Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry from Circular Quay

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A return rocket ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo with your zoo entry included, so you step off at the harbourside wharf and walk straight in through the lower gate. The crossing takes about 15 minutes, past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Days

Full day at your own pace

Age

All ages; under 18s with an adult

Group size

Self-guided zoo visit

Start / finish

Circular Quay / Taronga Zoo / Circular Quay

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Return rocket ferry from Circular Quay

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry from Circular Quay

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Included experiences

Sydney Harbour — 15-minute ferry crossing past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Taronga Zoo — over 5,000 animals from more than 350 species
Keeper talks — seal show and koala, giraffe, elephant and bird presentations
Lower Zoo Entrance — walk in straight from the wharf

Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry from Circular Quay

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Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AT CIRCULAR QUAY

Start at the Captain Cook office on Wharf 6 at Circular Quay, on Sydney Cove, where the First Fleet landed in 1788. Here you collect your ferry boarding pass and your zoo entry, which can't be picked up at the zoo, plus a timetable for the trip back. Ferries leave up to ten times a day from 9am, and the zoo opens at 9:30am, so an early boat gives you the longest day with the animals.

ACROSS THE HARBOUR

The red rocket ferry takes about 15 minutes to cross the harbour. Sit outside for the best view back to the Sydney Opera House, its sails covered in just over a million glazed tiles, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, opened in 1932. There are seats inside too, free Wi-Fi, a printed map and commentary you can play on your own phone. The ferry pulls in below Bradleys Head, named after William Bradley, the First Fleet officer who charted the harbour in 1788.

A DAY AT TARONGA ZOO

Your ticket lets you in through the Lower Zoo Entrance, a short walk from the wharf, so there's no bus up the hill. Taronga Zoo opened here in 1916, and its name comes from an Aboriginal word for a beautiful view; many enclosures look straight across the water to the city. Inside are more than 5,000 animals from over 350 species, from koalas, platypus and other Australian natives to rare and endangered animals from around the world. Entry includes the free keeper presentations, from seal shows to koala, dingo, giraffe, elephant, meerkat and bird talks, so check the times on arrival and plan your walk around them.

THE FERRY HOME

When you're ready, walk back down to the wharf and catch any of the afternoon ferries to Circular Quay. The zoo closes at 4:30pm from May to August and 5pm from September to April, and your ferry and zoo entry are good for a single day.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Captain Cook check-in office, Circular Quay Wharf 6. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your ferry to collect your tickets; they can't be picked up at the zoo.
Departure time: Up to 10 ferries a day from 9am. You get a timetable for the return trips when you check in.
Duration: Ferry and zoo entry are for a single day; the crossing takes about 15 minutes each way.
Suits: All ages. Child fares apply from 4 to 15, and under 18s must be with an adult.
Accessibility: The entry deck of the rocket ferries takes wheelchairs and has an accessible toilet, and the Taronga Zoo wharf is wheelchair accessible.
Please note: Zoo hours are 9:30am to 4:30pm from May to August and 9:30am to 5pm from September to April. Some animals or exhibits are occasionally off display for health checks or maintenance, and shows can be cancelled. Ferries are cashless and do not run on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Australia Day.

What to bring

Smartphone and headphones for the ferry commentary

What is included

Return rocket ferry between Circular Quay and Taronga Zoo
Entry to Taronga Zoo, including the daily keeper talks and presentations
Smartphone commentary, printed map and free Wi-Fi on the ferry

Not included

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

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.