portraits of rare animals, these locations are ideal for capturing memorable images in a variety of natural-light conditions.

Top Zoos in Sydney

Sydney is home to two leading zoological attractions, each with its own personality and strengths. Sydney Zoo offers a flat, modern layout with state-of-the-art enclosures, while Taronga Zoo Sydney combines history, conservation leadership, and spectacular views over the harbour.

1. Sydney Zoo

Location: Bungarribee, Western Sydney Parklands

Overview:

Opened in 2019, Sydney Zoo spans 16 hectares and offers a modern, fully accessible design that makes it easy to explore for visitors of all ages. Its flat layout is divided into themed zones such as the African Savannah, Asia Zone and Australian Bush, each featuring spacious, open habitats that closely resemble the animals’ natural environments.

The zoo is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, from lions, giraffes and tigers to koalas, kangaroos and red pandas. Visitors can also explore one of the world’s largest reptile and nocturnal houses, an aquarium with crocodiles and penguins, and Aboriginal cultural displays. Frequent keeper talks, animal feeding sessions and interactive exhibits make the experience both educational and entertaining.

Key Highlights:

• African Savannah with lions, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and rhinos
• Primate Boulevard with chimpanzees and baboons
• Asia Zone with tigers, orangutans, and red pandas
• Australian Zone with koalas, wombats, kangaroos, emus, and quokkas
• Reptile & Nocturnal House featuring snakes, frogs, and nocturnal mammals
• Aquarium with crocodiles, penguins, and tropical fish

Featured Animals: Lions, giraffes, koalas, tigers, orangutans, kangaroos, crocodiles, and red pandas.

Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Ticket Prices: Adult tickets range from ₹2,800 to ₹3,400, children’s tickets from ₹1,100 to ₹1,700, and concession tickets from ₹2,000 to ₹2,300.

Visitor Tips:

• Arrive early to enjoy popular exhibits before they get busy
• Book tickets online for faster entry and better value
• Wear comfortable shoes and plan your route to see your preferred exhibits first
• Visit the nocturnal house in the late afternoon for a unique atmosphere

2. Taronga Zoo Sydney

Location: Mosman, Lower North Shore, overlooking Sydney Harbour

Overview:

Established in 1916, Taronga Zoo Sydney covers 28 hectares of landscaped grounds and houses more than 5,000 animals representing over 350 species. Its unique hillside location offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, adding a scenic backdrop to its world-class wildlife exhibits. Themed habitats such as Tiger Trek, African Savannah and the Rainforest Trail allow guests to encounter animals from diverse regions of the world.

Taronga combines conservation, education and entertainment in equal measure. Visitors can enjoy live animal presentations like the free-flight bird show and seal demonstration, take part in close-up animal encounters, or join behind-the-scenes tours. With a strong focus on protecting endangered species, the zoo also runs educational programmes that inspire awareness and action for wildlife conservation.

Key Highlights:

• Harbour-side views from multiple points across the zoo
• Free-flight bird show and seal presentations
• Tiger Trek, African Savannah, and Rainforest Trail
• Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Centre (ARC)
• Animal encounters and “Keeper for a Day” programmes
• Wild Ropes outdoor adventure course

Featured Animals: Tigers, giraffes, chimpanzees, sea lions, penguins, tree kangaroos, koalas, and meerkats.

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM in winter (May–August) and 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM in summer (September–April).

Ticket Prices: Adult tickets range from ₹3,000 to ₹3,400, children’s tickets from ₹1,800 to ₹2,200, and concession tickets from ₹2,300 to ₹2,900.

Visitor Tips:

• Take the ferry from Circular Quay for a scenic approach and stress-free arrival
• Book online to save money and secure preferred dates
• Allocate at least three hours to explore, more if you want to watch shows and enjoy all zones
• Use the official zoo app to check presentation times and navigate efficiently

Tips for Visiting Zoos in Sydney

Secure Your Tickets Early
Booking online in advance often costs less, guarantees your entry, and helps you avoid long queues, especially on weekends, public holidays, and peak school break periods.

Plan Your Day Strategically
Check the zoo map, daily show schedules, and feeding times beforehand to maximise your visit and ensure you don’t miss must-see exhibits or popular presentations.

Protect Yourself from the Sun
Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and a refillable water bottle as Sydney’s sun can be intense, even in cooler seasons or on breezy harbour-side afternoons.

Arrive Early for Shows and Talks
Keeper talks and animal presentations are highlights worth attending, so arrive a few minutes early to get the best views and enjoy the full experience.

Choose the Best Transport Option
Sydney Zoo offers free on-site parking for convenience, while Taronga Zoo is best accessed via ferry for scenic harbour views and a stress-free arrival.

Enhance Your Visit with Premium Experiences
Both zoos feature behind-the-scenes tours, interactive animal encounters, and seasonal events, offering personalised experiences and deeper connections with wildlife and conservation efforts.

Save with Passes and Memberships
Annual memberships, combination passes, and multi-visit tickets provide excellent value for regular visitors, with added benefits such as discounts and priority event access.