If you are thinking about a trip to the NEW Sydney Zoo in Eastern Creek, I highly recommend you do. We’ve check it out recently and wanted to share our thoughts with you!
Sydney Zoo is not just a place to observe animals; it’s an immersive journey into the diverse ecosystems of our planet. Home to over 4,000 animals, incredible mixed-species habitats, unique enriching experiences, animal encounters, and memorable events, it’s a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true.
If you’re looking for things to do with kids, Sydney Zoo is the perfect destination. There are countless activities for kids both young and old, and incredible sights for their parents to see as well. In this article, I’ll share my experience at Sydney Zoo.
Sydney Zoo
Sydney Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, showcasing species from all around the world. I explored the African Boardwalk with my kids for a captivating experience. I couldn’t believe how tall the giraffes were, or how much more magnificent lions look in real life!
You can walk through the leafy Primate Boulevard and be entranced by the animals of south-east Asia. Or, come up close to your beloved Australian natives in the beautiful open-range Australia habitat, where kangaroos freely hop along the winding pathways.
Sydney Zoo takes pride in being the only combined zoo and aquarium in NSW. It houses the world’s largest Reptile & Nocturnal House! So, you can hop in there right after visiting the most exotic land animals.
With 5 iconic precincts, Sydney Zoo is home to an impressive number of creatures.
Aquarium
Sydney Zoo’s aquarium is a mesmerizing aquatic realm that complements its impressive collection of terrestrial animals. Inside, you’ll encounter a stunning array of marine life. It is a truly immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Sea animals such as barramundi, bull sharks, and Murray cods can be seen swimming around. I had to practically drag the children away from the little penguins, my kids simply could not get enough of them.
Australia
The Australia habitat at Sydney Zoo was a highlight of my visit, offering an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with iconic Australian wildlife. I found myself surrounded by the cheerful energy of Kangaroo Island kangaroos, freely hopping about the open-range habitat, creating an unforgettable Australian experience. Here you will see animals such as wombats, dingoes, emus, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. Snakes such as the Inland Taipan and the Perentie can also be seen.
Primate Boulevard
Sydney Zoo’s Primate Boulevard was a captivating journey into the world of primates, where I was enthralled by the diverse and intelligent creatures that call this place home. Walking through the leafy enclave, I observed the playful antics and social interactions of the sacred baboons and chimpanzees, and even the tufted capuchins, gaining a deeper appreciation for our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. I particularly enjoyed looking at the capybaras, as they are my favourite animal!
Asia
The Asia habitat at Sydney Zoo offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity in this region, from Asian elephants to the Asian small-clawed otters. My experience there was truly memorable. I was entranced by the Sumatran tiger, as I watched them in their lush environments. The red panda’s endearing presence struck me, as I knew they were adorable creatures from photos, but nothing compared to seeing them in person.
Africa
Walking through Sydney Zoo’s Africa habitat was like embarking on a safari adventure right in Sydney. I marvelled at the magnificent animals coexisting in this replica of their natural environment, from graceful giraffes stretching their long necks to the African lions basking in the sun. Animals in the Africa habitat include cheetahs, spotted hyenas, meerkats, ostriches, African painted dogs, plains zebra, and white rhinoceros.
Animal encounters
Sydney Zoo offers various animal encounters, allowing visitors to get closer to the wildlife than ever before. This gives you the opportunity to touch, pet, or even hand-feed certain animals. My kids, of course, dragged me to the squirrel monkey encounter. The name ‘squirrel monkey’ fascinated them, and they just needed to know more. Their youthful curiosity paid off.
The monkey’s tiny, dexterous fingers and mischievous expressions brought a sense of connection as we got to witness their natural, cheeky behaviours up close. This encounter not only provided a memorable experience but also emphasized the importance of preserving these intelligent and charismatic animals and their precious habitats.
Below is a list of all the animal encounters on offer. For more information, check out the Sydney Zoo website.
- Red Panda Encounter
- Squirrel Monkey Encounter
- Elephant Encounter
- Tiger Encounter
- Giraffe Encounter
- Lion Encounter
- Meerkat Encounter
- Hyena Encounter
- Capybara Encounter
- Crocodile Encounter
- Reptile Encounter
- Camel Encounter
Attractions
From breath-taking wildlife habitats like the Africa Boardwalk and Australia habitat to hands-on animal encounters and cultural talks, the zoo offers an enriching adventure for visitors of all ages. Below are some of the various attractions available at Sydney Zoo. Information on their seasonal events, such as Halloween or Christmas, can be found on the Sydney Zoo website.
Birthday parties
Yes, you read that right. Birthday parties! Sydney Zoo offers an unforgettable experience for your child’s next birthday party. Imagine celebrating your special day surrounded by the wonders of the animal kingdom! With various themed party packages, the zoo provides an exciting and educational environment for kids of all ages to celebrate in style.
From up-close group animal encounters to guided zoo tours, these birthday parties offer a fun and interactive way to learn about wildlife conservation while creating core memories. It’s a one-of-a-kind celebration that combines entertainment, education, and the natural world, making it a perfect choice for a memorable birthday experience. A minimum of 10 children, maximum of 20, aged 3-15 must be present.
Book your child’s birthday party by clicking here.
Mini zookeeper for a day program
During my visit at Sydney Zoo, I found out about their incredible mini zookeeper for a day program. If your child adores animals, or aspires to become a zookeeper, you must find out more about this. This program equips children with the skills needed to become a zookeeper, offering hands-on opportunities to feed and care for a variety of animals.
Your young zookeeper will acquire fascinating facts and essential insights into animal conservation, as well as discover the art of animal training and how they can contribute to safeguarding rare and endangered species. Additionally, they’ll have the chance to unleash their creativity by crafting enriching items for the beautiful animals at the zoo.
To secure a spot, early booking is advisable. Only 12 children per day are able to partake in this program. This program is designed for children aged 8 to 12 years old. For older kids, the cadet zookeeper for a day program is available, from the ages 13 to 17 years old. For those that can’t access this, there is Accessible Zookeeper for a day. To find out the cost, or to make a booking, check out the Sydney Zoo website. My kids and I are for sure coming back to experience this!
Keeper talks
Sydney Zoo offers an informative and engaging experience with its keeper talks. These talks provide a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with the dedicated zookeepers, who passionately share their knowledge about the animals in their care. Whether it’s learning about the daily routines, feeding habits, or the conservation efforts being undertaken for specific species, these keeper talks offer a deeper understanding of the animal kingdom. The daily schedule for keeper talks can be found on the Sydney Zoo website.
Aboriginal cultural talks
On weekends, Sydney Zoo offers Aboriginal Cultural talks. Available at various times throughout the day, you can learn more about traditional customs, storytelling, and the connection between Aboriginal Culture and the land. The talks can be found at the Talking Huts in Australiana. To find out the times this is available, checkout the Sydney Zoo website.
Accessibility
In terms of accessibility, Sydney Zoo has made sure that all visitors are able to access and enjoy all parts of the zoo. There are no hills or steeps, so the zoo is suited for wheelchair users, as well as prams. The zoo is flat with wide pathways, and there are in fact no stairs! Stroller and mobility devices can be hired.
Sydney Zoo for kids
Sydney Zoo is not just a destination but an inspiring journey through the wonders of the wilderness. My visit to this remarkable facility left me and my kids with a sincere appreciation for the diverse wildlife. From the memorable animal encounters to the informative keeper talks and the inclusive accessibility options, Sydney Zoo provides an unforgettable experience for all. Find out more on their website.
