I love being a tourist in my own hometown and on my recent visit I learnt 7 important things that you should know before you visit Sydney Taronga Zoo.
1. Getting to Sydney Taronga Zoo
There are a lot of easy ways to get to Sydney Taronga Zoo like driving or catching a bus, but the BEST way to go is via the ferry from the Circular Quay wharf. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and pass by the Opera House during your 12 minute ride over to the Zoo. However, if you prefer to drive, you will have the luxury of all day parking for $19. They also have tips for those catching a bus on their website.
2. Purchase your Tickets Online
Due to the current COVID-19 safety restrictions, all visitors are required to purchase tickets online and attend the Zoo on their selected date only. Tickets will NOT be available for purchase at the gate. However, the bonus is that you get 10% off your ticket price for purchasing online. One of the downfalls is that the Sky Safari cable car is not operating at this time.
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3. Sydney Taronga Zoo is older than your Grandpa
Sydney Taronga Zoo officially opened just over 100 years ago on 7 October 1916. It wasn’t Sydney’s first zoo – a smaller zoo in Moore Park had been in operation since 1884 but couldn’t accommodate a vision to transform the zoo into a new ‘modern’ era. Eventually, 228 mammals, 552 birds and 64 reptiles were relocated from Moore Park to the harbourside site of the current zoo – many of which crossed the harbour aboard a flat top barge, including the elephants. What a sight.
If you look around, there’s still little nods to Sydney Taronga Zoo’s history, including the circa 1928 Floral Clock and plenty of Art Deco signage.
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4. The views across Sydney Harbour are incredible!
Sydney Taronga Zoo is set against a stunning backdrop of the Sydney Harbour. While enjoying the monkeys and gorillas, you’ll also enjoy the most breathtaking views across Sydney Harbour, with boats bobbing about in Sydney Cove, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House just standing there majestically in the background, and Sydney Tower piercing the city skyline in the distance.
I wonder if the giraffes realise that their lounge room has views that would break the real estate industry.
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5. Wear comfortable shoes
Sydney Taronga Zoo isn’t the place to wear your thongs and the amazing views come at a cost. A cost to your legs, knees and thighs.
If you’ve arrived by ferry, my recommendation is to catch the free Sky Safari cable car up to the top of the hill and walk criss-crossing your way down. Because of the current pandemic situation, so instead you can catch a ride to the top on a bus.
And be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat and extra layers in winter. The hillside location means the zoo is exposed to the most extreme of weather conditions, so best dress accordingly.
Not sure what to pack? See my Packing List for more tips!
6. The free Seal show is worth the line up
I totally appreciate that the shows and keeper talks attract crowds akin to New Year’s Eve, and the thought of battling these crowds is as appealing as being in the cross wind of someone’s sneeze. However, rest assured Taronga Zoo Sydney has made amazing changes to ensure you are socially distancing from other people while still being able to enjoy the show.
The seal show, in particular, is absolutely worth the long queue. You can’t help but smile for 15 minutes as you watch the seals play about, doing tricks or just being cheeky and refusing to do that backwards leap.
7. Sydney Taronga Zoo has a walking track with incredible views
Need to clock up 10,000 steps? Enjoy the city’s most sought after views while on a nature walk. The Taronga Zoo to Chowder Bay walk is around a 4km – 2 hour walk.
Get your phone ready for some impressive framed views of the harbour, and city skyline in all its postcard glory.
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Scroll down for my Photo Diary of my visit at Sydney Taronga Zoo
Follow me on Instagram @miastravelmemoirs to see my latest adventures!
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As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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