9 Must-See Sydney Zoos and Wildlife Experiences

Delight in the world’s most captivating critters at a Sydney zoo or wildlife park.

Stepping into any one of the incredible Sydney zoos and wildlife parks breathes life into children’s wildest imaginings. But these lush lodgings aren’t just for kids. Filled with fascinating creatures from across the globe, plus remarkable close-up encounters, overnight stays and interactive learning experiences, the city’s most excellent zoos are fit for the entire family. Here, our pick of Sydney’s best.

1. Taronga Zoo Sydney

The jewel in Sydney’s animal playground crown, Taronga Zoo Sydney , is an absolute must for so many reasons. Nestled on the cliffs at Mosman and offering some of the most iconic water views in the city, the Sydney zoo is Australia’s largest zoo and filled with the world’s most intriguing animals.

the entrance of Taronga Zoo Sydney, Mosman. — Taronga Zoo is renowned for its conservation work. (Image: Destination NSW)

But while more than 5000 animals including an Asian Elephant herd, giraffes, Sumatran tigers, African lions, koalas and kangaroos captivate visitors, there’s also a lot of outstanding conservation research happening behind the scenes.

Harbour views and giraffes at Taronga Zoo — Experience one of Sydney’s most iconic sights for yourself at Taronga Zoo. (Image: Destination NSW)

And speaking of behind the scenes, guests are invited to stay the night inside a safari tent as part of Taronga’s Roar and Snore program or in the luxurious Wildlife Retreat, where after-dark access to the zoo’s nocturnal superstars is up for grabs.

Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo gives you after-dark access to the zoo. (Image: Taronga Zoo)

Opening hours: 9.30am to 4.30pm daily from May to August and 9.30am to 5pm daily from September to April.

Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman

2. Sydney Zoo

More than 4000 animals can be found throughout Sydney Zoo including the country’s largest reptile and nocturnal collection. With a focus on educating visitors on animal welfare and introducing them to the world’s most unique species, it’s a special place filled with plenty of close-up encounters with the likes of red pandas, tigers, lions, hyenas, capybaras, crocodiles and more.

There’s also an aquarium, home to bull sharks and penguins, located right beside the popular Kids Zone fitted out with plenty of entertainment for pint-sized guests. Plan to stay the entire day as there’s no shortage of fun.

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily.

Address: 700 Great Western Highway, Eastern Creek

3. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Australia’s native animals are showcased in spectacular fashion at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour. Tour its Kangaroo Walkabout, Devil’s Den (home to four very well-cared-for Tassie devils), Koala Rooftop and Wallaby Cliffs enclosures to interact with the country’s most beloved treasures.

animal encounters at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney — Interact with some of Australia’s most adorable native animals. (Image: Destination NSW)

There are also wombats, freshwater crocs, a Platypus, snakes, birds and spiders to gawk at. Zookeeper talks are scattered throughout the day at this Sydney zoo and if you can make a 7.15am call time, there’s a popular koala breakfast that includes your day’s admission, a buffet brekky and a souvenir photo of you getting up close to a koala to take home.

a Kookaburra at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney — Spot a Kookaburra at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. (Image: Destination NSW)

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily.

Address: Darling Harbour, 1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney

4. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

Greater Western Sydney’s treasured Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is home to more than 2000 native Australian animals and the world’s largest Australian wildlife collection.

While we’re breaking records, this Sydney zoo also contains NSW’s largest group of koalas so if you’re a fan of the furry tree-huggers, you’ll be spoiled for heart-melting sights. Up-close encounters are also on offer including meet and greets with dingoes, quokkas, Tasmanian devils, echidnas, wombats and more.

a family encounter with dingoes at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park — Kids will love the up-close encounters on offer. (Image: Destination NSW)

Opening hours: 8am to 5pm daily.

Address: 217-229 Kildare Road, Doonside

5. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Located next door to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a superb spot to explore all the creatures and ecosystems that lie beneath the water’s surface.

a family enjoying their time at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium,Darling Harbour — Explore an underwater wonderland at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium with your family. (Image: Destination NSW)

Boasting an extraordinary collection of animals including giant 100+-kilogram sea turtles, sharks, penguins, tropical reef fish, dugongs, sting rays, jellyfish and more, this Sydney zoo covers it all in beautiful, serene style.

Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour — The aquarium is teeming with life. (Image: Sydney Aquarium)

Shark Valley, a thriving underwater world that flows throughout walkable aisles of glass, is a must and don’t skip the Penguin Expedition to be awed by the stoic waddlers’ majesty.

a young boy admiring sea creatures at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium,Darling Harbour — Find an array of fascinating marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, daily.

Address: Darling Harbour, 1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney

6. Whale watching in Sydney

The ocean’s most magnificent mammals make their way from Antarctica to Sydney’s far-warmer waters between May and November.

two humpback whales passing through Sydney during their migration up the NSW coastline — Observe the annual migration of humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

In search of cosy conditions to breed and feed their bubs, whales are spottable right along the coastline with a string of boat tours promising to catch your own unforgettable sighting.

a humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annualmigration along the NSW coastline — These gentle giants put on a show for spectators all along the east coast of Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)

Even easier, our whale-watching guide to Sydney gives you a thorough understanding of what to expect, precisely when to spy whales and where you can stand on dry land and avoid a boat trip altogether.

a humpback whale along the NSW coastline — Spot whales from various vantage points around Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Koala Park Sanctuary

Celebrating our nation’s sleepiest icon, Koala Park Sanctuary in Sydney’s west opened its doors in 1930 as Australia’s very first koala sanctuary. Guided by its firm focus on caring for and minimising the endless threats to koalas, the Sydney zoo has evolved over the years into a loving home for many native animals.

If you’re there for the park’s namesake attraction, multiple koala presentations are staged daily so you’ll learn everything you need to know about them no matter when you arrive. Additionally, there’s kangaroos, dingoes, emus, wombats and other furry friends to fall in love with elsewhere on-site.

Spot a koala up close at Koala Park Sanctuary. (Image: Remy Brand)

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily.

Address: 84 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills, Sydney

8. Calmsley Hill City Farm

Parents of little ones ought to be all over Calmsley Hill City Farm , an engaging farm experience that offers a taste of rural farm life less than one hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD. Featuring live demonstrations where visitors are invited to get their hands dirty milking cows, patting baby animals, riding tractors and even snapping whips, the Sydney animal experience is interactive from every angle.

a woman carrying a baby koala at Calmsley Hill City Farm — Expert staff deliver a range of interactive animal experiences. (Image: Destination NSW)

Prefer your animal encounters from a distance? There’s koala talks and sheep shearing shows plus there’s birds, turtles, camels, horses and other animals to get swept up in.

animal counters at Calmsley Hill City Farm — Get a taste of life on the farm. (Image: Destination NSW)

Opening hours: 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Address: 31 Darling Street, Abbotsbury

9. Golden Ridge Animal Farm

Just a 50-minute drive to Dural from Sydney’s CBD will lead you to the gates of Golden Ridge Animal Farm , a delightful destination filled with the baby farm animals of children’s dreams.

Organised in two-hour sessions to ensure every visitor has their fair share of quality time with baby rabbits, chicks, ducklings and more, entry will provide you with several meet and greets plus you can pay additional fees for pony rides, egg collecting and bags of animal feed. If your little one is more fascinated by trucks than animals, the farm features a Digger Zone where kids are invited to safely operate miniature diggers for a small fee.

Opening hours: 10am to 2pm weekdays and 10.30am to 3pm weekends, however entry is offered in sessions and opening times may vary.

Address: 686 Old Northern Road, Dural

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

9 must-see Sydney zoos and wildlife experiences