Taronga Zoo, Sydney (must see)

Taronga Zoo Sydney occupies a spectacular site on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour, directly opposite the city’s skyline. Established in 1916, it was designed as a modern zoological park combining scientific care, public education, and naturalistic display—an approach that set new standards for zoos in the early 20th century.

Spread across 28 hectares of bushland in Mosman, the zoo is home to thousands of animals representing species from Australia and around the world. Its hillside setting allows visitors to experience sweeping harbour views while moving through immersive habitats that blend wildlife with landscape design.

The zoo is organised into themed regions that mirror the world’s ecosystems, from the African Savannah and Asian Rainforest to the Great Southern Oceans and Australian Walkabout. Native species such as kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and platypuses share the grounds with elephants, giraffes, and big cats from abroad.

The Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Centre (ARC), opened in 2024, showcases the zoo’s leadership in herpetology and conservation, featuring advanced breeding facilities and habitats for threatened reptiles and amphibians. The Seals for the Wild presentation and the Free Flight Bird Show are among its most popular attractions, combining education and entertainment with dramatic harbour backdrops.

Taronga Zoo operates extensive breeding and research programs aimed at protecting endangered species, including the sumatran tiger, regent honeyeater, and several native frog species. Conservation and sustainability are central to its mission, with initiatives that extend to habitat restoration and community education throughout New South Wales.

Accessible by ferry from Circular Quay, the zoo’s arrival experience offers one of the most scenic entries of any zoo in the world. The site also features walking trails, cafés, and accommodation at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, where guests can stay overnight within the grounds. Taronga Zoo continues to evolve as both a wildlife sanctuary and a centre for environmental awareness, maintaining its role as one of Sydney’s most significant cultural and natural institutions.