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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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)

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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

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

Where the vines tell a story

A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food. — Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

At the table

A flat lay of a steak. — Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

From the source

A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish. — Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

Mark your calendar

A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith. — Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.

9 must-see Sydney zoos and wildlife experiences

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

1. Taronga Zoo Sydney

2. Sydney Zoo

3. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

4. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

5. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

6. Whale watching in Sydney

7. Koala Park Sanctuary

8. Calmsley Hill City Farm

9. Golden Ridge Animal Farm

The southern hemisphere’s largest cherry blossom festival returns to Sydney

Why Hilton Sydney is the perfect oasis for exploring the city

A cosy outdoor cinema with private fire pits is returning to Sydney

One of Sydney’s most popular gyms is launching wellness retreats

This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar

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

1. Taronga Zoo Sydney

2. Sydney Zoo

3. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

AI Prompt

4. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

5. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

6. Whale watching in Sydney

7. Koala Park Sanctuary

8. Calmsley Hill City Farm

9. Golden Ridge Animal Farm

The southern hemisphere’s largest cherry blossom festival returns to Sydney

Why Hilton Sydney is the perfect oasis for exploring the city

A cosy outdoor cinema with private fire pits is returning to Sydney

One of Sydney’s most popular gyms is launching wellness retreats

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar