Sydney Attractions

Venue: Taronga Zoo    When: Daily

Officially opened in October 1916, Taronga Zoo covers 75 acres of bushland and has over 2000 specimens. It is one of the finest zoos in the Southern Hemisphere, with an aquarium reputed to be the best in Australia.

The zoo has developed into a place where the emphasis is on scientific research, conservation and education, with an active environmental policy, a Conservation Research Centre and an Education Centre that serves the whole state. It actively encourages both staff and visitors to take personal action to conserve our planet and its resources.

This concern for learning more about wildlife and the natural world adds to the traditional zoo experience. But it goes without saying that kids will get a kick simply from seeing such famously Australian animals as the wombat, the koala and, of course, the kangaroo. The zoo also houses creatures from around the world, ranging from the Bongo to the Snow Leopard and the odd-looking Malayan Tapir from South-East Asia.

Amazingly, in its long history Taronga Zoo has only ever been closed on two occasions. Once was from 8 August to 26 October 1917, when the site was used to house labourers employed on the Sydney wharves during the transport strike. The other occasion was on Australia Day 1988, to commemorate Australia's Bicentenary.