Find the Best Time to Explore Sydney Zoo

Opening Hours
Sydney Zoo is open every day of the year, making it simple to plan your visit around your schedule.

Hours of Operation:
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Last entry: 4:00 PM

Best Times to Visit

If you’d like to enjoy Sydney Zoo at its best, consider these tips:

Arrive Early: Animals are most active in the morning, and you’ll have more time to explore all precincts.

–Weekdays Over Weekends: For a calmer experience with fewer crowds, visit on weekdays.

–Late Afternoons: Cooler temperatures and smaller crowds make late afternoons another great option.

–Plan Around Events: School holidays and special events bring a lively atmosphere but also larger crowds, so booking online early is recommended.

Exploring Sydney Zoo is hungry work, and there are plenty of places to recharge during your visit. The zoo offers a range of family-friendly dining options that cater to every taste and budget, from quick snacks to full meals.

The Dome Café: A central hub for fresh coffee, sandwiches, and light meals, perfect for a morning break or lunch on the go.

The Boulevard Eatery: A casual food court offering hot meals, burgers, salads, and kids’ favourites — ideal for families looking to sit down together.

Outdoor Kiosks: Scattered throughout the zoo, these stands make it easy to grab cold drinks, ice creams, and quick bites while you explore.

Healthy Choices: Visitors will find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available across the outlets, ensuring everyone has something delicious to enjoy.

For those who prefer to bring their own food, picnic areas with plenty of seating are located throughout Bungarribee Park and near the zoo grounds, making it easy to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature.

No visit to Sydney Zoo is complete without a stop at the Zoo Shop, where you can take home a little piece of your adventure. The store is located near the main entrance and exit, making it the perfect way to finish your day.

Inside you’ll find a wide range of souvenirs and gifts, including:

-Plush Animals: From lions and elephants to kangaroos and koalas, kids can bring home a cuddly reminder of their favourite zoo animals.
-Educational Toys & Books: Inspire curiosity with wildlife-themed games, puzzles, and storybooks that extend the zoo experience into learning at home.
-Apparel & Accessories: Branded t-shirts, hats, and eco-friendly bags make practical keepsakes.
-Sustainable Gifts: Choose from reusable drink bottles, bamboo products, and eco-conscious items that support the zoo’s conservation mission.
-Local Products: A selection of Australian-made goods and Indigenous-inspired designs, perfect for unique gifts and meaningful mementos.

With something for every age and budget, the Souvenir Store makes it easy to remember your day at Sydney Zoo long after you’ve left the gates. Every purchase also helps support the zoo’s ongoing conservation and education programs, so shopping here gives back to wildlife too.

Sydney Zoo was designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that every visitor can enjoy a comfortable and engaging day out. The entire site features flat, wide pathways, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.

Key accessibility features include:

Step-Free Access: All precincts, exhibits, dining areas, and restrooms are fully accessible without stairs.

Accessible Parking: Dedicated spaces are available close to the entrance for visitors with mobility permits.

Rest Areas: Shaded seating and rest stops are located throughout the zoo, providing plenty of opportunities to pause and recharge.

Wheelchair & Stroller Friendly: The layout of the zoo allows smooth movement across the grounds, with hire options available at the entrance.

Accessible Restrooms: Facilities are available across the site, including larger spaces designed for ease of use.

Inclusive Programs: Keeper talks, educational experiences, and cultural programs are designed to be welcoming and engaging for all visitors.

Sydney Zoo is committed to creating a space where everyone can connect with wildlife — whether it’s families with young children, older visitors, or those with mobility needs.