Sydney and its surroundings offer various opportunities to encounter Australian wildlife. Here’s a guide to some of the best animal experiences in and around Sydney:
Sydney Area
Featherdale Wildlife Park
- Location: Doonside, Western Sydney
- Experience: Meet native Australian animals up close
- Website: Featherdale Wildlife Park
Featherdale is home to over 1,700 Australian native animals from more than 250 different species. You can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and see koalas, Tasmanian devils, and various bird species.
Taronga Zoo
- Location: Mosman, Sydney
- Experience: See a wide variety of animals with stunning Sydney Harbour views
- Website: Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo offers a diverse range of animal experiences and conservation programs. Don’t miss the seal show and the bird show, both with spectacular harbour backdrops.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney
- Experience: Explore underwater tunnels and see marine life
- Website: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Home to over 13,000 marine animals from 700 different species, including sharks, dugongs, and penguins.
Nearby Sydney
Australian Reptile Park
- Location: Somersby, Central Coast (1 hour from Sydney)
- Experience: See native reptiles and other Australian animals
- Website: Australian Reptile Park
Known for its hands-on experiences with Australian wildlife, including reptile shows and kangaroo feeding.
Symbio Wildlife Park
- Location: Helensburgh (1 hour south of Sydney)
- Experience: Interact with native and exotic animals in a more intimate setting
- Website: Symbio Wildlife Park
Offers close encounters with koalas, wombats, and various reptiles.
Nature Spots for Wildlife Viewing
- Royal National Park: Chance to spot native birds, wallabies, and echidnas
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: Home to various bird species and possibility of seeing wallabies
- Sydney Harbour National Park: Opportunity to see water dragons and native birds
Seasonal Experiences
- Whale Watching (May to November): Various operators offer tours from Sydney Harbour
- Penguin Watching at Manly (July to February): See little penguins return to their nests at dusk
These animal experiences can be great additions to your Outings and offer unique Experiences in and around Sydney. Check the What’s On page for special events or feeding times at these locations.
Other Australian Animal Experiences
For those willing to travel further, Australia offers many more unique wildlife encounters:
- Meet kangaroos on Lucky Bay (Esperance, Western Australia)
- See quokkas on Rottnest Island (off Perth, Western Australia)
- Witness turtle hatchlings on Heron Island (Great Barrier Reef, Queensland)
- See seals and sea lions on Kangaroo Island (South Australia)
- Spot rock wallabies on Magnetic Island (off Townsville, Queensland)
- See wombats on Maria Island (Tasmania)
Related: Nature, Outings, Experiences, What’s On