Taronga Zoo Sydney: Hacks and hints

TODAY’S EVENTS1. Do your prep work!

Avoid standing in a queue and buy your tickets online before you get there, print them out at home and you can walk straight to the ticket gates. Also have a look at the map (available for free) of the zoo and start thinking about your route. You can arrive at the zoo by ferry (at the bottom of the zoo) or you might like to park your car at the top of the zoo. Where you start will likely influence your route and what you see, so plan ahead.

IMG_51202. Sky safari

Included in the price of your ticket, the Sky Safari is a cable car running from the top to the very bottom of the zoo. It has spectacular views out to the harbour and lets you see the exhibits from a bird’s eye perspective.

If you’re coming to the Zoo by Ferry, consider walking from the bottom to the top of the zoo, then catch the cable car back down at the end of your day. If you start at the top do the opposite. Though it’s tempting to jump on the Sky Safari early, hold out until the end. It’s a great way to finish off the day and won’t disappoint.

IMG_50663. Pack snacks and eat lunch early

Fortunately the days of soggy hot chips and questionable chicken nuggets are but a distant memory at Taronga. Food options in the main eating area are canteen serve yourself style and include the typical hot food items: burgers, chicken tenders, burritos. There is also roast chicken, spring rolls, noodles, chicken curry and a variety of wraps, salads and sandwiches. Either eat indoors or take advantage of the harbour views, grab a paper bag and eat picnic style outside.

If you’re going to buy food in the main eating area aim to eat either just before or after peak lunch times, arriving for lunch at 11:45am will make a big difference.

It’s also a good idea to pack a few snacks in your bag. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and you’ll need the energy!

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4. Lemur forest walk

Honestly, could there be a more amusing looking animal than a lemur?! Bushy tailed, beady eyes and quite cheeky, these little guys are a highlight. The Lemur walk is included in the price of your ticket and allows you (in small groups) to walk along the path with no fencing or barrier between you and the lemurs. They’ll run around your feet, jump from rope to rope above your head and be completely indifferent to your presence. Don’t miss it!

 

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5. Prioritise your favourites

If you only have a small amount of time to spare, you’re going to need a game plan. Sit down with a map and your zoo buddies and make a “must see” list of your favourite animals. It will probably take you at least 3 hours to see all of the animals in the zoo if you keep moving, so don’t feel bad if you want to give the reptiles a miss this time.

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6. See the talks and shows

See the elephants being fed, birds in flight or seals performing tricks. Attending one of the keeper talks or shows is an absolute must for a visit to the zoo. Take note of what times they’re on (popular shows like the seal show often run three times a day on weekends) and base your day around being at the right part of the zoo at the right time. Aim to arrive at the exhibits a bit early to get the best view. If you’re going to the seal show only sit in the front couple of rows if you’re ok with getting wet…

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7. Don’t be put off by bad weather

Rain should not put you off going to the zoo! If anything a bit of “bad” weather can be a great thing; less crowds, shorter lines, better views of the animals. If it’s raining just put on a sensible pair of shoes and get yourself a poncho (easier than an umbrella and available at the gift shop at the front entrance). You may feel a little ridiculous but wondering through jungle like paths in the rain adds a bit of excitement to the experience, and certainly beats getting sunburnt in strong sunshine.

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8. Wear good walking shoes

You’re going to be doing a LOT of walking. Taronga is built on a hill, so wearing sensible footwear is going to make you much more comfortable. This is not the time to break in that pair of running shoes you’ve been meaning to try out… wear something you know you’ll be comfortable in, that will give you good support and won’t mind the odd splash from a seal…

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9. Prepare for all weather

You’re likely to be at the zoo for at least 3 or 4 hours so it’s best to come prepared. Pack a hat and sun screen, a jacket to layer if it’s gets chilly and either an umbrella or raincoat. Regardless of weather, always pack water. You’ll get thirsty quickly from all the walking! Also chuck in some hand sanitiser so you don’t have to worry about washing your hands at lunch time.

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