Sydney Zoo is a world-class zoo in Western Sydney. It is home to a wide range of exotic and native animals and has very modern free range exhibits
For families, this makes a wonderful experience. The new Sydney Zoo is very pram and wheelchair friendly because there are no hills or steps. So visiting the zoo is a hassle-free and convenient experience for every single customer.
Also, this Western Sydney zoo has kept in mind the needs of families with little children. The enclosures have good visibility. So, you don’t need to constantly lift your kids. Hooray! Also, the new zoo offers spacious toilets including disabled ones and several parents’ rooms that have unisex signs.
Sydney Zoo’s Managing Director, Jake Burgess said: “It is an exciting time for the future of Western Sydney where families can expect an incredible day getting closer than ever before to some of the world’s most iconic animals at an affordable price […]. A day at Sydney Zoo will be great value for money, including free parking, keepers talks and shows, along with a variety of high-quality food and beverage options at competitive prices.”
Sydney Zoo: A Family Review
By Mireia Garriga Seguranyes
Sydney Zoo Address: 700 Great Western Highway, Bungarribee NSW 2767
Phone number: 1800 843 966
Sydney Zoo is located in the heart of Western Sydney with great transport access and is just minutes away from key locations and other entertainment attractions such as Raging Waters Sydney , Western Sydney Parklands and Nurragingy Reserve.
Sydney Zoo Opening Hours: Open from 9am – 5pm, including Christmas Day
Important note: Tickets are ONLY available online.
Book your tickets here.
Sydney Zoo also offers memberships and day family passes. Member benefits:
- Unlimited access to the zoo
- No admission fees
- 10% off food, beverages and at the zoo shop
- Exclusive access and offers to events throughout the year.
- 20% off entry into Raging Waters Sydney.
The Sydney Zoo family pass consists of 1 adult + 1 child or 1 adult + 2 children for single-parent families; and, 2 adults + 1 child and up to 4 children for large families.
The new zoo was the winner in the award category of Tourism for the 2019 Project of the Year of the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Awards. We love the fact that it is fully accessible and that it has made a big effort to integrate and promote indigenous culture.
The Australia precinct is one of the highlights. Visitors can enjoy workshops and talks about the Darug people, and learn about medicinal plants, men and women artefacts, music instruments, tools, etc.
Sydney Zoo Animals
There are 90 exotic and native species in 5 different big precincts, including an impressive African boardwalk where you will be able to spot African fauna (lions, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, ostriches and painted dogs). The Primate Boulevard is home of baboons, gorillas, spider monkeys, chimpanzees and the tufted capuchin. And, the Asia precinct features tigers, red pandas and more, showcasing our neighbouring region’s richness in biodiversity.
The Sydney Zoo also has Sydney’s biggest freshwater aquarium and the largest reptiles and nocturnal house in Australia!
Both attractions are spacious and offer interesting educational information of each animal on the screen monitors. Our favourite was the penguins!
Sydney Zoo Important details:
Toilets/disabled toilets/baby change: Yes
Cafes: There is a big food court, a kiosk and several carts
Highchairs: Yes
Children’s menu: Plenty of child-friendly meals
Mobility services: Yes, you can hire a stroller, wheelchair or electric mobility scooter.
For advanced bookings, please contact the reservations team at 1800 643 999.
Mum’s report:
Sydney Zoo is the region’s newest attraction for families in Western Sydney. This world-class zoo is committed to both animal welfare and the preservation of aboriginal culture. Thanks to a modern design, it delivers an unrivalled guest experience for locals and tourists alike.
The main drawback of Sydney Zoo is the lack of shade, despite there being some shelters, where you can stop and refresh thanks to a misting system. So, if you plan to go on a sunny day in summer, slip-slop-slap! and don’t forget your hats and drink bottles. There are several refill water stations conveniently located in different areas of the zoo. When the new plantings grow, there will be better shade from trees, of course.
Also, it will be nice to see in the future a bigger kids play area, although the zoo is next door to Western Sydney Parklands and not far from Nurragingy Reserve.
Sydney Zoo Travel + Parking
Sydney Zoo is well-connected. You can use your car or take public transport.
Public Transport: Bus routes numbers 720 and 723. Note: before taking the bus, always check if there are any changes.
Driving Directions:
Driving is probably the best option if you have young children, as the zoo has excellent access to the M4 and M7 Motorways and offers 1,000 car spaces on-site parking.
Tip: if you use Google Maps, you will have to enter the full address, as Google still doesn’t find it as a “Sydney Zoo”. However, if you use the app Maps from iPhone, you will find the zoo under “Sydney Zoo”. You only need to choose option number 2. Alternatively, click on Visitor Information from the Sydney Zoo page to find a map.
Parking: All parking at Sydney Zoo is FREE. However, there are time slots. For example, if your booking is for the 9am-10am time slot, you should arrive within this window of time.
There are the following time slots: 9am-10am, 10am-11am and 2pm-3pm. Arrival time slots is FREE and on-site at Sydney Zoo. The Park & Ride service is also FREE.
Extra: Sydney Zoo is close to other key Western Sydney attractions. Although it is unlikely that you can visit more than one attraction in one day, you might like to take note of the following ideas for school holidays or weekends.
- Western Sydney Parklands with its terrific Lizard Dog Park and Playground, Plough and Harrow Park and Playground and Bungarribee Park and Playground
- Eastern Creek Raceway
- Raging Waters Sydney
- Featherdale Wildlife Park
- Blacktown International Sports Park
- Nurragingy Reserve
- International Equestrian Centre
Overall, Sydney Zoo is another great attraction of Western Sydney.
From time to time, we take our daughters to the zoo. It is a reward for them but also a good occasion to spend a memorable day together as a family.
What is your favourite zoo in New South Wales? Have you ever visited Taronga Zoo in Mosman or stayed overnight at Taronga Western Plains Zoo?
You might also enjoy reading fun facts about Australia, click here.
