Fun things to do in North Sydney: 23 fun attractions and activities (2024)

Incredible spot overlooking the harbour. Booked in advance, scanned QR code on entry. Very easy and waiting time was not too long.Easily navigable zoo, with plenty of interesting enclosures. Lots of kids (as you would expect) but plenty of ways to avoid the crowds when you can. Not too hilly or difficult to get around.Food options very limited, but easy to go through the park in 2-3 hours, and hop on the ferry back to Circular Quay for other food options.

The over all experience was great. Beautiful ferry ride across the bay, amazing bird show and plenty to see. Put your walking shoes on because it's on a cliff. Lots of steep paths and steps. Great for exercise. Some of the larger animals have quite small enclosures Was the only downside.

Last visited 28 December 2022 so thought I'd share a review on here. Fabulous zoo!! Far better than any zoo's in NZ. Cost is only NZ$50 (or about AU$44) and that included the gondola. Return ferry to Circular Quay - public transport is dirt cheap (Opal) compared with NZ. Bird and Seal Show is wonderful. Though the seal show line is super long, we still managed to get a seat for the first time at the front. It'll be great if this zoo could order heaps of size L t-shirts for men and a variety especially for the summer holidays. Good thing we visited before they closed the gondola for renovations. Weather was beautiful. A day trip well worth it. We'll be back in Syd end of this year (late December) for a solid 2 weeks. With plans to visit the Gold Coast for the 1st time, end of next year (end of 2024)... AL from New Zealand.

A great space designed for kids and adults both to see animals. The slopes are quite steep so recommend to reach the top and walk down the slope. It's little tricky for older people who have limited walking ease. The bird and seal shows are really great and love the way they are delivered. It does have 2 ways to see the zoo and one should decide which path to follow.

What a fantastic place to visit! We visited Taronga Zoo for the first time on a holiday to Sydney for our toddler's birthday, and we all had an amazing day. We took the direct ferry from Circular Keys and got there early and, despite being school holidays, it didn't feel too busy within the zoo.The views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are spectacular.The enclosures all appeared well maintained and there are lots of encounters and interactions available to purchase. We bought tickets for the giraffe feeding which was fun!There was quite a bit of construction going on to improve the park but it didn't affect us.We spent over 4 hours there but could have easily spent longer if our daughter wasn't tired out.We'll definitely go back again!

Definitely 5 stars!!! Amazing zoo with huge amount of animals, who looks very happy and healthy, clean fur and playful animals.We saw koalas, giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers , penguins and many more spices. Large area , and on a hill. A lot of walking. Takes a full day to explore and enjoy in full.We got there by ferry as well as returned back to a circle quay in 10 min each way. That was very convenient, as well as we were able to see Harbor , Bridge and architectural side of Sydney from a water side.Highly recommend to visit, especially if you are visiting with kids!!!

A lovely zoo with amazing Sydney city & harbour views. Can be accessed by bus, car & ferry & we went ferry both ways (short trip from Circular Quay). Buses available from ferry up hill to main entry. There is also an entry at bottom near ferry.Lots of animals including Australian- opportunity for koala photos & walking amongst kangaroos & emus.Sadly chairlift not working, with other issues with up escalators & also 1 lift. Meant additional walking.Food is very average in food court - $40 for a couple of chicken meals & an ice-cream. Could buy drinks incl alcohol.Various ticket options - cheaper to buy online. Cashless zoo now.Always worth a visit.

I loved this zoo. It is so well set out. The animals appear to be happy and content and in good condition. It's set on a hill but has lifts and escalators to help those of us who are aging or not so fit ! Good toilets and food outlets and a lovely well stocked reasonably priced shop. Easy to get to by the local ferries.

Love love love this place!!!! Love all the animals and staff around here is so friendly and knowledgeable! They are happy to answer any questions and you can tell that they love all the animals and love talking about them! It is always jam packed most of the days so be prepared to see loads of crowd. Love the seal show and free flight bird show! Definitely recommend visiting Taronga Zoo when visiting Sydney. There is a wharf so you can use ferry ride to arrive or depart. Load of walking involved but definitely worth it!! :)

One of the best zoo's we visited. It was very well preserved. We were able to see all the Australian animals we wanted to see and had a great day. We spent more than 4 hours inside the park and it felt very short despite how big it is. It is very well located, taking bus 100 takes you directly. Highly recommended.

This is one of the best zoos we have ever been too based on uniqueness.Since it is July it was super chilly and windy, especially in the shade. The animals were super active in some units and super dormant in others. We felt as though they had adequate space to roam but they weren't the biggest exhibits we have seen like in the US.The giraffes, lions, and chimps were the most active and crazy to see. Overall beautiful and a great experience.The ferry over to the zoo is its own experience and very quick and fun. Definitely worth it for the views. The animals are also worth the admission!Save money by purchasing tickets online in advance. They have great gift shops and restrooms wherever you need.

An amazing day spent with my 3 teenage girls around the park.During Covid times, we are encouraged to book tickets online. We used Dine & discover voucher to enter. The parking was a flat rate. Using a car is cheaper when you are a group of more than 4.The park is for all ages.. The seal show was amazing and very informative..It took us around 4 hours to go all around. It is good to go as early as 10 and take 6 hours not to rush..I think it is a great zoo with a great team of workers spread all over the place to make the visit memorable.It is important to wear comfortable shoes due to the amount of walking to be done.

One of the best zoo’s I’ve visited over the years! The timing of our trip was perfect! When a koala bear sleeps 20 hours a day, how lucky can you get when you can see the Koala climbing the tree.I’m additional, all of the animals were lively and actively moving around in their environment.The animal exhibits were very close, making it easier to see the animals.If you make the trip, take the bus to the zoo and return back to the city via ferry for the scenic views of the bridge and opera house.

Visited in the rain, so some of the animals used to warmer environments seemed quite unhappy. The seal show was very impressive, and the animals seem to have very good care taken of them in this zoo. The experience was well priced, including travelling to the zoo from the city via ferry.

A great day at the zoo: huge diversity of animals, clean and ethical enclosures, informative shows and keeper talks, and gorgeous views of the harbour and city.However, a word of warning, while it is technically accessible, the hills/stairs can get pretty steep.Discount when buying tickets online, and you can just head to the gate with the QR code.

Be aware the zoo might be a bit larger than you think and the experience might get a little bit overwhelming....and there's A LOT of children. 😁Apart from that, I got a very natural feeling here, tasteful enclosures, some animals even weren't asleep during my visit.Nothing to think about, go there, enjoy, a must visit while in Sydney.Such a shame the Sky safari is no longer available thought.

Amazing Zoo and fantastic staff! We did the Koala and Dingo Encounters, and I can't recommend enough! Throughout the park, you get up close to so many animals, several walking in your path or even hanging out right above you. And the views of the Harbor aren't too bad either.

Awesome views from the Zoo of Sydney Harbour & Bridge. Taronga Zoo has awesome up close enclosures to view all the animals as well. It's really easy to get to by the Ferry. Had an awesome day. Do yourself a favour & visit. The views across the harbour to the city are worth it on their own & the animals are a bonus 😀 Just do it!! P.S. Buy your tickets online & save yourself a few bucks. Enjoy

Had an absolutely wonderful time visiting this zoo. We arrived at opening hours and was treated to a quiet zoo, animals where out and about and not bothered by busy crowds. It was great to watch the sea lion show as well as many others. Fantastic view of Sydney harbour on a clear day. Definitely a great day out.

I recently visited this zoo and was highly impressed. The animals are well cared for in spacious, natural habitats. The zoo's conservation programs are outstanding, focusing on protecting endangered species and educating visitors about wildlife preservation.The entire experience was enjoyable, with beautiful views and a well-organized layout. It's a fantastic place for anyone interested in nature and animal welfare. Highly recommended!

A great day out for young and old, singles or groups. So many animals to see and enclosures offer great viewing opportunities. Staff were all friendly and helpful. The views of Sydney are spectacular too. So lucky to have this on offer so close to the heart of Sydney. Highly recommend a day out here!

We went for the view of Sydney and that didn’t disappoint. Ferry trip was lovely, quick and cheap. There was a huge queue for the gondola ride so we got the bus. Which was full and not Covid friendly!I had been to the zoo in the late 80s when a relative of mine worked there. Not much has changed. Except it’s. wry expensive to get it. $51 to be exact. And the prices for coffee and snacks were steep.It did look a bit tired and in need of some dollars spent on upgrades. I live in Adelaide and apart from the view our zoo is faring better.However it was a pleasant day and we got our steps up and the view is beautiful.

Well-designed and lovely zoo. The Wildlife Retreat is where we stayed, so getting to the zoo was simple. Amazing displays. Big zoo, but not overpowering like some can be. Cashless. Numerous displays of Australian animals may be located all across the zoo. They have amazing viewing spots that let you get close-up and personal. From Circular Quay, using the ferry and bus is simple.

Wonderful experience at the Wildlife Retreat. Staff were great and overall running was smooth and they provided extra touches that made it feel so special for my boyfriend and I who were there to celebrate his birthday. The guided tours were informative and getting to see the animals close up was pretty cool (for a non-animal lover myself).Buffet breakfast was my personal highlight - quality of food and serve was great with views to match. Plus having access to the zoo on the from the day you check in to the day you check out is a great bonus.Highly recommend if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion.

First time at Taronga Zoo and I am impressed by it’s great variety of attractions. Plenty of kids friendly trails and activities so it will be perfect for families to visit. There are also a few areas under construction at the moment since they are relocating some of the exhibits.It took us around 4-5 hours to walk through the entire zoo which is a decent size considering it being so close to city. Make sure to allocate time to catch some of the animal talks/shows or their feeding time. It wasn’t too busy even for a weekend. Parking was easy to find ($22 flat rate) and close to no line up for entry.

More than a simple zoo. Elegant, well designed with color identification of the trails to follow. Varied fauna and flora integrated into very beautiful settings. It even has an area with marine animals typical of the area. Many activities for the little ones and numerous support services. Easy to access from central Sydney by bus or ferry. Highly recommended. One morning or one afternoon are needed, at least, for sure.

Spent the afternoon casually strolling through the Taronga Zoo. It’s an easy ferry ride away from Circular Quay making it a good way to burn up time on vacation in Sydney.Clean, well maintained, and laid out with an easy walking flow from one themed area to another. I never felt like I was being rushed or missing anything.My favorite aspects were the walk through aviaries that let you get up close to many of the birds in residence and the focus on the welfare of the animals in their charge.Unlike any zoo I’ve been too before, Taronga Zoo has preserved some of their oldest building, defunct buildings as educational exhibits of how zoos kept animals in the past and how it different it is today.

Huge and fun place for kids and kids at heart. love that there are many animals to see and a lot of resting areas too. The structure of the zoo where you have to go up and downhill made it a little bit more challenging for older people to go around but still fun though. it a very nice view of the harbour bridge and the ferry ride made it even more exciting for guests from other states and overseas too.

No wait if you buy the tickets in advance.Free parking if you try to find one just a couple of meters away on the street.Great location and wonderful experience.They stopped cable car unfortunately last year on Tuesday 31 January 2023 but they are planning to return in next year 2025- which means bit of uphill walk for now.Lots and varieties of Animals. Loved seeing Giraffes and Zebras, Lions, Chimpanzees, Tigers. NRMA members gets discounted tickets purchased online- Two benefits, no wait in the queue and you pay less.Overall you need at-least 3 hours and around 3.5-4 hours if you have babies / kids.If its very hot summer, chances are few animals might take shelter and you may or may not see them at all. so, weather is very important. Best thing is, Taronga Zoo is open 365 days of the year. Family-friendly and kids love it. Pram and wheelchair friendly. at certain places, they also have lifts.

The Taronga zoo I one of the best zoo in the world I have ever been too. You have to take a fairy ride from Sydney to get to the zoo. I highly recommend buying a ticket ahead of time the zoo you could be there all day. There’s so many things to look at. You can also buy a ticket ($12) to get up close and personal with the koala bears and that is a must. It’s like the zoo is on its own island and has a great view looking back at Sydney.

Animal experience was goodFood courts were super crowds but they had few vegetarian options which is good.Ticketing experience was not so good- only family price was 105 but they were giving it for 118. And when I asked for entertainment book offer then she used the individual ticket price rather than the family price.

Taronga Zoo is an absolute gem! From the moment you step in, it's clear that this place is all about fun, education, and conservation. The breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour is just the beginning.The animal exhibits are top-notch, showcasing a wide variety of species from all around the world. The zoo's commitment to conservation is truly inspiring. They have numerous programs and initiatives that help protect wildlife globally, and it's heartwarming to see a place so dedicated to making a difference. Plus, the food options were surprisingly good, with plenty of choices to keep everyone happy.Whether you're a local or a visitor, Taronga Zoo is a must-visit. It's a perfect day out for families, animal lovers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature. Can't wait to go back and explore more!

Awesome zoo. It was well maintained, and the viewing areas were thoughtfully designed (they put the animal foods near the mirror so that the animal would eat nearby). There were combinations of open area and mirror views. The animals looked healthy, too. Toilets everywhere and clean. Staff were friendly, polite, and attentive. It is easily accessible via bus and ferry.

A large sprawling zoo, built on a coastal hillside. Excellent variety of animals, lots of walking involved (start at the top/main entrance rather than the ferry entrance and work your way down if you tire easily). The walk through aviaries were particularly immersive. Keeper talks are available, included in the admission fee, some feeding times are advised, others can be chanced upon. Fantastic example of a non for profit zoo.

Was more than a little disappointed at a number of exhibits at the zoo today. Having not been in a few years I was please to see it was clean and had many changes.No skyway chair lift. Closed with a promise of a future replacement. Surely that could have been better planned.Koala exhibit. How many million was spent on that. And all to see ONE single solitary koala. Not that it was really visible. But 1 koala.Tiger exhibit. A few million more spent there no doubt. And again a long trek with the promise of tigers. Yep ONE tiger again. 🐅I guess it beats all those enclosures where no animals could be seen.The bird talk was almost as great as I remember. But sadly the best thing I saw at the zoo were the views of Sydney. It's great but not what the zoo is all about.Add to that toilets that were the second worst I have encountered (second only to a highway rest area near shanghai). And this applies to the toilets near the entrance and the elevators. Come On Taronga!!There's great potential but it just missed the mark.

Very interesting zoo with many activities and shows. Am happy to be able to snap photos of koala. Love the view of the background with Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Do not miss the bird show.

The best place to experience Australia's fauna if you are in Sydney. Check the times of seal and bird watching shows so you can plan accordingly. 4 hours were enough for me to check most of the animals, including 15 mins of observing a kangaroo itch herself. There are 2 spots each to watch koalas and kangaroos. Very satisfied with the experience overall.

This is a really cool place to watch the sunset in Sydney.. very well maintained zoo and very near city, less than 15 minutes ferry from Circular Quay.Had a great time to spend 5 hours here. Amazing skyline sunset view from the giraffes and the birds show.

Best place spend with kids, be early in the morning to watch maximum shows in the zoo. Seal show, bird show must watch. Carry food, the quality of food is average inside the zoo. Cap and sun glass to protect from sun. Rain forest walk will be joyful as well.

Great Sydney day out. Zoo is well kept staff are informative. Good selection of food. Buy tickets online in advance, even on the morning of the trip, you will save a minimum of 10%. Then donate the savings to the Zoo, and choose an animal of your choice. Everyone wins.

If are residing in Sydney, please get the Zoo Friends card! Super valuable! Lucky we are one of the zoo friends!1) More than 3 hours needed to explore the whole place - we spent 3 hours here (slow-intermediate pace) , but unable to explore the place enough2) sea lion n bird flight performances : 💯 must-see3) if u are zoo friends, there will be reciprocal entrance to other zoos! Totally worth it!

Buy your tickets online which gives a generous discount and makes entering the park a whole lot simpler. Avoid queueing which I started to do right after a couple of buses of tourists arrived. I jumped online, bought tickets which downloaded straight away, moved out of the queue and straight into the park.Excellent facility which promotes itself as non profit. Despite the apparent trend to move away from traditional zoos for the sake of animal welfare, without properly managed facilities we are at risk of losing animals (because of you know, us humans). So these places I guess are necessary.The park is kept incredibly clean and staff pop up in different places offering wee nuggets of information without being in your face.I would say the food was a little better than I expected even though the prices were exactly what I expected!The layout of the zoo needs to be considered for people who are less mobile. It's quite steep which can take a toll if you are there all day. A very cool app can be downloaded that helps find your way around the park. The paths are extremely well maintained but it takes effort to navigate the area. The design also considers stroller/mobility device users.Outstanding views across the harbour that showcases Sydney and its world class beauty.

Had a great experience at Taronga Zoo with our little one. Located in a beautiful location and home to a wide range of animals. We were able to complete most but not all animal encounters.The bird show and seal show are a must see as the kids really enjoyed it. You can plan for an entire day and add the encounters and shows that you would like to visit on their app. Maps are also provided.There are a few cafes spread out within the zoo for quick bites and ice-creams.It’s a must visit with kids of all ages.

We spent about 2hrs here walking round most if not all of the animals. There are plenty of trees and seats around the park which great because it was 25 degrees and very sunny.Instead of getting the bus we made the 4 minute walk up the hill to the south entrance. There are steps and then escalators to the right.The cost to enter is about AU$50 which is not cheap but there is a lot to see. If you have kids be sure to go to the petting zoo to see the Alpacas and the goats.

We had an amazing experience at this zoo in Sydney, which we consider the best ever. The variety of animals is impressive. The koala area is a must-see, and the well-designed layout offers different sections for animal viewing, along with beautiful skyline views of the city. It's highly recommended, especially for families with kids. We spent six hours exploring everything, including fantastic bird and seal shows, and the zoo also provides stunning views of Sydney Harbour. On-site parking is plentiful, and the spacious, modern animal enclosures are in excellent condition. A must-visit for anyone in Sydney for a few days.

Great day experience! They have 2 shows: a seal show and a bird show that are well worth watching (for all ages), and plenty of other things to see before and after! Our group was there from zoo open (9:30) to close (~4pm).Wheelchair/stroller access is available throughout the park, but sometimes, finding it was a bit tough. The keepers there were very helpful and provided a map of the suggested wheelchair/stroller routes to take. The museum is on a hillside, so they recommended viewing exibits from the top down!

Truly wonderful experience! The place is absolutely MASSIVE and I'd definitely suggest wearing runners for the amount of walking that's required. The paths are quite large and easily accessible for prams or wheelchairs. There's ramps etc for accessibility as well. The animals were of course beautiful and being at the Zoo until close meant we got to see the harbour at sunset as we caught the Ferry back to Circular Quay. 10/10, definitely do it again!

Taronga Zoo Sydney offers a captivating wildlife experience with stunning views of the harbor. The well-maintained exhibits showcase a diverse range of animals, from iconic Australian species to exotic creatures. The zoo's commitment to conservation and education is evident, making it an enriching visit for all ages. The Sky Safari cable car enhances the experience, providing breathtaking panoramas. Educational talks and close-up encounters with animals add value, fostering a deeper connection to wildlife. The layout is well-planned, offering a seamless journey through different ecosystems. However, ticket prices are relatively high. Overall, Taronga Zoo Sydney is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive and educational adventure.

First time to come here.Come with my kids, this is a great place to see so many animals.Kids must be so happy to be here.The zoo is so big. We can walk around the whole area to see so many kind of animals.I suggest to buy tickets in advance through their official website to get discount.

When we were planning our trip, I didn't expect we could spend 6 hours here. It was truly a fascinating experience. It made me very happy that the animals did not live too close to their natural habitats. I saw tigers, koalas, red panda and penguins for the first time in my life. It was a great opportunity to sell souvenirs and have dining areas inside. When you come here, take into account the possibility of taking a lot of photos and take your powerbank with you. Don't forget your sunglasses, hat, water bottle and sneakers.

Best zoo I have ever been to.It's not good if you have trouble walking as it's all uphill and a lot of stairs. Definitely got my cardio up that day. But the enclosures were so well kept and really well designed. Really great day for the family.

It was my first visit in the last 10 years. Absolutely a great zoo with amazing skyline of Sydney.The animals looked healthy and a great place for anyone either kids or adults.Loved the concept of rainforest walk with birds, so that birds are not in small cages.It was nice to see giraffe, elephant, lion and much more.The staff were super friendly and helpful.There are maps at many different spots for those who get lost like me.Good food at cafe.The shelter areas were best since we also took some food from to have it at the park.I would definitely recommend this zoo and visit again sometime in the future.

Just a short boat trip from circular quay and you arrive at taronga zoo. You can then get on a bus which gets you up to the entrance of this amazing place. It definitely lives up to its name. Really well looked after park and all the animals look very well cared for. Our favourite shows were the bird show and the seal show. Definitely well worth it! Thank you for an awesome day out

A perfect way to spend a few hours in Sydney! Great animal displays. The giraffe's are incredibly picturesque with the background! There are several places to eat, easy to walk everywhere. Lions, koala, red pandas and gorilla’s were the highlights! Even if you don’t love animals this is a really relaxing few hours