Set on the shores of Sydney Harbour in Mosman, Taronga Zoo Sydney is a 28-hectare public zoo managing over 5,000 animals across roughly 350 species. Derived from an Aboriginal word meaning 'beautiful view,' this historic conservation site opened in 1916 and combines sweeping harbor perspectives with immersive wildlife habitats. During your visit, you can explore distinct zoogeographic regions like the African Savannah, where giraffes, ostriches, and zebras share space, or step into Tiger Trek for an immersive Sumatran travel experience.
Discover native wildlife throughout the Nura Diya Australia precinct, home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and the Nightwing Nura Nocturnal House featuring bilbies, ghost bats, and a platypus named Matilda. You will also find marine species in the Great Southern Oceans and over 40 species inside the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre. Alongside animal habitats, the site features a zoo shop, cafe, information centre, and the Centenary Theatre showcasing conservation films.
Whether you are observing live presentations or taking in historic architecture like the 1915 Rustic Bridge, Taronga Zoo offers an engaging look into scientific conservation and animal care right on the harbor.
What to see at Taronga Zoo
- Explore Nura Diya Australia featuring koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies
- Experience the immersive Tiger Trek precinct and Sumatran tiger habitats
- See giraffes, ostriches, and zebras in the mixed-species African Savannah
- Discover nocturnal species inside Nightwing Nura, including bilbies and ghost bats
- Watch conservation films inside the 160-seat Centenary Theatre
Visiting tips
Plan your visit around seasonal opening hours, as the zoo closes at 4:30 p.m. between May and August, and 5:00 p.m. from September through April.
How long: Half to full day · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Taronga Zoo is easy to reach on Sydney’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Sydney travel guide.
See the full Sydney travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.