Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is a wildlife park on a hillside in Mosman with enclosures for reptiles, marine life, African, Asian, and Australian animals. The site sits on the harbor shore and features paths winding up and down between the different sections.

The park opened in the early 20th century and moved from an earlier downtown location to this harbor site. The facility evolved over the decades from a traditional zoo into a center for species conservation and research.

The name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "water view," fitting for the location above the harbor. Visitors often see school groups gathered near the Australian animal sections, learning about native species.

A ferry terminal sits directly below the entrance and offers connections from central Sydney across the water. The paths are mostly paved, but some sections climb steeply, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes.

Some enclosures sit so close to the slope that visitors can watch animals with sailboats in the background. The giraffe platform stands higher than many surrounding buildings and offers one of the best vantage points over the harbor basin.

Location: New South Wales

Inception: October 7, 1916

Elevation above the sea: 46 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Fee: Yes

Opening Hours: May-August 09:30-16:30; September-April 09:30-17:00

Website: http://zoo.nsw.gov.au

GPS coordinates: -33.84333,151.24111

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:16