Sydney: Taronga Zoo Behind-the-Scenes & Koala Encounter
Meet a Koala & Go Behind the Zoo Gates in Sydney
You meet a keeper at the main plaza and spend time behind the public areas learning how the animals are cared for, including a close encounter with koalas and insight into the zoo's conservation work. After the guided portion, you're free to explore the full zoo for the rest of the day using your all-day pass, catching keeper talks and other exhibits at your own pace.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Taronga Zoo Wild Australia Experience
- Meet keeper at main plaza
- Begin in-depth Wild Australia tour
- Learn about Australian animals care
- Go behind the scenes
- Enjoy Koala Encounter
- Explore exhibits and shows freely
- Join scheduled keeper talks
What’s included
Your experience includes a behind-the-scenes tour with a professional zoo keeper, close-up animal encounters with koalas, an all-day pass to Taronga Zoo so you can explore the exhibits and catch keeper talks at your own pace, and access to the full zoo facilities throughout the day.
Times
- Every day 10:15 13:00
Before you book
Operated by Taronga Zoo
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
So you're standing at the information desk in the main plaza, and your keeper is already telling you things the regular visitors walking past have no idea about. That's the whole point of this one: Taronga Zoo Sydney is packed most days, but this behind-the-scenes experience keeps the group to just six people, which means you're not jostling for space or waiting for someone else to move. Your keeper takes you past the public pathways to where the actual work happens, and you get to ask questions without feeling rushed.
The koala encounter is the thing people remember. You're close enough to see how they move, how the keepers handle them, what their day actually looks like in the care facility. Your guide explains Taronga's conservation work: why it matters, what they're doing with breeding programs, how the zoo connects to protection efforts in the wild. It's not a performance. It's a conversation with someone who works there. After the guided section wraps, you've got the whole day to explore the rest of the zoo on your own time, catch the keeper talks that happen throughout the day, wander the exhibits without the guide. The all-day pass is included, so there's no rushing out once the tour ends.
The location itself is half the reason people come to Sydney: the zoo sits on the harbor with views of the Opera House and the bridge, and you get there by ferry in about 12 minutes from the city. It's not a hidden thing. It's one of Sydney's top attractions. But the behind-the-scenes part is what makes it different from just showing up with a general admission ticket.
Is this one for you?This works well if you want a deeper understanding of how the zoo operates and the animals are cared for without the crowds of a general admission visit: the small group size and keeper expertise are what make the behind-the-scenes access feel personal rather than rushed.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (under 4): free.
What animals will I see on the tour?
The koala encounter is highlighted as a main part of the experience. The tour focuses on Australian animals and how they're cared for, though specific animals beyond the koalas aren't listed.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility or accessibility needs, contact Taronga before arrival so they can personalize the route for your comfort and safety.
How do I get to Taronga Zoo?
The zoo is 12 minutes by ferry from the city center. Public transportation options are available nearby, and transportation is wheelchair accessible.
What's included in the price?
The tour includes the behind-the-scenes experience with a keeper, animal encounters, and an all-day pass to Taronga Zoo so you can explore on your own after the guided portion.
How many people are in the group?
Maximum of 6 people per tour, which keeps it intimate and personalized.
Can I do other activities at the zoo on the same day?
Yes. Your all-day pass lets you attend keeper talks and explore the other exhibits and shows at Taronga Zoo before and after your guided tour.
Sydney: Taronga Zoo Behind-the-Scenes & Koala Encounter
1h 45m · EN
from AU$ 182 per person
≈ US$ 130 in your currency
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