Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Taronga Zoo + 2-Day Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer Pass

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Two days of unlimited Harbour Explorer ferry rides around Sydney Harbour plus a day at Taronga Zoo, with lower-gate entry straight from the zoo wharf. Do the zoo on one day and Manly, Watsons Bay and Shark Island on the other.

Days

2 consecutive days

Age

All ages; under 18s with an adult

Start / finish

Circular Quay / six harbour stops / Circular Quay or Darling Harbour

Return

See itinerary for details

Tour style

Self-guided ferry pass with zoo entry

Accommodation

Not included

Transport

Captain Cook rocket ferries

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Taronga Zoo + 2-Day Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer Pass

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Included experiences

Taronga Zoo — more than 5,000 animals, keeper talks and the seal show
Manly — the Corso, the surf beach and cafés
Watsons Bay — seafood, pubs and headland walks
Shark Island — picnic in a mid-harbour national park
Darling Harbour — King Street Wharf, Barangaroo and Cockle Bay
Circular Quay — Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water

Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Taronga Zoo + 2-Day Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer Pass

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BEFORE YOU START: CHECK IN AT CIRCULAR QUAY

Two days on the water and a day with the animals. Your pass covers two days in a row of unlimited rides on the red rocket ferries, plus one day's entry to Taronga Zoo. Start at the check-in office on Wharf 6 at Circular Quay, where you collect your boarding pass, your zoo ticket (it can only be collected here) and the day's timetable. The ferries loop between six stops, about 90 minutes for a full lap. Sydney Cove, right in front of you, is where the First Fleet landed in January 1788. Scan the code on board for commentary on your phone.

YOUR ZOO DAY: TARONGA

Most people give the zoo a full day of their own. It's about 15 minutes by ferry to the Taronga Zoo wharf, and your combo ticket lets you walk in through the Lower Entrance, a short stroll from the boat, with no bus ride to the top gate. The zoo opened on this Mosman hillside in 1916 and is home to more than 5,000 animals from over 350 species. Entry covers the keeper talks through the day, from the seal show to koalas, dingoes, giraffes, elephants, meerkats and birds. The giraffes have the best view in town, with the city skyline behind them. Check your timetable for the return ferries before you go in.

YOUR HARBOUR DAY: SHARK ISLAND, WATSONS BAY AND MANLY

Use the other day for the rest of the loop. Shark Island, Boowambillee to the Gadigal, is a picnic island in Sydney Harbour National Park with views in every direction. Watsons Bay sits inside South Head, where Doyles has served fish and chips by the beach since 1885, and a short walk climbs to the cliffs of The Gap above the Pacific. Then cross to Manly, named by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788 for the confident Aboriginal men he met on its beach. Walk the Corso to the surf, swim between the flags, or sit under the Norfolk pines with a gelato.

EVENING: DARLING HARBOUR

Finish either day at Darling Harbour, where the Pyrmont Bridge, opened in 1902, is one of the oldest electric swing bridges in the world. The restaurants of King Street Wharf, Barangaroo and Cockle Bay are all a short walk from the wharf.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Captain Cook check-in office, Circular Quay Wharf 6. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your first ferry to collect your boarding pass and zoo ticket.
Departure time: Ferries run through the day, roughly 9am to 5pm, up to 20 times a day. The current timetable is handed out at check-in.
Duration: The ferry pass covers two consecutive calendar days; zoo entry is for one of those days.
Suits: All ages. Child fares are for ages 4 to 15, and under 18s must be with an adult.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs can use the entry deck of the rocket ferries, which has an accessible toilet, and the Taronga wharf is accessible. Not every other stop is.
Please note: The zoo is open 9:30am to 4:30pm from May to August and 9:30am to 5pm from September to April. Because of routine health checks, some animals are occasionally off display or shows cancelled. No ferries on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Australia Day; Shark Island is closed 30 December to 2 January.

What to bring

Smartphone and headphones for the commentary

What is included

Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer pass for two consecutive calendar days
Unlimited rides between Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay and Manly
Entry to Taronga Zoo on one day, including keeper talks and presentations
Smartphone commentary, printed map and free Wi-Fi on board

Not included

Accommodation
Food and drink (there is a café at the zoo)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.