8 Great Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Sydney

Sydney is home to some incredible zoos and wildlife parks, offering the chance to see animals from around the world up close.

Whether you’re an animal lover, planning a family day out, or just curious to explore, there’s something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll share the best zoos and wildlife parks in Sydney, highlight the animals you can expect to see, and provide tips to make the most of your visit.

1. Taronga Zoo Sydney

Taronga Zoo, Sydney’s most popular zoo, is located in Mosman on the lower north shore, with stunning views of Sydney Harbour.

Home to over 5,000 animals from more than 350 species, the zoo features must-see residents like Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, African lions, and meerkats.

Visitors can also enjoy unique experiences like animal encounters, behind-the-scenes programs, and the Roar and Snore overnight stay, which includes keeper talks and safari-style accommodation overlooking the harbour.

To get there, the ferry from Circular Quay is the most convenient option, dropping you right near the lower zoo entrance. Alternatively, parking is available near the main entrance for a flat daily rate.

2. Sydney Zoo

Sydney Zoo, located in Bungarribee near Blacktown, is one of Western Sydney’s biggest attractions. Opened in late 2019, it features a mix of exotic and native animals, including lions, tigers, monkeys, koalas, and kangaroos.

The modern enclosures offer great vantage points, including a popular bridge in the African animal area that lets you view multiple exhibits from above. The zoo is also pram and wheelchair friendly, with flat paths and ramps throughout.

Conveniently situated on the Great Western Highway, Sydney Zoo is easily accessible and perfect for a day out in Western Sydney.

3. Featherdale Wildlife Park

Opened in 1972, Featherdale Wildlife Park is known as Sydney’s premier wildlife experience, offering a range of encounters with Australian native wildlife.

One of their most popular encounters is the Koala Encounter, allowing visitors to meet and interact with a koala and talk to knowledgeable koala keepers to learn more about Australia’s favourite animal.

Another recommended experience is the Roo Feeding Encounter, where you will have the unique opportunity to hand-feed their resident kangaroos with Featherdale’s unique kangaroo food.

4. Symbio Wildlife Park

Symbio Wildlife Park, located in Helensburgh just south of the Royal National Park, is a family-friendly zoo with a wide variety of animals, a splash park, and an adventure playground.

Set across 16 acres of gardens, Symbio is home to Australian wildlife and exotic animals like cheetahs, ring-tailed lemurs, red pandas, meerkats, and small monkeys.

Visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences such as feeding kangaroos, behind-the-scenes sessions, and koala encounters.

5. Australian Reptile Park

Known as Australia’s original hands-on zoo, the Australian Reptile Park is located in a beautiful natural bush setting in Somersby on the Central Coast.

The park is home to over 2,000 reptiles, mammals, spiders, amphibians, and birds. Their unique animal encounters allow visitors to go behind the scenes and meet various animals within their enclosures.

In addition to hands-on animal encounters, visitors can also learn about the life-saving work through their antivenom program and important conservation work saving Australia’s wildlife.

6. Koala Park Sydney

Located in West Pennant Hills, Koala Park Sydney opened its doors in 1930 as a sanctuary to help combat the declining number of koalas in the wild. The Koala Park was created by Australian environmentalist Noel Burnet.

Today, this wildlife park is home to koalas, wombats, red and grey kangaroos, quolls, dingoes, emus, many Wallaby species, and an extensive collection of Australian native birds.

Set in 10 acres of rainforest, eucalypt groves, and native gardens, the park is open seven days per week from 9 am to 5 pm.

7. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is strategically located in the heart of tourist hotspot Darling Harbour. This iconic wildlife park is where tourists can experience the best of Australia’s wildlife.

Inside the wildlife park, you can navigate through ten different interactive zones and discover a wide range of different animals, such as Tasmanian Devils, kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypuses, and even a Cassowary.

When visiting, don’t forget to attend one or more keeper talks where you can learn more about the unique creatures that live in WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.

8. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Located next to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, another top tourist attraction in the Darling Harbour precinct of Sydney.

A visit to SEA LIFE Sydney is like going on a discovery journey, learning everything you need to know about Australian aquatic life. The aquarium is one of the largest in the world, with over 700 different species and 13,000 animals on display.

The complex is organised in various themed zones, with each zone hosting a different selection of aquatic animals. Shark Valley is our favourite, where visitors can walk through underwater tunnels while getting up close and personal with giant sharks.