Visit Australia’s most famous zoo, situated right on Sydney Harbour. The Zoo Express is the fun way to travel to the Zoo.
The fun way to travel to Taronga Zoo
Inclusions & Features
Convenience and Enjoyment Combined
Visit Australia’s most famous zoo, situated right on Sydney Harbour. The Zoo Express offers a fun and convenient way to travel to the Zoo, making your visit enjoyable from start to finish.
Your express Taronga Zoo Express ticket includes a return rocket ferry ride and Zoo entry. Enjoy direct access via the Lower Zoo Entrance, just a short walk from the wharf. From there, take your time exploring the zoo at your own pace, enjoying the enclosures, café, and seal or bird presentations. When you're ready, re-board your rocket ferry for a relaxing return trip! The perfect way to see Taronga Zoo and Sydney Harbour!
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photo by Rungnapa Sifoo
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photo by David Maunsell
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photo by Mandy Henry
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Timetables
- Services operate daily
- Timetables are issued daily on arrival or onboard
- Special timetables may operate on selected dates - see the notes shown on the bottom of timetable.
Note: Guests holding Taronga Zoo Express tickets may access the zoo via the Lower Zoo Entrance just a short walk from the wharf. Guests with ferry only tickets are required to enter via the Main Entrance at the top of the hill. Access is via a public bus (at own expense).
Register for Live SMS Updates
We've launched new new software to manage our SMS updates making it easier and faster! Wherever possible we try to give our customers notice of any disruptions to our services. However, due to the nature of on-water transport this is not always possible and your understanding is appreciated.
Registrations for the Hop On Hop Off Harbour Tourist Ferries last 48 hours after which you will no longer receive notifications and your registration deleted from the system
Route
Wharf Check-in Offices
- Circular Quay Wharf 6 - Click here for Google Maps directions
- Darling Harbour King Street Wharf 1 - Click here for Google Maps directions
| Prices from 01-Apr-2026 | Zoo Expess ⛽ |
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| Adult Retail Adult Online Special from Child 4-15 | $85 $78 $48 |
All ferry services are cashless. Retail rates are valid to 31-March-2027. All prices are per person. Specials subject to change.
⛽Please note: A temporary fuel surcharge of $3pp applies to Zoo Express. Click here for more information.
Before you visit
Taronga Zoo and cares for over 5,000 animals from over 350 species, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals. Admission tickets include daily keeper talks and seal and/or bird presentations.
- Taronga Zoo is open 365 days of the year, between 9:30am and 4:30pm (May-Aug) and 9:30am to 5:00pm (Sep-Apr)*
- Visit Taronga Zoo for the latest Free Keeper Talks and opening hours
- Wheelchair access - The entrance level deck of rocket ferries are wheelchair accessible with wheelchair accessible bathroom. Taronga Zoo wharf is also wheelchair accessible
- Click here for Taronga Zoo accessibility
- Click here for vessel accessibility
- Contact the team at Taronga Zoo on (02) 9969 2777 for specific enquiries
- From time to time, some animal exhibits may close for maintenance works
- Plan your day before you visit and download the Taronga Zoo map
- Taronga Zoo entry can also be combined with a Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer 1-Day or 2-Day Pass
Note Guests holding zoo entry tickets may access the zoo via the Lower Zoo Entrance just a short walk from the wharf. Guests with ferry only tickets are required to enter via the Main Entrance at the top of the hill. Access is via a public bus (at own expense).
OpalPay FAQ
Please note, the below information is correct at the time of publishing and subject to change. Visit OpalPay for the latest information and services.
| What is Opalpay? | OpalPay is a convenient way to pay for travel using your Opal card on participating privately operated transport services. |
| Where can I use OpalPay? | You can now tap to pay with your Opal card on selected private ferry services. Look for 'OpalPay accepted here' signs. |
| Why use OpalPay? | With OpalPay, you can use your Opal card on a wider range of transport services, allowing you to travel to more places more easily. There is no need to buy individual trip tickets, you can just tap to pay with your Opal card for a more convenient way of paying your fare. |
| How much is an OpalPay fare? |
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| How do I use OpalPay? |
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| Which Opal cards are compatible with OpalPay? |
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| Will tapping on with OpalPay contribute to my Opal travel benefits? | No. Unlike trips made with Opal cards on other public transport services, OpalPay trips do not contribute to Opal travel benefits or discounts. |
| Can two people travel together using the same Opal card? | No, each customer over the age of four must have their own reloadable Opal card with sufficient balance to travel. |
| What if my Opal card is lost or stolen? | If your card is registered and it's lost or stolen you can report it online. Your existing balance can be protected and you can get it transferred to a new Opal card and sent to you. |
| Can a tap be reversed? |
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| Is there a maximum fare with OpalPay? |
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Taronga Zoo Express - FAQs
Why Choose Captain Cook Cruises?
When it comes to cruising Sydney Harbour, no one does it better than Captain Cook Cruises. Recognised as the Harbour’s premier operator, we combine over five decades of experience with award-winning service, a modern fleet, and unrivalled views of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. From luxury dining cruises and sightseeing adventures to private celebrations and special events, we set the standard for unforgettable experiences on Sydney Harbour. Trusted by more locals, more visitors, and more industry experts - choose Captain Cook Cruises. Read more about Our Story.
What’s the difference between the Taronga Zoo Express and Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer?
- Taronga Zoo Express
- Travel to and from Taronga Zoo aboard a rocket ferry, with Zoo entry included
- Includes Smartphone Commentary, printed Map & Highlights, free Wi-Fi, and access to both indoor and outdoor viewing deck
- Ideal for a those with limited time, or who wish to visit Taronga Zoo only, rather than visiting multiple destinations
- Up to 10 departures daily from 9:00am
- Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer (HOHO)
- Explore Sydney Harbour at your own pace with unlimited travel between key Harbour destinations - Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Shark Island and Manly
- Hop on and off as often as you like throughout the day, making it ideal for flexible sightseeing and exploring harbourside attractions
- Includes Smartphone Commentary, a printed Map & Highlights, free Wi-Fi, and access to both indoor and outdoor viewing decks
- Available as 1-day or 2-day passes, offering great value for visitors wanting to see multiple destinations around the Harbour
- Choose the HOHO for freedom and flexibility
How long does the Taronga Zoo Express ferry take?
- Trip duration is dependent on your starting location. For example, from Circular Quay the ferry ride is approximately 15-minutes
- We recommend choosing an early departure to maximise your time at Taronga Zoo, and collecting a daily timetable at check-in to plan your return journey
- Timetables vary slightly by season, so check the latest schedule before you travel
What’s included in the Taronga Zoo Express ticket?
- Return ferry travel from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Manly or Watsons Bay
- Entry to Taronga Zoo
- Smartphone Commentary, printed Map & Highlights, and free Wi-Fi
- Indoor/outdoor seating with panoramic views
Can I use the Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer to visit Taronga Zoo?
- Yes! The HOHO ferry stops directly at Taronga Zoo Wharf, making it one of the easiest ways to get there
- You can combine your HOHO pass with zoo entry for a great-value combo ticket
- Check-in at our Circular Quay office to collect your ferry and Zoo entry tickets (tickets cannot be collected directly from the Zoo)
- Spend a couple of hours or all day - it's up to you! Please check the day's timetable so you are familiar with ferry return times
- After your visit, simply re-board at the same wharf and continue exploring the Harbour
Other Information
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Dress Code: Smart Casual
Children: All guests under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult
Wheelchair Access:
Accessible: Sydney 2000 (Ocean Deck), Captain Cook 3 (Main Deck), The Jackson (Main Deck)
Rocket Ferries: The entrance level deck of rocket ferries are wheelchair accessible with wheelchair accessible bathroom, however not all destinations are wheelchair accessible. Click here for onsite Taronga Zoo accessibility.
Not suitable: Starship Sydney and Starship Aqua
Please check our Accessibility page for full details and wharf access considerations
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Responsible Service of Alcohol: Our staff follow RSA guidelines at all times
Credit Card Verification: At check-in, you will be required to present the credit card used for your online booking
Terms & Conditions: Visit our Terms & Conditions page for full booking and cancellation policies
For more information, visit individual cruise pages, or our Frequently Asked Questions page
Our Fleet: Learn more about our vessels on the Fleet Overview page
Still Looking? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page
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