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Sydney and NSW are home to many wildlife parks and zoos where you can encounter iconic native animals like koalas and kangaroos.

With so many options available, choosing the best zoos or wildlife parks to include in your already packed itinerary can be a bit overwhelming.

If you’re short on time while exploring this beautiful country, you’ll likely want to pick a park or zoo where you can get up close to the animals, snap a photo, pat them, or even feed them for an unforgettable Aussie experience.

As former Sydney locals, our family has had the chance to visit some of the best wildlife parks and zoos with our kids over the years.

In this post, we’ve put together a list of the most popular wildlife parks and zoos in Sydney.

Some are located on the outskirts of the city or scattered across NSW along the East Coast or the Grand Pacific Drive, making them perfect stopovers for road trips from Sydney.

So whether you’re a visitor or a local looking for a fun day out, this guide will help you find the best places to cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo and get up and close to some of the most adorable native animals in Australia.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

1. Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney (Google Map)

In the heart of Sydney’s Darling Harbour, Wild Life Sydney Zoo is a must-visit for families exploring the city for the first time.

Located at Aquarium Wharf, the zoo is dedicated to showcasing Australian wildlife, including the iconic “Aussie Big Five“: koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, wombats, and platypuses.

What sets this zoo apart is its unique butterfly gardens and platypus pool, offering vibrant and interactive environments for visitors to enjoy.

You can watch crocodiles basking in the sun, enjoy entertaining shows throughout the day, and even take part in close encounters with native animals like koalas.

Wild Life Sydney Zoo is small and compact, making it easy to navigate.

Combo Passes

Conveniently situated in the Sydney CBD, it’s perfect for combining with other attractions in Darling Harbour.

You can easily spend a fun-filled day exploring Darling Harbour and the city centre before, during, or after your visit.

To get the most value out of your dollar, purchase a combo pass that includes entry to multiple attractions, such as the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds.

These attractions are located just next door to Wild Life Sydney Zoo, making it a no-brainer to tick off some of Sydney’s top highlights in a single day!

2. Taronga Zoo

Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman (Google Map)

Taronga Zoo is one of the most iconic tourist attractions only a short scenic ferry ride away from Sydney city centre.

If you don’t mind queuing on a busy day, take the Sky Safari cable car up to the entrance for an aerial view of the city.

Alternatively, take the bus if you want to get to the top quickly and effortlessly.

Walking up is also an option, but we recommend getting to the top first and working your way down instead, so you don’t exhaust yourself halfway up.

Schedule your route around their daily talks and shows to make the best of your day!

Bring a picnic rug and enjoy the sweeping views over Sydney harbour at one of their many rest areas.

There are close encounter opportunities to go behind the scenes or stay overnight for a truly unique experience.

Taronga zoo is now a part of Vivid Sydney, even winter couldn’t put you off from being a little adventurous!

3. Sydney Zoo

Address: 700 Great Western Hwy, Bungarribee (Google Map)

Located in Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo is one of the newer additions to the various zoos and wildlife parks in Sydney.

Sydney Zoo officially opened its doors to the public in December 2019 and it’s already making a big impression.

What makes it stand out is the modern design of natural, open spaces where you can get up close (but not too close!) to some of the most beloved native animals, like kangaroos and koalas to majestic African lions and zebras.

With over 4,000 animals to see, it’s a great place for families or anyone who loves close encounters with wildlife.

There’s free parking onsite and stroller hire is available!

Combine Blue Mountains with Sydney Zoo

If you’re a first-timer in Sydney, consider exploring the Blue Mountains together with the zoo on a day trip from Sydney!

Start your adventure at the Sydney Zoo, where you’ll meet iconic Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos.

Then, soak up breathtaking views at Echo Point Lookout at Blue Mountains and marvel at the famous Three Sisters.

Ride the Scenic Railway or Cableway at Scenic World and explore the charming village of Leura for lunch.

4. Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

Address: Obley Rd, Dubbo (Google Map)

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is our family’s favourite zoo in NSW. We can’t praise it enough!

The main reason why we love this zoo is the unique setup, spanning across very generous open space among nature.

Every section of the zoo is designed to be in close proximity to its animals’ natural habitat.

Honestly, the animals here seemed to be the happiest compared to the other wildlife parks and zoos we had visited in NSW.

Tourists can get up close to the animals without visual distractions of cages and fences. Instead, ditches are cleverly used as barriers, keeping animals and tourists safe.

Another reason why we love this zoo is you can find animals that are not commonly found in other zoos, like Siamang Monkeys.

One of the highlights for us was the tiger feeding show, so definitely plan your day around their feeding times.

The entire experience for us at Dubbo Zoo felt like a safari in the wild – a true paradise for the animals here.

We loved their gift shop, I couldn’t resist but bring that cute little tiger plushie home!

Accommodation at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

One thing we did miss out on was staying overnight at one of the accommodations onsite at the zoo.

This would be one of those unforgettable experiences of a lifetime, especially for families with children.

5. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

Address: 217-229 Kildare Rd, Doonside (Google Map)

The friendly staff at Featherdale Wildlife Park will welcome you and your family to experience one of the closest encounters with Australian native animals.

You can hand-feed wallabies, pat a kangaroo or a goat, and take photos with the koalas.

There’s a good selection of reptiles and birds, you may occasionally find a peacock wandering around too.

This wildlife park is just the right size for a family day out. They have a café in the park but we recommend packing some snacks and lunch to enjoy at their picnic areas instead.

Remember to schedule your arrival around the feeding times.

Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park Day Trip

Most tourists discover Featherdale Wildlife Park while heading to the famous Blue Mountains. So consider combining the two to make the most of your day trip out west.

6. Australian Reptile Park

Address: Pacific Hwy, Somersby (Google Map)

Australian Reptile Park is the perfect stop-over if you plan to make a road trip up the East Coast of Australia.

This reptile park doesn’t take a whole day to explore. Although small, there are plenty to see.

There is a wide variety of native animals, educational talks and shows to keep the little ones entertained.

The staff here are very friendly and down to earth. You can tell they are passionately in love with their jobs and will answer almost all of your questions!

Don’t miss out on an intimate encounter to hand-feed kangaroos, and of course, a photo with a cute, cuddly koala is a must!

7. Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

Address: 138 Lomas Ln, Nulkaba (Google Map)

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is a sister park to Featherdale Sydney.

Located in Nulkaba, this wildlife park lies just inland from Newcastle and covers an area of 20 hectares.

This park offers a mix of wildlife that’s perfect for a laid-back family day out, making it another great stopover for your road trip from Sydney or a day trip from Newcastle.

What makes Hunter Valley Wildlife Park special is the mix of native Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, and emus, and exotic creatures such as lions, giraffes, and even American alligators.

You can book private encounters to get up close with meerkats, koalas, or even a lion if you’re feeling adventurous.

The park provides picnic areas and BBQ facilities, so pack some lunch and enjoy a fun day out.

8. Mogo Wildlife Park

Address: 222 Tomakin Rd, Mogo (Google Map)

Mogo Wildlife Park is a little further down south past Wollongong. So if you’re planning for a road trip past the Grand Pacific Drive, this wildlife park is worth a stop.

It’s home to some rare and exotic species, including gorillas, Sumatran tigers, white lions, and rhinos.

You can feed a lion, hang out with meerkats, or take a boat cruise around their Primate Islands to hand-feed tamarins and lemurs.

What makes Mogo extra special is its dedication to conservation and breeding programs for endangered species.

The park’s thoughtful layout and knowledgeable staff make it both fun and educational.

9. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

Address: Lord St, Port Macquarie (Google Map)

Port Macquarie is one of our family’s favourite road trip destinations, about a 4.5hrs drive north of Sydney.

Due to the location of Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, it’s best suited as a stopover on a road trip up north rather than a trip on its own.

This little sanctuary is more of an educational koala park than a touristy recreational zoo.

You will learn the stories behind these cute yet vulnerable koalas. Some of them end up in hospital care after a traumatic accident, and some are left behind by their peers.

Follow a guided tour to learn about their recovery journey and how amazingly strong they are.

It really touched us in various ways to see these beloved animals lying sedated on the hospital beds.

Our trip to the Koala Hospital turned out to be a truly inspirational and heart-melting experience.

10. Symbio Wildlife Park

Address: 7-11 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Helensburgh (Google Map)

Continuing our journey down south of Sydney, Symbio Wildlife Park is a well maintained little sanctuary and home to many rare and endangered animals.

The zookeepers here at Symbio Wildlife Park are engaging and knowledgeable.

You can take a behind-the-scenes tour, hand-feed and pat some of the cutest animals, like red pandas.

Photo packages are available for purchase!

11. Koala Park Sanctuary Sydney

Address: 84 Castle Hill Rd, West Pennant Hills (Google Map)

Just under half an hour drive from Sydney, this little Koala Park Sanctuary is a great detour to the northwest if you are on a tight schedule.

Australia’s first koala hospital opened here back in the 30s. Nothing fancy, but for a quick encounter with native animals, this is the place to be!

Their sheep shearing display is a highlight, making this park a true Aussie experience.

12. Port Macquarie Billabong Zoo

Address: 61 Billabong Dr, Port Macquarie (Google Map)

This Koala & Wildlife Park spreads over 10 acres and is considered the breeding centre for koalas.

It’s also home to over 80 species, including kangaroos, lions, and snow leopards.

There are daily zoo talks that provide insights into the lives of various animals.

Billabong Zoo also offers personal animal encounters where you can pat a koala, feed a cheetah, or interact with meerkats.

The zoo has well-maintained gardens, picnic areas, a playground and an on-site café, which overlooks the spider monkeys.

Last Notes

There you have it – the top zoos and wildlife parks in Sydney and NSW where you can get up close with koalas, kangaroos, and so much more.

Each of these wildlife sanctuaries offers something unique, whether it’s hands-on experiences, conservation programs, or simply a chance to enjoy a day immersed in nature and wildlife.

If you’re wondering where to start, Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo are our top picks.

Both are iconic, world-class zoos that offer not just amazing wildlife experiences but also the chance to stay overnight.

Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature or having breakfast with breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour or African Savannah-inspired landscapes in Dubbo.

For those short on time but eager to see Australian native animals, Wild Life Sydney Zoo takes the crown for the best location.

Sitting right in the heart of Darling Harbour, it’s perfect for combining a wildlife adventure with some sightseeing, dining, or exploring other nearby attractions.

If you’re on a road trip from Sydney, make sure to include a stopover at one of the wildlife parks we’ve listed above.

Whichever zoo or wildlife park you decide to explore, we hope you’ll fall in love with the adorable creatures that call Australia home!

Happy travels.

∞ Kida

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