Best Sydney Zoos & Aquariums: Step into Wildlife
How does spending time with cute koalas sound?
Well, you're in luck.
There's a holiday destination that promises joy for animal-loving families, and we have just the right bucket list for you - the best Sydney zoos, wildlife parks, and aquariums!
Make sure you don't skip any of these because each has something unique to offer.
And don't worry; they're all very close, in and around Sydney.
Here are the 7 best zoos and aquariums in Sydney for the whole family to enjoy:
Featherdale Wildlife Park
If the mention of koalas makes your heart melt, then you’ve got to check out Featherdale Wildlife Park—one of Sydney’s best zoos (and also a superb day trip idea from the CBD).
This charming 8-acre park has the largest koala population in NSW, along with over 2,000 native Australian animals from more than 200 species.
Your kids will love getting the chance to pet some of these adorable critters and even feed some of them, like kangaroos and wallabies.
And don’t miss the free educational presentations happening all day, where you can “meet” dingoes, wombats, bilbies, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, reptiles, and stunning birds.
Address: 217 Kildare Rd, Doonside NSW 2767, Australia (map)
How to reach:
Take the T1 Western Line on train.
Get down at Blacktown station.
From here, take bus 729.
Get down at Featherdale Wildlife Park stop.
The zoo is a short walk from the bus stop.
Timings: Open daily (excluding Christmas), 8am to 5pm
Ticket/adult: AUD36 onwards
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Your wildest adventure…right in the heart of Sydney!
The convenient location of this zoo makes it easily accessible from all popular spots in the city.
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is home to several exotic, endangered animals, including the favourite of kids, the Tasmanian Devil duo of Bub and Topsy.
Heart-melting moments are also unending at Gum Tree Valley, where you'll see adorable koalas play and chomp on eucalyptus leaves!
Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia (map)
How to reach
Train:
It's a short walk from Wynyard Station or Town Hall Station.
Walk towards King Street from Wynyard or Market Street from Town Hall.
Walk down the hill towards Darling Harbour.
Bus:
Get on any bus that stops near Market Street or King Street.
Walk to Darling Harbour.
Light Rail:
Exit from either the Convention Centre or Pyrmont Bay stations.
Timings: Open daily, 10am to 4pm
Ticket/adult: AUD38 onwards
Golden Ridge Animal Farm
In this unique animal farm, you interact with animals like nowhere else.
Giving a taste of raw, untainted country life, Golden Ridge allows you a hands-on experience (of course, with a trained guide around), wherein you and your little ones can hold, pet and feed barn animals and birds, milk cows, ride a pony, run and play with goats…the list goes on!
Address: 686 Old Northern Rd, Dural NSW 2158, Australia (map)
How to reach:
Take the City Circle via the Museum T2 line.
Get down at Wynyard.
Take bus 642X
Get down at Old Northern Rd.
Take bus 647.
Get down at Dural Post Office.
Walk towards Wyoming Rd. via Galston Rd.
Timings:Mon-Fri, 10am to 2pmSat-Sun, 10:30am to 2:30pm
Ticket/adult: AUD25
Note: Pre-booking online is a must at Golden Ridge Animal Farm
Sydney Zoo
Majestic giraffes, Sumatran tigers, goofy penguins, exotic reptiles, and swinging orangutans are just some furry friends waiting for you here.
This epic family adventure leaves you wanting more.
And, if your energy drains out halfway through, the zoo has cafes and kiosks for you to refuel.
Address: 700 Great Western Hwy, Bungarribee NSW 2767, Australia (map)
How to reach
Bus:
729 goes to Sydney Zoo every 25-30 minutes from Blacktown and Mount Druitt train Stations.
723 goes from the same station on weekdays only.
Timings: Open Daily, 9am to 5pm
Ticket/adult: AUD44.99 onwards
Taronga Zoo
Are you prepared to embark on an amazing journey into the heart of Africa's Savannah and get a close look at the lion king?
Or, venture on the Tiger Trek to catch a precious sight of the endangered Sumatran tigers? Taronga Zoo is your place.
Apart from the mighty cats, you'll also meet happy elephants, cute meerkats, wobbly penguins, and other wild beings.
Finally, don't miss the keepers' talks about the zoo's animal conservation initiatives.
Pro tip: Add a scenic ferry cruise to your zoo tickets for fabulous views and better convenience.
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia (map)
How to reach
Train: From the Circular Quay station, take the ferry to the zoo.
Bus:
100 (Mosman to City) operates to Taronga Zoo stop from Queen Victoria Building.
238 operates from Balmoral Beach (Taronga Zoo's main entrance) and the Taronga ferry wharf.
Timings: Open daily, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Ticket/adult: AUD51
Mogo Wildlife Park
Did you know you could find a little Madagascar in Australia?
Well, it's right here in Mogo.
Some of the world's most exquisite creatures call this their home. Rhinos, zebras, and giraffes roam freely in the breathtaking Savannah Plains, making it seem like a page from a wildlife magazine!
Remember to click some fab pics and let your Instagram feed be the object of envy.
Address: 222 Tomakin Rd, Mogo NSW 2536, Australia (map)
How to reach: Hire a car/Drive:
FROM SOUTH
Take the Princes Highway 15km north from Moruya.
On reaching Mogo, head to Tomakin Road.
FROM NORTH
Take the Princes Highway 10km south from Batemans Bay.
.On reaching Mogo, head to Tomakin Road.
Timings: Open daily, 9am to 4pm
Ticket/adult: AUD35
Sea Life Aquarium
The underwater world is mesmerising. You'll see what we mean at the Sea Life Aquarium, which transports you deep into nine zones to witness over 300 exotic species of sea creatures - the largest collection of Australian aquatic life.
As you go through 100m of amazing tunnels, you see over 4,000 marine creatures, including a dugong, sharks, and sub-Atlantic penguins.
And believe it or not, this is in the heart of Sydney!
Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia (map)
How to reach
Train:
Walk from Town Hall or Wynyard stations towards Darling Harbour.
Bus:
Take any bus that stops at Market Street or King Street.
Walk downhill to Darling Harbour.
Timings: Open daily, 10am to 4pm
Ticket/adult: AU40
(BONUS) Into the Wild…and Beyond
You'll be amazed at how much more there is to this wildlife adventure than visiting the best Sydney zoos! Let's dig deeper, shall we?
Listen Up, Wine Lovers!
Driving through Australia’s oldest national park, to the south of Sydney, along the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive; followed by hiking via farms and forests of the stunning Southern Highlands.
Dreamy? Well, add some great wine to it. Because, on the same tour, you also go wine tasting at Centennial Vineyards - an award-winning boutique winery - where experts let you taste and explore some of their bests.
You may also buy some to take back home with you.
Hello, Whales!
Aquariums are great but can they beat the thrill of witnessing majestic sea creatures up close and personal? In Sydney, a dedicated tour lets you!
You hop on a catamaran and enjoy mind-blowing tail slapping, even some winks, and other adorable antics by the whales while cruising past stunning views of Sydney Harbour, Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
You can also witness the migration of humpback whales!
Note: You have the option of adding a visit to Taronga Zoo when you book.
Visit A Pearl Farm
It can't get any more exotic! Explore Broken Bay Pearl Farm (NSW's only pearl farm), and know the evolution of Australian pearls right at their birthplace.
This tour lets you witness pearl grading sessions inside a restricted-access space. You can learn about the journey of Akoya pearl farming to the farming and grading techniques used today.
The tour also allows you to observe the creation of pearl jewellery, from scratch.
Collect Unforgettable Moments at the Best Sydney Zoos
We don't doubt that visiting the best of Sydney zoos will be one of the most memorable trips for your whole family. A holiday that has lots of tete-a-tetes with pure nature and loads of quality family time, can't possibly go wrong, can it? Oh, and do we add the extra brownie points you'll get from the kids?
Commonly Asked Questions
How close am I allowed to get to the koalas in the park?
You can pet them (but not hold them) with a trained guide present.
Can I arrange a family picnic in these parks or zoos?
Some parks do permit picnics. It's advisable to check with them in advance.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, certain areas in zoos/parks may have age restrictions for safety reasons. It is advisable to check with the zoo for specific details.
Is it necessary to book tickets online?
It's not mandatory but highly recommended, as zoos can become very crowded.