We are always looking for new and exciting adventures in Sydney, and I think we’ve just uncovered a brand new experience opening these Spring Holidays: Taronga After Dark. It is a totally new way to experience Taronga!
Taronga has a very special place in our hearts. It is the first zoo our kids ever visited. The first place they saw a giraffe. And the first place where they really learned what animal conservation is all about. It was their favourite Sydney Zoo for a very long time.
Taronga After Dark is running from Friday 3 October through to Sunday 12 October, 2025 and needs to be on your Spring Holiday adventure list.
Taronga After Dark Map
Table of Contents
As dusk falls over the world’s most beautiful harbour (Sydney Harbour, if you were unsure), Taronga will transform into a wonderland of whimsy and discovery, with lantern lit trails leading you and your family around some incredible.
The beauty of Taronga After Dark is your family’s autonomy in determining your pathway through the various glowing zones. My family will be heading to the Mermaid Show at the Seal Theatre – who doesn’t have selfie with a mermaid on their kid bucket list, right?
What animals can we see at Taronga After Dark?
One of our highlights from our Taronga Roar and Sore sleepover was the opportunity to see a plethora of animals out and about at night. With so many nocturnal creatures calling Taronga home, many of them are more active when the lights are out.
During Taronga After Dark, you and the kids can visit the giraffes, big cats (think African Lions and Sumatran Tigers) and the new Amphibian and Reptile Experience, where you can observe 42 species that either jump, slither or crawl. Of course, if you can speak parseltongue you’ll be able to interact with the snakes too.
What activities can we experience?
There are a bevy of experiences that have been developed just for the Taronga After Dark experience. Park the Mermaid for a second (I know, it’s tricky – I’m quite fixated on seeing her!) and there’s also a Wildlife Cinema, sunset seals, glow-in-the-dark face painting, food trucks boasting yummy street food and desserts and more!
Adults, you’ll be beside yourselves with the thought of an Archie Rose Sunset Bar and live music.
What Food and Drink is Available?
Enjoy the warmth and glow of the fire pit while indulging in delicious street food and desserts under the stars.
The Food Truck Village includes:
Lemonada – your go-to for the freshest, zestiest sips under the stars! Handcrafted with care and bursting with natural goodness, these lemonades are the perfect way to stay cool and refreshed as you explore the night.
Let’s Do Yum Cha – Hungry for something warm, tasty, and handmade with love? Let’s Do Yum Cha is serving up fresh-from-the-steam favourites that hit the spot every time. Whether you’re team dumpling or crazy for a BBQ bun, we’ve got your cravings covered.
The Pharaoh BBQ – Where fire meets flavour! The Pharaoh BBQ brings bold African tastes to your favourite comfort food. Smoky, spiced, and seriously satisfying.
Le Cookie is here to satisfy your sweet tooth with a sprinkle of magic. Inspired by the sweet streets of Paris and Dubai, this dessert stop is all about indulgence, elegance, and joy.
Nightly Show Times
Magical Mermaid Show 6:15 pm
Sunset Seal Presentation 7:00 pm
Magical Mermaid Show 7:45 pm
Will the Wild Ropes Treetops Adventure be running
We adored the Wild Ropes course at Taronga a little while back, but it was during the day. Imagine doing it at night! Well, hold on to your britches, the course has been illuminated for Taronga After Dar,k and you can take on four fun and challenging courses during the event as an add-on to your experience.
Tickets and Details
Pre-sale tickets on sale Tuesday, 19 August 2025 at 12:00 pm
General public on sale Wednesday, 20 August 2025 at 12:00 pm
Dates: Friday 3 – Saturday 12 October 2025 (10 nights only)
Time: 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Taronga Zoo Sydney, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
Tickets: Adults (15+) $41, Children (4-15) $36, Concessions $37.80 and under 3’s free – Taronga Zoo Friends receive a 10% discount on all ticket purchases and access to pre-sale.
For more information and to register for ticket pre-sale visit Taronga After Dark site.
Wild Ropes Treetops Adventure – The experience is suitable for kids through to adults, with prices starting from $48 for adults (16+), $36 for children (8-15) and $27 for kids (3-7). Bookings can be made online or on-site.
How do I get to Taronga Zoo?
One of my biggest frustrations with events in Sydney is getting there, coupled with parking (when I choose to drive). Fortunately, Taronga is one of those rare locations where there are quite a number of ways to get there and plentiful parking.
Parking
If you need to take your car, Taronga zoo has its very own car park. It costs $12.00 for Taronga After Dark patrons.
Ferry
There’s a regular ferry from Circular Quay to the Taronga wharf. Please note return ferry services to Circular Quay will not be running after the movie, so please plan your trip accordingly. I suggest checking out the bus services.
Visit www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500 for up-to-date information and timetables.
Tarong Wharf is at the bottom entrance, so you will need to catch a bus from the wharf to the Zoo’s top entrance. You will need to use your Opal card.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular Taronga guest, Taronga After Dark is set to be a new and magical night out for the whole family.
Other experiences at Taronga
Taronga Zoo is one of our very favourite places to visit in Sydney. Make sure you check out some of the other Taronga Zoo adventures to enjoy with your family.
Twilight at Taronga – Taronga’s Summer Concert Series.
Roar and Snore – the most incredible overnight experience
Vivid at Taronga – an annual Vivid adventure
Taronga’s Keeper for a Day Experience – immerse yourself in the role of zoo keeper