How do I get to Taronga Zoo?
There are lots of transport options available for visitors to the Zoo. You can drive and park at the Zoo. Taronga Zoo has a multi-story car park with limited parking available. The Zoo car park fills up quickly, so we highly recommend public transport as a green option!
The Zoo is located 12 minutes from Circular Quay by ferry or a short bus trip from the city or North Sydney. Please note return ferry services to Circular Quay will not be running after the movie, so please plan your trip accordingly.
Visit www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500 for up-to-date information and timetables.
How much does parking cost?
The car park is $12.00 for Taronga After Dark patrons. We encourage patrons to use public transport as the car park is limited.
How do I get from the wharf to the Zoo’s top entrance?
There are regular bus services to transport visitors from the wharf to the Zoo’s top entrance. Please note there will be no entry via the Zoo’s lower entrance from the wharf during the event at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Please note return ferry services to Circular Quay will not be running after the event, so please plan your trip accordingly.
Is the bus a free shuttle service?
The buses are regular Sydney public bus services, so please ensure you have your ticket or Opal card ready.
Is the Zoo an accessible site?
Taronga Zoo is an accessible site, but it does contain some steep slopes. To get the most out of your experience, comfortable shoes and attire are highly recommended. View our Accessibility page for full information on accessibility at Taronga Zoo Sydney.
Please contact us on 9969 2777 if you may require assistance during your experience.
Are strollers and prams allowed?
Yes, strollers and prams are allowed.
What aren’t I allowed to bring?
The following items are prohibited and not allowed to be brought into the Zoo grounds;
Weapons, sharps, cheese knives, glass, animals or animal costumes, balls, balloons, bicycle, scooter, skateboard or rollerblades, alcohol or illegal substances, non-alcoholic beverages in unsealed containers (including glass, cans or hard plastics), musical instruments, noisemaker, airhorn, laser pen, laser pointer or similar focused light devices, portable BBQs, candles, sparklers and/or any firework paraphernalia, poles, sticks, selfie or Go Pro sticks, professional photography, drones.
No liquids (including non-alcoholic beverages, water or alcohol) are permitted on site for security reasons. Free water refill stations are available on site, so bring your empty reusable water bottles, no glass permitted! Please ensure your reusable water bottles are emptied before entering through the security checkpoint.
All non-alcoholic beverages must be in sealed containers (such as hard plastic or cans), glass is not permitted.
For more information, please view the prohibited items list here.
How will the animals respond to the event and extended opening hours during the event?
Rest assured that Taronga’s first priority and concern is always the welfare of the remarkable animals in our care. Taronga’s animals also have access to the comfort and shelter of their night dens and inside areas, but it’s not uncommon for certain animals to choose to remain outside during night events.
Planning has included detailed assessments from keepers to ensure that the event will not be problematic for our animals. Fortunately, Taronga Zoo Sydney has more than 25 years’ experience in successfully hosting after-hours events, including the Twilight at Taronga concerts, Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo and New Year’s Eve. Keepers and behavioural scientists monitor the animals and the environment during these events to ensure animal wellbeing is assured, and we are pleased that there have been no reported issues since the Twilight concerts began in 1996.
The Zoo measures noise levels periodically during the concerts and if the guidelines are accidentally exceeded, the volume is immediately reduced. Additionally, Taronga Zoo’s animals also have access to the comfort and shelter of their night quarters and inside areas, but it’s not uncommon for certain animals to choose to remain outside during night events.
Taronga is a not for profit organisation and funds raised by the series directly benefit the Zoo’s wildlife programs.
Will I get to see animals during the event?
Once the Zoo has closed at 5pm, the animals have retired to their night quarters for the evening. If you would like to see our incredible animals, we suggest visiting Taronga Zoo during opening hours.
Can I smoke or vape?
Taronga Zoo is a smoke-free site. Smoking, vaping and the use of any electronic device that simulates tobacco smoking is prohibited in all zoo outdoor areas. Guests who do not comply will be denied entry or removed.
Safety & Security:
Taronga After Dark is a family event. For the safety of other guests as well as our resident animals, any guest who is found acting in a socially disruptive manner may be removed from the Zoo grounds at the discretion of Taronga Zoo security and management. All guests are expected to keep alcohol consumption to a socially acceptable standard. Please note: Zoo Management reserve the right to remove from the Zoo premises anyone in a state of intoxication or who serves liquor to a minor.
