Renowned for its extensive wildlife, Australia is a paradise for animal lovers. The city of Sydney has an urban ecology strategic action plan in place, which strives to make the city a liveable habitat for all local species. Be sure to visit some of Sydney’s animal parks or venture out to see the animals in their natural habitat.
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Located at the west of Sydney CBD is Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to various rare and endangered Australian species such as the bilbies and Tasmanian devils, as well as common species like the kangaroos. The park is tailored to provide a family-friendly experience for parents and children, including providing kids with a souvenir “passport” and having stamps located around the area. Upon arriving at each checkpoint, visitors can stamp their “passport” and bring home the completed booklet to remember their experience.
Priding itself in hands-on experiences at Featherdale Wildlife Park, visitors can interact with the animals close-up such as cuddling possums, hanging out with koalas or having a staring contest with one of their baby crocodiles. During the individual animal feeding sessions, be warned that the goats in the farm-themed area get rather eager around the presence of food and may congregate in one’s personal space to beg for it. Cute but overwhelming!
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Address: 217 Kildare Rd, Doonside NSW 2767, Australia
Opening Hours: 9 am - 4 pm
Taronga Zoo
Right in the heart of Sydney is Australia’s largest zoo. Established in 1916, Taronga Zoo crests the shores of Sydney Harbour, completing your visit with an unparalleled iconic view of the harbour. Taronga is home to both native wildlife and rare exotic animals. A variety of tour experiences are offered by the zoo to cater to visitors’ diverse preferences, but independent visitors will be delighted to know that Taronga Zoo has an interactive iPhone application that serves as a personal tour guide during the visit.
Throughout the day, visitors can witness feedings and as evening falls in summer, music croons from their twilight concert. Don’t miss out on Wild Ropes, a high-ropes treetop course promising spectacular views over the zoo and harbour.
For a wholesome experience, board the 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo ferry wharf or soar through the skies above the zoo on the Taronga Sky Safari - Sydney’s only cable car attraction. It truly amps up the fun!
Taronga Zoo
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
Opening hours: 9.30 am - 4.30 pm
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
The international aquarium attractions company - SEA LIFE - opened its Sydney Aquarium in 1988. Renowned as one of the world’s biggest aquariums, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium features 14 themed zones that house over 700 distinct species and 13,000 aquatic creatures. Located east of Darling Harbour, the tunnels of the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium are strangely reminiscent of Finding Nemo and Shark Valley is modelled after the ruins of the mythical drowned city of Atlantis; where an eerie head of King Neptune sits and smaller sharks swim through his hollowed eyes.
Lose yourself amongst the colourful schools of fish, a shiver of sharks pierce through the water and the enthusiastic shuffle of the fairy penguins. Adrenaline addicts will be thrilled to know that the aquarium offers special experiences such as the shark dive - Take it on if you dare!
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours: 10 am - 4 pm
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
A minute’s walk from the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium brings you to the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. The wildlife park prides itself as the “home of the big 5” which lovingly cares for Australia’s most well-known animals - kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, platypuses and wombats. The indoor zoo operates rain or shine, which makes it a perfect attraction to visit any day. Navigating a comfortable path around the enclosures, visitors stroll past a charming butterfly garden to meet sleepy koalas in the Gum Tree Valley.
At Wallaby Cliffs, Ringo the Wombat awaits — but perhaps the most thrilling highlight would be the gigantic Saltwater Crocodile silently observing visitors as they enter Kakadu Gorge. With interactive displays and enthusiastic keepers, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is a fun visit and incredibly family-friendly.
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours: 10 am - 4 pm
As the city of Sydney is committed to protecting threatened animal species, be rest assured that all animals are handled with care and showered with love. Keeping in line with the city’s focus, do make sure to treat all wildlife properly and follow instructions if provided with any. Visiting a zoo or wildlife park is a must in your Sydney itinerary — it’s one of the best cities for wildlife watching.
