Sydney is known for its beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks, and stunning landscapes. However, the city is also home to some of the best animal farms, zoos, and aquariums that are sure to amaze and entertain visitors of all ages. These places offer a unique experience for families to explore and learn about different animals, their habitats, and their behaviours in a fun and interactive way.
From aquariums that house marine life, and animal farms where visitors can interact with farm animals, to zoos that house exotic animals from around the world, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore the best animal farms, zoos, and aquariums in and around Sydney to help you plan your next animal adventure.
Best Animal Farms Around Sydney
Animal farms are a fantastic way to connect with nature and learn about animals up close. In and around Sydney, there are several animal farms that offer visitors the opportunity to interact with a range of farm animals, from cuddly rabbits to friendly alpacas. Here are our favourite Sydney kindy farms.
1. Calmsley Hill City Farm
Calmsley Hill City Farm is located just 45-50 minutes away from central Sydney. This farm provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience life on a farm and interact with a range of animals.
Besides, they offer camping options in addition to day trips.
Address: 31 Darling St Abbotsbury NSW 2176 Phone: 02 9823 3222
Calmsley Hill City Farm website
See more photos of Calmsley Hill and read our full review here.
2. Golden Ridge Animal Farm
Address: 686 Old Northern Road, Dural, NSW, 2158
Golden Ridge Animal Farm website – you need to book your visit ahead via the website
Open daily, this is a farm which runs visits for individuals, families and groups Each session lasts for two hours, starting with indoor activities and information, meet baby chicks, rabbits and ducklings. Then you can explore the rest of the farm, feed some animals and even do pony rides.
Do check out the website thoroughly, and note that they do say you and the kids might get muddy – it’s a farm!
Check out all the fun kids can have at Golden Ridge Animal Farm on this video.
3. Nancy’s Freedom Farm
Address: 97 Arcadia Road, Arcadia
Phone: 0439 404 433
Nancy’s Freedom Farm Instagram page is here
Nancy’s is a lovely farm which welcomes visitors at weekends. You can meet all the farm animals and collect eggs and then buy them.
Find out more on our review of Nancy’s Freedom Farm, and see more photos, click here.
Best Zoos Around Sydney
Whether you’re looking for a day trip with your family or an educational outing with friends, the top-rated zoos around Sydney have it all – from exotic animals and interactive exhibits to engaging activities and spectacular shows.
So pack up your picnic blanket and get ready for a wild adventure – here are the best zoos around Sydney!
1. Taronga Zoo Sydney
Taronga Zoo Sydney is world-famous for its extensive collection of wildlife and also for its stunning Sydney Harbour views. Visitors to Sydney know that Taronga Zoo is a must-visit, and Sydneysiders know this too. Many families opt to buy annual passes so that they can visit with the kids cost-effectively all year. You need more than a day to explore all the different wildlife areas and to watch some of the fascination Keeper Talks. For kids, there’s even more fun to be had with a large playground and a Wild Ropes Treetops Adventure course.
There are many special extra experiences that families can experience at Taronga Zoo, such as an animal encounter, being a zookeeper for a day and staying overnight.
PS Further afield, Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo provides its guests with an extraordinary experience of being close to the African animals that live on its expansive 300-acre property. With over 4000 creatures of 350 different species, it is the only zoo in New South Wales that is home to a wide range of wildlife living in a more natural setting.
This majestic environment allows visitors to observe the animals in their natural habitat and even participate in interactive experiences such as feeding giraffes or going on a safari jeep tour. Read about staying at Zoofari Lodge here and about the Billabong Camp here.
Taronga Park Sydney website is here.
2. Wild Life Sydney Zoo
Explore WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and experience an unforgettable Australian animal adventure! Our zoo is perfect for exploring iconic Aussie habitats and getting up close and personal with some of the most incredible animals from Down Under.
Our animal encounters let you meet koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, crocodiles, echidnas and more! With interactive displays, informative keeper talks and plenty of educational fun for everyone to enjoy.
3. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Featherdale Wildlife Park, located in Sydney’s west, is the perfect stop for any day tour going to the Blue Mountains which is World Heritage-listed.
With over 1,700 native animals for visitors to explore, this wildlife park offers a unique experience that is sure to delight both adults and children alike.
The main attractions at Featherdale Wildlife Park include the free koala meet and greet as well as hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies in their walk-through enclosure.
4. Australian Reptile Park
The Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Sydney, is a one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary that is home to many of Australia’s unique creatures.
In addition to the friendly mammals, such as koalas, platypi and echidnas, you can also see some of the continent’s most dangerous wildlife. Crocodiles, snakes and spiders are all represented here with realistic displays that let you get up close.
5. Symbio Wildlife Park
Once you have seen the major zoos in Sydney, it’s time to visit the smaller but still delightful wildlife parks. Drive south of Sydney to Symbio Wildlife Park where you can enjoy a day out with the family. Find all the details you need about Symbio Wildlife Park here.
6. Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park
Less than an hour to the north of Syney, past Hornsby, and close to the Reptile Park, you will find this lovely animal haven. Enjoy alks through the bush as well as meeting lots of birds and Australian animals. Click below to read out review.
7. Koala Park Sanctuary Sydney
Hidden away in the busy Hills District in northern Sydney, you can learn all about koalas and their conservation at this animal sanctuary. There are other animals to see here as well, but koalas are the main focus. Do not miss one of the fascinating keeper talks!
Best Aquariums in Sydney
Sydney is home to some of the world’s most incredible and breathtaking aquariums, making it a must-visit destination for all ages. Let’s look at some of the best spots where your kids can learn about the aquatic world.
1. Sydney Aquarium
The Sydney Aquarium is an impressive marine life wonderland, with a fantastic variety of aquatic creatures from Australia and around the world.
Home to a wide range of marine habitats, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Southern Ocean and tropical rainforest rivers, Sydney Aquarium showcases a breathtaking array of aquatic life.
You can explore four main exhibit zones; The Great Barrier Reef, Antarctic Adventure, Discovery Rock Pools and Rainforest Rivers.
Best Farmstays Around Sydney
1. Barcoos Farmstay
Barcoos Farmstay, situated 3-3.5 hours west of Sydney, is an ideal destination for a fun-filled farm experience.
It has a variety of farm animals to meet and activities to enjoy. You can start your day with feeding the chooks, Georgia pigs, cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, and alpacas, and make sure not to miss the afternoon feeding.
Also, pony rides and trips in the sulky pulled by Coco the Shetland pony are popular attractions, while kids can also enjoy playing in the playground and collecting eggs.
2. Ocean and Earth Farmstay
Situated north of Newcastle, a spacious farmhouse on a vast property offers a range of activities for visitors. Take a dip in the nearby dam or enjoy catching yabbies, while bush walks and feeding the farm animals are popular attractions.
3. Ba Mack Farmstay
Ba Mack Farmstay is just a short 25-minute drive south of Mudgee. You can begin the day with a nourishing breakfast, followed by feeding the farm animals.
Your kids can also participate in a supervised children club, or enjoy pony rides and baking lessons in the farmstead kitchen.
4. Chesleigh Homestead
Chesleigh is a picturesque and rustic 3,000-acre wilderness property located in the heart of NSW’s Central West region. Chesleigh is known for its excellent horse riding trails and hearty home-cooked meals, and you can try panning for gold in the creeks that run through the property.
5. Madison’s Mountain Retreat
Madison’s is the perfect place to bring your family for an unforgettable holiday. Kids can experience a unique adventure as they explore our free-range chicken coops, search for eggs and discover what nature offers.
The alpacas and goats are always looking forward to the daily feedings. So, take the opportunity to show your children what it’s like to interact with these beautiful animals.
6. Kookaburra Farm Stay
Escape the busy city life and find tranquillity at Kookaburra Farmstay, a charming family-owned and operated farm stay in Bobs Farm, on the Tomaree Peninsula in the stunning Port Stephens region of New South Wales, Australia.
The farm stay offers a welcoming and intimate atmosphere and is conveniently located just a short drive away from numerous tourist attractions and beautiful beaches.
7. Karinya Farmstay
Located in the beautiful Central Coast hinterland, Dooralong, Karinya Farmstay is a picturesque getaway just slightly over an hour’s drive from Sydney.
With breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, the seven-acre property offers an array of facilities such as a swimming pool, playground, climbing wall, slippery dip, and a cubby house.
Additionally, there are outdoor amenities like a pizza oven and fire pit, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. To start your day off right, breakfast hampers are also included.
If you’d like some more NSW farmstay ideas, check out our farmstays around Sydney article here.
Take Your Kids to These Animal Farms, Zoos, and Aquariums!
With so many animal farms, zoos and aquariums around Sydney, it can be hard to decide which ones are the best. But with a bit of research, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone in this bustling city.
From Taronga Zoo to Featherdale Wildlife Park and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium – each one offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for an educational day out or simply want to get up close and personal with some amazing animals from Australia and beyond, these attractions have plenty on offer!
Also, if you want to take your kids to other adventurous spots then you can choose to go on one of these bush walk and beach walk trails in Sydney. It includes several children-friendly walking trails, such as Cremorne Point Walk, Coogee Clifftops Walk, Cronulla Beach Walk, and more.
If you like farms, you might also enjoy fruit picking, check out fruit picking around Sydney here, and cherry picking around Melbourne here!
