In late 2019 the first Sydney Zoo to open in 100 years started to welcome visitors through its gates. Offering visitors to Western Sydney the opportunity to learn about both exotic and native animals without crossing the Harbour Bridge, it has quickly become a popular attraction for families.
Animals at Sydney Zoo
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Sydney Zoo is home to around 100 different exotic and native species across the 6 themed precincts. Throughout the day you can attend a variety of small, intimate keeper talks around the site. Stay tuned for future hands-on Animal Encounters that will be released as the zoo matures.
Aquarium
The Sydney Zoo Aquarium provides a glimpse into the Australian waterways. Following the pathway through this precinct guests will be able to glimpse into the world of a number of Australian aquatic animals including Little Penguins and crocodiles. There’s even mention of a shark to come.
Reptile and Nocturnal House
Your eyes will need a few seconds to adjust to the darkness of the underground Reptile and Nocturnal house where you can spot quite an array of different reptiles and nocturnal creatures. Keep an eye on the kids – it is a dimly lit space.
Australia
It would be wrong to develop a zoo in Australia and not showcase Australian native animals. The Australian section of Sydney Zo features a number of unique Australian animals including reptiles, marsupials and nocturnal species.
Primate Boulevard
Primates are such an incredible species. As our closest animal relatives they are super smart, resourceful and fun. Along Sydney Zoo’s Primate Boulevard you can spot a range of monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees and even an orangutan.
Asia
Head to the Asia precinct at Sydney Zoo to spot the tigers, elephant and red pandas.
Africa
African animals are always a favourite and at Sydney Zoo it;s no different. The arid Western Sydney landscape is the perfect landscape to replicate the African Savannah and is now home to both herbivores and their predators (but thankfully in separate spaces). Here the kids can see zebra, African Wild dogs, giraffes, Lions and hyenas.
Bungarribee Dreaming Experience
Sydney zoo is developing an integrated Aboriginal and natural heritage program to provide an interpretation of the Australian experience led by Aboriginal guides. They have called this the Bungarribee Dreaming experience.
We are yet to experience this program but I look forward to seeking it out on a future visit to explain a little further what it looks like.
Eating at Sydney Zoo
What we loved about Sydney Zoo is that you can bring your own food and drink when visiting which, when coupled with an annual pass, makes the Sydney Zoo an affordable attraction to visit again and again.
However, if you are attending on a whim and would prefer to purchase meals when you are at the zoo there are a number of options. Sydney Zoo has a number of cafes and kiosks set around the zoo, as well as a main restaurant which overlooks the cheeky meerkat enclosure.
Picnic tables are available within each eating space and most have shaded canopies and misting piping to keep you cool while you eat.
Accessibility
Being a modern zoo, Sydney Zoo has been engineered using Universal Design principles which means its quite accessible.
Sydney Zoo has wide, flat pathways across the zoo and there are no stairs! Each public area, viewing platform and exhibit space has been developed to provide accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Strollers, wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters are also available for hire.
Download the Sydney Zoo Map here
Admission Prices
Sydney Zoo admission prices are currently discounted for their grand opening with family tickets starting at $55.00. Make sure you check out their family annual passes that start at $99.00
For full ticket options and to SAVE on your ticket fee, head to the Sydney Zoo ticket page.
Opening Hours
Sydney Zoo is open each day from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Getting to Sydney Zoo
Sydney Zoo is located on the Great Western Highway, and is accessible by car, public transport or rideshare services.
If you are planning to utilise public transport, plan your trip to Sydney Zoo by clicking here.
Staying Cool at Sydney Zoo
Sydney Zoo’s location in Western Sydney does lend itself to being a hot destination during summer. The zoo designers have been quite proactive, installing misting stations and fans around the boardwalk and in key eating locations. Whilst this does not alleviate the heat completely, we found that it made visiting the zoo even on a 40 degree day, bearable.
My suggestion, keep hydrated by bringing along your water bottle and refilling it across your visit and lather on a good quality sunscreen.
Parking
Sydney Zoo offers two options for guest parking:
Parking on-site
Parking onsite is available on a first-come basis and is subject to availability. If parking is full, you may be directed to the Park and Ride option below
Park and Ride
If your ticket includes using the free Park & Ride service (stated on your ticket), head directly to Sydney Motorsport Park at 3 Peter Brock Drive, Eastern Creek. Sydney Zoo Staff will direct you to a car space, where you’ll then catch the zoo shuttle bus for the short 2km journey to Sydney Zoo.
Plus they’ll give you a $10 voucher per car to spend in the zoo! See Park & Ride maps below.
Head to Sydney Zoo Parking for further details.
Is it an Ethical Zoo?
My only concern is that Sydney Zoo is a commercial enterprise rather than a non-for-profit like Taronga. At this stage, I can’t see that the animals have been compromised in any way.
Sydney Zoo Foundation
The Sydney Zoo Foundation was announced in January 2020. This non-profit organisation will lead conservation and sustainability objectives of Sydney Zoo. The Foundation’s first initiative was to provide $100,000 to Science for Wildlife’s Blue Mountains Koala Project to support rehabilitation and recovery efforts following the bushfires.
Animal Conservation Efforts
Sydney Zoo is a member of the peak Zoological body, the Zoo and Aquarium Association, and will be active participants in ZAA-administered breeding programs for endangered animals.
Sustainability Program
Sydney Zoo aims to become the world’s finest energy independent Zoo through the development of a solar power network. Sydney Zoo will be capturing and recycling stormwater run-off to use in the zoo moats and gardens areas. This will dramatically reduce the amount of drinkable water that is used. Sydney Zoo also aims to become a zero-waste space and will compost all animal and food waste, and will use biodegradable cornstarch packaging.
University Partnerships
Sydney Zoo has partnered with Western Sydney University to develop several research projects across various fields, including energy efficiency, water management and animal welfare.
What’s Nearby
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