Our Tips for Visiting Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is one of Sydney’s biggest tourist attractions, and it can be overwhelming on your first trip. We’ve spent a year visiting Taronga Zoo with our season passes so here’s our strategy for getting most out of your zoo trip.

Now that it is time for the renewal of our season passes, we reflected on our zoo visits over the past 365 days. We love the flexibility and low-pressure of the season pass, especially when traveling with a baby. When CZ isn’t into morning stroller naps, we can be home in time for afternoon nap, without feeling like we wasted a full admission for half the day. It also helps us experience more of Sydney on our trips, from the ferry ride to the food. We’ve compiled our findings to help you maximise your zoo day from start to finish.

Our Tips for Taronga – Getting there

1. Strategic ferry seating – JZ loves to be strategic in seat selection about everything, but he especially loves it on public transit. The line for the Sky Safari can get quite long so during peak season so we optimise for exiting first on the way over. For all but one of our rides, the ferry has docked at the left side (facing the wharf) at Taronga, and we follow this general strategy. For the ride to the zoo, our optimal seats are on the bottom level, starboard (right side), near the exit. This way we can see stunning Opera House views through the window, and when we exit, we are towards the front of the line for the Sky Safari. Then on the return trip, enjoy the outdoors from the top deck. If you sit on the starboard side of the ferry, you will have a nice view of the Harbour Bridge, and port-side (left) offers views of the Opera House.

2. Decide on must-see animals beforehand – Seeing all of the animals and exhibits in one day might be more exhausting than fun on the 28 hectare property. Instead, take a look at the zoo website and pick a few key attractions to plan your day around. The zoo has a great selection of Australian animals that foreigners (ourselves included) might not get to see elsewhere. Attending a zoo keeper talk is a great way to guarantee that your favorite animals will be awake when you see them, as they are usually fed during this time. We have also learned a lot from the keeper talks and the interactive guides in the enclosures. Our favourites include: the Bird show, Tasmanian Devil talk, Pat a Pet feeding, Wetland Aviary and Koala Talk.

While at the Zoo…

3. Go to the Bird Show– I know, the Seal Show is supposed to be the headliner, but seriously, go to the Bird Show. I have seen half a dozen seal/dolphin/whale shows in my life, and Taronga’s is average, especially if you’ve been to SeaWorld… However, we enjoy watching the Bird Show each time we visit, and still are amazed by the variety and skills of the animals.

Tip: If you want to be part of the show, keep a gold coin in your pocket and sit near the back of the amphitheater. The keeper will usually ask for a volunteer and a bird will take the coin out of your hand!

4. Beware of the hills – The zoo is situated on a rather steep harbour-side hill. We recommend taking the Sky Safari from the ferry when you arrive, and walking downhill back towards the wharf. If you park, start at the carpark and work your way downhill, then take the Sky Safari back to the main plaza.

While it is much easier to navigate the zoo without a pram because of the stairs and escalators, in the long run we are more comfortable with a pram for storage and to save our backs! If you forget your stroller, there is stroller rental available at the Zoo Shop in the upper plaza.  Get there early, as they do run out on weekends and holidays.

5. Sun protection – Sun protection is part of Australian life because of the high UV levels, and you can really feel the intensity of the sun when outside without shade. The zoo paths and certain parts of the amphitheaters are not shaded, so wear a hat, and reapply sun sunscreen. If it gets too hot, duck into the Wombat Burrow (by the farmyard)  and enjoy some aircon.

Good to Know

6. Make time to play – After lunch, take a little break from the animals and play in the incredible jungle gym or wading pool. I am excited when Cecilia is old enough to start exploring the Lemur forest, because it looks so fun!

7. Bathrooms – Taronga has one really nice parents room behind the Taronga food market. It is equipped with several change tables, toddler area with toys, and lower toilets. We try to use this restroom whenever possible because it’s just much more convenient than the handicap accessible ones that are available in other locations.

8. Buy a season pass – If you are local, it is totally worth the money to get a season pass for the zoo. I think it makes our visits much less stressful because we can easily come back. 2016 is the zoo’s centenary, so we have high hopes for lots of special events this season!

Visiting Taronga Zoo – Money saving tips:

• Bring a picnic lunch – There are several awesome picnic spots with tables, grassy lawns, and stellar city views throughout the park. We pick up delicious sandwiches from Playfair in the Rocks before heading over on the ferry. We also always bring our own water bottles to fill up at various spigots throughout the zoo.
• Take the ferry on Sunday with an Opal card to take advantage of the $2.50 cap, and cut down your transport/parking costs.
• Register for $1 entry on your birthday.