Taronga Zoo · Nura Diya Australia, Taronga Zoo
A Taronga keeper takes six guests at most behind the scenes for two hours: the kitchen where animal meals are made, the nocturnal house and a personal Koala Encounter. Book it for the time with a keeper and the answers no sign can give you; all-day zoo entry comes with it.
This is the zoo's own small-group tour of its Australian animals, led by a keeper in English for no more than six guests. The listing promises a visit to the working kitchen where the animals' meals are prepared, behind-the-scenes access to the nocturnal house, and a personal Koala Encounter. Expect the platypus, kangaroos and the night animals too, with the keeper explaining how each one lives and what the zoo does for it in the wild.
The name belongs to the product, not to the zoo map. On Taronga's own site, this part of the zoo is now called Nura Diya Australia. And the koala encounter is close, not hands on: Taronga's rules say guests are not permitted to touch or hold the koalas. If holding a koala is the goal, no ticket at Taronga offers it.
Read the terms before you pay. The tour is non-refundable, and date or time changes need 24 hours' notice. Closed-toe shoes are required. You meet at the Visitor Information Desk at the Main Entrance, at the top of the hill. That matters if you come by ferry: the wharf is at the bottom, and bus 238 is the quick way up. The listing also names transportation and parking under includes. Neither is part of the tour.
From the ferry wharf, take bus 238 to the Main Entrance, or allow plenty of time for the walk up. Drivers park off Bradleys Head Road.
Check in at the desk by the Main Entrance. Mention allergies or access needs if you didn't when you booked.
The kitchen, the nocturnal animals, the koala encounter and native animals up close, at a small-group pace.
Your ticket covers all-day entry. Catch Seals for the Wild or Free Flight Birds, then walk down to the wharf.
★★★★★Great experience. So much knowledge, the 2 hours went by so quickly.
★★★★★Exploring the zoo with our zookeeper guide gave us opportunities to observe and learn about animals
★★★★★Absolutely a marvellous tour. Not to be missed.
★★★★★Very unique experience! our Guide was very nice to give us chances to get closer to the koalas
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No. You get a personal Koala Encounter with a keeper, but Taronga does not let guests touch or hold koalas. Read more in our koala encounter guide.
At the Visitor Information Desk at the Main Entrance, on Bradleys Head Road at the top of the zoo. Coming by ferry, take bus 238 up from the wharf at your own cost.
No. The listing says it is non-refundable. Changes to the date or time need 24 hours' notice.
Yes, all-day zoo access is included, with the keeper talks and the shows. The ferry is not.
Ready to book
Two hours with a zoo keeper, six guests at most: the animal kitchen, the nocturnal house and a koala up close.
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