Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Function Venue
•The WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is one of the most popular spots on Darling Harbour, and in Sydney. This is hardly a surprise given that it’s a zoo - animals make nigh on any setting that much better. Aside from being a well-loved fixture in Sydney throughout the year with children and children-at-heart alike, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo also spends much of its time moonlighting as a versatile and high-quality function venue. The spaces available within the zoo for functions are the Kangaroo Walkabout, Koala Rooftop, and the Croc Deck. Each is unique and striking in its own way, complete with native trees, open-air vibes, and of course, animals. Functions - whether cocktail-style or for dinner, private or corporate - are able to book in access to enclosures before celebrations kick-off. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and the team at Merlin Entertainments can accommodate cocktail events, sophisticated dinners, corporate presentations, as well as family fun days. The WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is found on Darling Harbour, right by the Aquarium Ferry Wharf, and a short walk from Pyrmont Bridge. Of course, that also means the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is a stroll away from a whole host of Sydney’s most notable spots and sights.
The Koala Rooftop is a bit of a sight to behold - mostly because of the trees and koalas. That's right, given that this is in fact, a zoo, expect functions and events to be in the same vicinity as actual koalas. The koalas perch in the tr...
Imagine a regular function venue, a place to mill about and chat with friends and colleagues, drink in hand. Now, imagine that space surrounded by wildlife, and featuring crocodiles swimming and lurking just metres away. The Croc Deck is ...
The Kangaroo Walkabout is just that - a space in which kangaroos roam about walkways filled with enraptured and delighted guests. The Kangaroo Walkabout is an open-air, gorgeous function venue (as well as an enclosure for our nation's fav...
A perfect place to take kids or overseas visitors but also lovely to visit this slice of Australian wildlife in the centre of the city. It is set out very well and has displays of icon Aussie animals and some surprising inclusions such as bugs and snakes. There are great talks by knowledgeable experts and you can see feeding as well. There is a cafe in the top level near the koalas. A good souvenir shop at the exit. A fun place and educational.
We visited WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and enjoyed seeing so many native Australian animals up close, especially the koalas and kangaroos. The exhibits are well presented and the staff were friendly and helpful. At the same time, we couldn’t help but feel sorry for some of the animals given the limited space. Overall, it was still an interesting and worthwhile visit.
One of the best zoos we’ve ever been to! The animals are clearly all so well cared for, with spacious enclosures for them all and as a result we were able to see many of them active and playing with one another. The two baby chimps were so fun to watch! Our daughter did the keeper for a day behind the scenes activity and loved it.
We visited Sydney Zoo with my old parents and the kids. We had a good day and enjoyed it. We couldn’t find some animals, which was funny — maybe we missed them! The zoo isn’t very big, and there weren’t tons of animals, but what we saw was nice. The entrance fee was a bit pricey, I think. Overall, we had fun and everyone enjoyed it. The kids loved seeing the animals, and my parents liked the easy access and shade. Would go again, just maybe not for the animals alone, it’s more for a family day out.
The WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is a fantastic showcase of Australia’s unique and diverse wildlife, right in the heart of the city at Darling Harbour. What makes it so special is the way it brings the country’s most iconic animals together in one immersive setting, giving both locals and visitors the chance to experience the richness of Australia’s natural heritage without leaving Sydney. 🦘 A Celebration of Australian Animals From the moment you enter, you’re greeted with creatures that define the Australian landscape. Kangaroos and wallabies roam in open enclosures where you can see them up close, and the koalas—always a highlight—make for unforgettable encounters, especially in the dedicated Koala Rooftop area. For many international visitors, seeing these animals in such an intimate way is an absolute dream. 🐊 Reptiles, Birds & More The zoo also offers thrilling encounters with some of Australia’s more formidable residents. The massive saltwater crocodile is a true showstopper, reminding visitors of the raw power of the country’s reptiles. Colorful native birds, snakes, and lizards round out the collection, each presented in habitats designed to reflect their natural environments. The variety is impressive—whether you love marsupials, reptiles, or feathered friends, there’s something here to amaze you. 🌿 Design & Atmosphere Despite being in the middle of the city, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo feels surprisingly immersive. The enclosures are thoughtfully designed to balance visitor access with animal comfort, and the pathways wind naturally from one habitat to another. You can wander through lush greenery, step into walk-through aviaries, and enjoy encounters that feel close but respectful. It’s compact enough to explore in a few hours, yet packed with highlights that make it feel far bigger than its footprint. 👏 Staff & Experiences The staff deserve special mention—their enthusiasm and knowledge bring the zoo to life. Keeper talks and feeding demonstrations aren’t just educational, they’re engaging and fun, helping visitors of all ages connect with the animals on a deeper level. Families with kids especially benefit from the interactive displays and hands-on learning opportunities. ✨ Why It’s Worth Visiting What sets WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo apart is the convenience of experiencing Australia’s most famous animals all in one place, just steps away from the harbor. For tourists on a short stay, it’s an incredible opportunity to see kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and crocodiles without needing to travel into the outback. For locals, it’s a reminder of the extraordinary biodiversity that makes Australia unique. ⸻ ✅ In short: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is beautifully designed, educational, and full of memorable encounters. With its diverse collection, friendly staff, and unbeatable location, it offers a wonderful taste of Australia’s wildlife right in the city center.
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