Which Animal Park or Zoo in Sydney is best for you?
Planning a visit to one of the zoos in Sydney but not sure which to choose? I get it – with three major zoos plus several wildlife parks, the choice isn’t obvious. After countless visits (and three annual passes!), I’ve learned the ins and outs of each one. Want to know where to get the best koala photos? Which zoo is actually worth the premium ticket price? Or which one lets you avoid the tourist crowds? I’ll help you pick the perfect zoo for your visit, whether you’re here for a once-in-a-lifetime trip or just looking for a fun family day out.
Let’s start with a rundown of each of the top Sydney zoos and two most popular wildlife parks before comparing their features in a handy table.
- Quick Picks – Which zoo is right for you?
- Comparison Table – Sydney’s Zoos and Wildlife Parks
- Taronga Zoo – Mosman
- Sydney Zoo – Bungarribee
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo – Darling Harbour
- Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
- Wildlife Parks in Sydney
- Featherdale Wildlife Park
- Deciding which zoo to visit in Sydney
- Zoos Beyond Sydney
- Other NSW Wildlife Parks
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Quick Picks – Which zoo is right for you?
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick list to help you choose the best zoo for your needs:
- International Visitors: Taronga Zoo – Combines iconic animals with harbour views
- Families with Young Kids: WILD LIFE Sydney – Compact, indoor, central location
- Mobility Needs: Sydney Zoo – Newest facility with flat, accessible paths
- Australian Wildlife: Featherdale – Most extensive native animal collection
- Family Day Out: Symbio – Animals plus splash park in bushland setting
- Limited Time: WILD LIFE Sydney – 2-hour experience in Darling Harbour
- Budget Conscious: Combo pass WILD LIFE Sydney with SEA LIFE Aquarium for best value
Comparison Table – Sydney’s Zoos and Wildlife Parks
Most cities have one zoo, but there are three in Sydney and another five animal parks. Add to that the various animal sanctuaries across NSW, and you have plenty of different places to meet animals.
| Zoo | Best for | Location | Cost (Adult) |
| Taronga Zoo | View and range of wildlife | Mosman | Buy from $53 |
| Sydney Zoo | Accessiblity & primates | Blacktown | Buy from $54.95 |
| Wildlife Zoo Sydney | Quick visits and rainy days | Darling Harbour | By from $38.40 |
| Featherdale | Australian bush experience | Doonside | Buy from $29 |
| Symbio Park | Fun day out | Helensburgh | Buy from $44 |
Accessibility Guide
All of Sydney’s zoos and wildlife parks do a reasonable job with accessibility and some excel.
- Taronga Zoo: 95% wheelchair accessible, steep terrain but elevators available. Every show is accessible. Manual wheelchairs free & powered scooters incur a fee. Bookings required for both.
- Sydney Zoo: Most accessible option, completely flat paths. Both manual wheelchairs and electric scooters available ($25 deposit)
- WILD LIFE Sydney: 100% accessible, flat terrain, indoor climate control. Manual wheelchairs available at no cost.
- Featherdale: Wide paths, some gravel areas. Limited wheelchairs available, advance booking essential.
For sensory needs Wild Life Sydney excels with quiet times and sensory maps available.
Ok now let’s take a closer look at each zoo. I have visited all of these many times and these are my opinions of each. I have also included up to date details for summer 24-25.
Taronga Zoo – Mosman
For over 100 years, Taronga Zoo has been welcoming visitors from its hilltop position overlooking Sydney Harbour. This zoo scores points for its stunning views, and if you plan your visit well, you can spend it walking downhill towards the view all day.
My thoughts: Having visited dozens of times over the years, I can say with confidence that Taronga offers one of Sydney’s best days out. Plan to spend at least 4 hours here to do it justice. The views alone are worth the trip, but the world-class animal exhibits and conservation programs make it truly special.
Travelling without kids? Don’t miss the native-inspired menu at Me-Gal restaurant, and consider combining your visit with one of the stunning harbour walks in the area.
What’s New at Taronga?
ARC – New Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre features 42 species across six climate zones, including ancient Tuatara, Veiled Chameleons and Eyelash Vipers. Visit early morning for most active reptiles.
NURA DIYA AUSTRALIA – ‘This Country’ a new 400-metre trail showcasing Australian wildlife through five landscapes: free-roaming kangaroos, eye-level koala viewing, dingo encounters, nocturnal animals, and Blue Mountains bushwalk experience.
Free Daily Activities
Download the Taronga Zoo App to plan your route through 15+ daily keeper talks across 28 hectares.
Best Viewing Times:
- Big Cats: 9-10am and 4-5pm
- Gorillas: 11:30am feeding
- Australian Walkabout: Before 11am
- Seal Show: 11:30am
- Bird Show: 3pm (best photos)
Local’s Tip: Start with 10am talks at entrance, working downhill to time each exhibit with its talk.
Accessibility
While Taronga sits on a steep hillside, don’t let that discourage you from visiting with mobility challenges. 95% of animal exhibits are wheelchair-viewable and all paths are paved with elevators and ramps connecting levels. Every show and shop is accessible.
Wheelchairs should be booked in advance for school holiday periods or weekends. Please note these must be returned to the top entry so include that in your plans. Download the Accessibility Map (PDF) to plan your route avoiding steep sections.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES (WORTH THE SPLURGE?)
- Wild Ropes Course ($25-$59): offers 45-120 minutes above the Australian Walkabout enclosure. Book 3pm for fewer people.
- Keeper for a Day ($190-$370): provides behind-the-scenes access to elephants and big cats
- Stay the night – For a special treat, consider staying at Taronga Zoo overnight. There are two options, a glamping experience or luxury Wildlife Retreat.
Taronga Zoo Tickets
Book tickets ahead for school holidays and weekends to avoid queues. Single and family options available.
Tip: Everyone gets FREE entry on your birthday (bring ID/proof of birth date)
Transport and ticket combos
- Fantasea Zoo Express: express service from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay
- Sydney Ferry + Zoo: every 30 mins from Circular Quay
- Captain Cook Cruises: includes hop-on-hop-off harbour pass + zoo entry
Tip: Everyone gets FREE entry on your birthday (bring ID/proof of birth date)
Local’s Tip: The Captain Cook Cruise combo ticket is a great option if you plan to visit other harbour destinations like Manly or Watson’s Bay on the same day or the next. Check out our guide to making the best use of this ticket if you plan to buy it.
Reserve your tickets now and pay later
Related: Check out the Taronga to Balmoral Walk
How to get to Taronga
- Ferry (Best option): 12-minute ride from Circular Quay every 30 mins. Walk or bus to main entrance.
- Bus: Route 100 from Wynyard via Military Road
- Driving: $22 parking, arrive before 10am on weekends/holidays. Limited street parking.
Verdict: Taronga is the best choice for visitors to Sydney not keen for a trek to the outer suburbs.
When: Open daily including Xmas Day 9am to 5pm
Buy a combined zoo and ferry ticket
Sydney Zoo – Bungarribee
Home to over 4,000 animals and the only combined zoo and aquarium in NSW, Sydney Zoo offers a unique experience just 40 minutes from the CBD. The zoo’s clever design features wide, flat pathways throughout, making it the most accessible zoo in Sydney.
My thoughts: While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Sydney Zoo as a must-see for international visitors (simply because there are excellent options closer to the city), it’s become a fantastic destination for families and anyone with mobility needs. The modern facilities, wide paths, and thoughtfully designed exhibits make it incredibly accessible, and the range of animals is impressive. The primate collection in particular stands out.
Keeper Talks
- 10:15 Aboriginal Cultural Talk (weekends)
- 10:30 Savannah and Orangutan
- 12:00 Big Cats (Lions: M/W/F, Tigers: Daily except Wed)
- 14:15 Penguins and Wild Dogs
- 14:45 Koalas and ElephantsPlus primate talks throughout day
Extra Activities:
- Camel feeding (small fee)
- Meet 13 baboons, 11 chimps, and Capuchin monkeys
Local’s Tip: Allow 5-10 minutes between talks – download map to plan route.
If you’re a primate fan, you will love Sydney Zoo. They have a fabulous collection, including 13 baboons and 11 chimps. They also have spider monkeys, orangutans and ten gorgeous “organ grinder” or Capuchin monkeys.
Tickets
Book online for best rates. Concessions: Students, Seniors, Healthcare cards and free for Companion Card holders.
Getting to Sydney Zoo
- By Car: 700 Great Western Highway, Eastern Creek (FREE parking)
- By Train & Bus: Take train to Blacktown Station, then: Route 729: Every 25-30 mins or Route 723: Every 15-30 mins weekdays (both from Stand E).
Accessibility
100% accessible with flat paths. Wheelchairs and scooters available. Read a full review of the accessibility of the site from Have Wheelchair Will Travel.
Verdict: Sydney Zoo is a great day out for families, particularly those in Western Sydney who no longer need to travel into the city for their animal fix. A great place to see a wide range of animals from around the world.
Book tickets to Sydney Zoo
Where: 700 Great Western Highway, BungarribeeI l Open: Daily 9am-5pm
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo – Darling Harbour
This indoor zoo in central Darling Harbour showcases Australian wildlife in an accessible, controlled environment.
My Thoughts: I’ll admit I once dismissed Wildlife Sydney Zoo as just another tourist attraction, but recent visits with my grandchildren have completely changed my perspective. It’s perfectly sized for young children and anyone wanting to focus on Australian wildlife. The intimate setting allows for close-up encounters, and the keeper talks are genuinely informative. Unlike larger zoos, you rarely feel overwhelmed by crowds here, making it ideal for a relaxed visit.
Highlights
The most popular areas here are:
- Kangaroo Walk-About with free-roaming residents
- Koala Rooftop viewing
- Devil’s Den featuring Tasmanian Devils
- Freshwater Crocodile Billabong
Free Keeper Talks
Throughout the day, keepers host informative talks and animal encounters. Start your morning meeting Ringo the wombat at 11am, then join the Kangaroo Island mob at their Walk-About.
In the afternoon, you can meet Kofi the Tree Kangaroo and Princess the Cassowary before finishing with the crocodile talk and a final koala session. Check times on arrival as schedules may vary.
Special experiences
The Breakfast with the Koalas experience is perfect for special occasions or anyone wanting a more intimate wildlife encounter. You’ll enjoy a buffet while watching the koalas at their most active time of day, followed by a keeper talk and photo session.
The early start means exclusive zoo access before regular opening hours. With sessions limited to 40 people, booking ahead is essential.
Book a Merlin attraction pass if you plan to visit Sydney Tower Eye and/or Madame Tussauds.
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
The zoo offers full accessibility with ramps throughout and supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. Visual assistance kits and service animals welcome. Visit early mornings to see active animals, or weekdays after 2pm for fewer crowds. Note that school holidays and wet weather bring more visitors.
Best Times to Visit
- Early mornings for most active animals however weekdays after 2pm are quieter.
- School holidays and wet weather days are usually busier
GETTING THERE
- Train: Wynyard (750m) or Town Hall (850m)
- Light Rail: Pyrmont Bay (850m)
- Bus: Multiple stops on Sussex, Erskine, and Clarence Streets
- Parking: Wilson Parking Darling Car Park (500m)
Verdict: Verdict: Perfect for time-limited visits and families with young children, offering a compact but comprehensive Australian wildlife experience.
Check availability
Where: 1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney I 10am-4pm daily
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Housing over 13,000 animals across 700 species, this Darling Harbour aquarium showcases Australia’s unique marine life. The world’s largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit outside Queensland is currently being renovated.
My thoughts: While Sea Life Sydney might not rank among the world’s top aquariums, it offers a solid marine experience in the heart of the city. The upcoming Great Barrier Reef renovation promises to improve the experience significantly. It’s particularly well-suited for families with young children and marine enthusiasts, and provides a perfect refuge on rainy days. The dugong exhibit remains a unique highlight you won’t find in many others.
Highlights
The Penguin Expedition offers the world’s first penguin ride experience (included with entry), while Dugong Island lets you meet Pig the dugong both above and below water. Visit during feeding times for the best activity, and try the Penguin Expedition early morning or late afternoon when it’s quietest.
Premium Experiences
For adventure seekers, the Shark Dive Experience offers cage-free swimming with sharks and giant stingrays. The Penguin Experience provides 75 minutes with King and Gentoo Penguins in their icy habitat.
Tickets
Book online a week ahead for best rates, and consider weekday visits for cheaper tickets.
Check availability here for Sea Life tickets
Save money with multi-attraction passes combining SEA LIFE with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Sydney Tower Eye.
GETTING THERE
Located next to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, making it easy to visit both in one day. Reach via Town Hall station (10-min walk), Convention light rail stop, or park at Wilson Parking Darling Car Park.
Tip: Combine with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo next door for a full day of animal encounters. These are ideal activities for rainy days in Sydney.
Check availablilty of combo tickets and make a booking
Wildlife Parks in Sydney
While Sydney’s major zoos showcase animals from around the world, the city’s wildlife parks offer something uniquely Australian. Nestled in the peaceful outer suburbs, these sanctuaries focus exclusively on native wildlife, providing more intimate encounters in natural bushland settings.
These parks often offer the best koala photo opportunities and closest contact with kangaroos in Sydney.
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Step across a timber bridge and into a uniquely Australian wildlife experience at Featherdale. Located in Western Sydney’s Doonside, this tranquil 7-acre sanctuary offers the world’s largest collection of native animals, just 40km from the CBD.
Unlike the busy city zoos, Featherdale provides an intimate bushland setting and curious marsupials investigate you as they wander the grounds.
My thoughts: There’s good reason why Featherdale is a popular stop on Blue Mountains tours – it offers the perfect introduction to Australian wildlife. While it’s worthy of a full day’s visit, you can still have meaningful encounters even on a shorter stop. The park’s rustic charm adds to its authenticity, making this time with the koala and kangaroo feel more natural than at larger zoos. This always feels like a happy old school family day out to me.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies in three walk-through areas ($4 per cup)
- Meet some of the park’s 50 koalas – Koala naptime is from 12-1pm and the viewing area is closed then.
- Wander the walk-in Lorikeet aviary
- Only place on Australia’s East Coast to meet quokkas
Even on busy days, the spacious layout means you’ll always find quiet spots to observe the animals. With koalas spread across six habitat areas, you’ll never have to wait in line for a view of these much loved favourites.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
The most popular experience at Featherdale is the Koala Kindy Encounter.
- Behind-the-scenes access to koala enclosures
- Help prepare eucalyptus for koalas
- Assist with conditioning training
- $150 first person, $100 second, photo package included
Local’s Tip: Book early morning sessions when koalas are most active
Other premium options
- Quokka Selfie Experience ($200): East Coast exclusive
- Wombat Encounter ($150): Meet the juvenile wombat
- Little Penguin Feeding Experience
- Zookeeper for the day – the program allows kids aged 5-11 years to spend the day accompanying keepers and education staff around the zoo and assisting with their routines.
Check availability here
When: 9am to 4pm, daily (8am-2pm Christmas Day)
Where: 217 Kildare Road, Doonside
Symbio Wildlife Park
Nestled in the picturesque suburb of Helensburgh, just south of Sydney, Symbio offers an intimate wildlife experience across 20 acres of landscaped gardens. What sets it apart is its combination of animal encounters and family-friendly facilities, including Sydney’s only wildlife park splash park.
My thoughts: Symbio is truly Sydney’s hidden wildlife gem. Recently renovated after bush fire damage, this beautiful park combines excellent animal exhibits with family-friendly amenities. The addition of the splash park has been a game-changer for families visiting in summer – my grandchildren could spend hours alternating between watching the animals and cooling off in the water play area.
Facilities
What sets Symbio apart is its extensive family-friendly facilities. The park features Sydney’s only wildlife park splash park, great for cooling off after a day of animal encounters. You can choose to dine at the café and kiosk, or bring your own picnic to enjoy in one of the many shaded areas throughout the grounds. The park also offers dedicated birthday party venues, making it a popular choice for celebrations.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Extensive koala encounters
- Large kangaroo walk-through area – Kangaroo feeding ($3 per bag or 3 for $5)
- Farmyard animal interactions
- Unique splash park for cooling off
- Reptile house with venomous snakes
- Red pandas, meerkats, and lemurs
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Koala Encounters ($125 adult, $60 child under 8)
- Multiple daily sessions
- Get cheek-to-cheek for photos
- 15-minute duration
- Maximum 6 people per session
Penguin Feeding Experience ($150, additional person $100)
- Hand feed Little Penguins
- 15-minute duration
- Maximum 2 people
- Minimum age 12 years
Local’s Tip: Pack swimmers and towels in summer – the splash park is a highlight for kids and a great way to extend your visit.
GETTING THERE
The park is located near Royal National Park
- By Car: 45 minutes from CBD
- By Public Transport: Take a T4 train to Helensburgh Station. From here you can join a 15 bus service directly to Symbio.
Local’s Tip: Combine with visits to Sea Cliff Bridge or Royal National Park. It’s also a good stop on an Illawarra or Southern Highlands getaway.
Verdict: Along with an impressive number of animals, Symbio has extensive picnic grounds and a new water play area that makes it easy to spend the whole day here!
When: 9.30am-5pm daily (except Christmas Day)
Where: 7-11 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Helensburgh
Deciding which zoo to visit in Sydney
These are the most common questions we get in our Facebook group.
Which of the zoos in Sydney has the most Australian animals?
Taronga Zoo has the biggest range of Australian animals; however, Featherdale or Symbio, which are smaller, can offer a more intimate experience with them.
Can I hold a koala in Sydney?
Short answer no. To prevent koalas from becoming stressed, no zoo or wildlife park in NSW is allowed to let you cuddle a koala. All of these zoos offer a chance to stand next to one for a photo.
Which is the best zoo for toddlers and younger kids?
Wildlife Sydney Zoo’s compact size makes it a brilliant choice for small children. You can complete your visit in a couple of hours, perfect for when they still need an afternoon nap!
If your focus is not Australian animals then Sydney Zoo is a great choice.
Zoos Beyond Sydney
If you are heading off to explore regional New South Wales, there are lots of very good animal parks to discover.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
The biggest zoo outside of Sydney is Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo. This award-winning zoo is one of the top attractions in regional NSW. We made the trip to Dubbo last September and finally got to check it out.
This safari-style zoo is best enjoyed on wheels, either renting a bicycle or an electric scooter and making your way around the 5km circuit.
They offer 10 free talks a day, so grab the schedule when you arrive and plan your day to include your favourites.
Commonly known as Dubbo Zoo, a long weekend trip to see the animals is a fun family getaway.
Standout experiences at Taronga Western Plains
Savannah Safari truck – Join a keeper and jump on the safari truck for a twenty-minute ride inside the enclosures. Get up close to the giraffe, zebra, rhinos and antelope.
Animal Encounters – Book a 40-minute encounter with a hippo, giraffe, or meerkat.
Accommodation for Dubbo Zoo
The zoo offers three accommodation styles, and if you are visiting the area especially for the zoo experience, it makes sense to stay here if you can manage it. Being onsite allows you after-hours access to the zoo and some special talks with the keepers.
Camping – Billabong Camp is located inside the zoo, a short distance from the Pride Lands. Everything you need is provided, and you get extra time with the animals, including an evening walk with the nocturnal Aussie wildlife. The next morning, you will take a walk before the zoo opens to see the Sumatran Tigers and Siamese Apes.
Glamping – Zoofari Lodge offers 10 luxury lodges with views of giraffes, zebras and rhinos or five Bushland Lodges located just seconds away in the surrounding bushland.
Savannah Cabins – These two bedrooms cabin are fully self-contained with a kitchen, living space and TV with Foxtel. There is a playground and plenty of space for families. You are located just outside the zoo perimeter.
There are also several Dubbo Caravan Parks within a few kilometres of the zoo. We stayed at Mid-State, which was a mid-priced, no-frills option. If you are travelling with kids, you would likely be happier at the NRMA.
Other NSW Wildlife Parks
If you are planning a regional holiday, there are at least a dozen other approved zoos and wildlife parks across the state.
Regional Wildlife Parks Worth Visiting
- Australian Reptile Park, Somersby: Famous for its spider and snake venom program, plus excellent hands-on reptile shows and native animal encounters.
- Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, Calga: Unique combination of Aboriginal cultural sites and native wildlife in a natural bush setting.
- Blackbutt Reserve, Newcastle: Free entry nature reserve with excellent wildlife exhibits – ideal for picnics and short walks.
- Hunter Valley Zoo: Intimate zoo experience with great exotic animal encounters – combine with a wine tour.
- Billabong Zoo, Port Macquarie: Known for its koala breeding program and snow leopards – surprisingly diverse for its size.
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital: Not just a hospital but an education centre where you can learn about koala conservation.
- Oakvale Wildlife Park: Family-friendly farm and wildlife park with great interactive experiences for kids.
- Mogo Wildlife Park: Home to Australia’s largest collection of exotic big cats, recently rebuilt after devastating bushfires.
- Altina Wildlife Park: Safari-style experience in the Riverina, featuring unique open-range exhibits.
- Potoroo Palace, Merimbula: Small but charming native wildlife sanctuary focused on conservation.
- Birdland Batemans Bay: Intimate bird park specializing in native parrots and rainforest species.
So which will you choose?
Remember that each location offers unique experiences, from Taronga’s harbour views to Featherdale’s intimate native animal encounters. Consider combining WILD LIFE Sydney with SEA LIFE for a full day of city-based wildlife viewing, or plan a day trip to outer Sydney for the more peaceful settings of Featherdale or Symbio Wildlife Park.
Got a question? Head over to our Sydney Expert Facebook Group and ask a local.
Main image credit Taronga Zoo: Destination NSW
