Wildlife Retreat
at Taronga

What time is check-in?

Check-in at the Wildlife Retreat is from 2:00 PM, allowing you plenty of time to settle into your luxury eco-retreat and unwind before dinner.

Arriving early? You’re welcome to begin your experience sooner. Leave your bags with us and enjoy complimentary access to explore the Zoo before your room is ready. It’s the perfect way to start your stay. wander the grounds, meet incredible wildlife, and take in those iconic Sydney Harbour views before retreating to your room.

What time is check-out?

Check-out is by 10:00 AM, giving you a relaxed morning to enjoy breakfast overlooking the sanctuary and soak in those final harbour views.

Not ready to leave after check-out? We’re happy to mind your luggage so you can continue exploring the Zoo at your leisure before heading home.

Where do I go?

The Wildlife Retreat is situated on the North-Eastern side of the Zoo Just 15 minutes from Sydney CBD.  

It can be accessed via Bradley's Head Road and is approx 100 metres down the road from the main Zoo entry. The address is 2A Bradleys Head Road, Mosman. 

On arrival, please make your way directly to the Wildlife Retreat Reception. 

How do I get to the Wildlife Retreat?

If you’re arriving by car, follow the signs to the Zoo and continue to the dedicated Wildlife Retreat parking area. From there, it’s a short walk to Reception where our team will warmly welcome you and assist with your luggage.

If you’re arriving by ferry, enjoy the scenic ride across Sydney Harbour to Taronga Zoo Wharf. From the wharf, you can take the bus to the top entrance, just moments from the Wildlife Retreat Reception, with a bus meeting every ferry. Electric vehicle pick‑up from the ferry wharf is available on request, with booking required, and is not available for children under 8 years old.

You can get driving instructions from Google Maps.

I'm coming from Sydney airport what is the best way to get to you?

The Wildlife Retreat is 18km away from Sydney airport and an easy ride by taxi or Uber. 

Alternatively, you can catch public transport – a train, ferry and bus – and enjoy a relaxing ferry ride across iconic Sydney Harbour.

From the Sydney Airport terminal station, catch the train to Circular Quay then hop on the Taronga Zoo ferry. The ferry ride takes 12 minutes. The connecting 238 bus will be waiting to take you up the hill to the Zoo. The Wildlife Retreat entrance is a 100 metre walk downhill from the Taronga Zoo bus stop. 

Plan your trip public transport trip with NSW Trip Planner.

How often is there a Ferry to Taronga Wharf?

Ferries to and from Circular Quay are frequent during the day, but services finish in the late afternoon or early evening, so plan your return trip accordingly.

Timetables can change slightly based on day of the week, public holidays, and seasonal scheduling, so it’s a good idea to check the latest Sydney Ferries or cruise operator timetable closer to your visit.

Every ferry is met by the connecting 238 bus will be waiting to take you up the hill to the Zoo.

Do I need to bring ID and Credit Cards?

A valid Photo ID and the physical credit/debit card used for the booking are required upon arrival. We will also take a security hold on arrival for any incidentals. 

Please also be aware Taronga and the Wildlife retreat are cashless venues.

What amenities are in the room?

Each room at the Wildlife Retreat has been thoughtfully designed to combine luxury comfort with an immersive wildlife experience.
Every room includes:

• Plush king bedding (or twin configuration on request)
• Spacious ensuite bathroom with premium amenities
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Smart TV
• In-room safe
• Mini bar with curated refreshments (charges apply)
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Air conditioning and heating for year-round comfort
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Hairdryer and iron/ironing board

Rooms are designed with natural materials and calming tones to reflect the surrounding bushland sanctuary  so you can relax in comfort while remaining connected to nature.

What brand are your pillows?

Our pillows are by MiniJumbuk, chosen for their premium comfort and natural Australian wool properties.

Do you offer accessible rooms?

Yes, we offer accessible rooms designed to provide a comfortable and seamless stay. Our accessible rooms feature step-free access, wider spaces, accessible bathroom facilities, and lift access throughout the Retreat. Taronga Zoo, which has also has accessible pathways and services to help ensure an enjoyable visit.

Our accessible rooms can be booked directly online or If you have any specific requirements or would like to discuss your needs in more detail, please feel free to contact us. We’re very happy to assist in planning your stay.

The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is accredited in the following accessibility tiers: Assisted Walking and Independent Wheelchair User categories by Accessible Accommodation. (The Accessible Group)

What is the bedding configuration in the rooms?

All room types feature one king bed as standard. In our Bushland, Animal View and Harbour View rooms, the king bed can be split into twin beds upon request. Please note that our Treetop Suites are not able to be split and remain as a king configuration only.

We are also able to provide additional bedding if required. Trundle beds are suitable for children up to 9 years of age, and for guests aged 9 years and over, a rollaway bed will be provided.

Please advise at time of booking if you require the beds to be split.

How many people can stay in a room?

As a boutique property, our rooms are thoughtfully designed but are relatively compact, so there is a strict three-guest limit to not only ensure a comfortable stay for all but to also remain in line with safety and fire regulations 

Unfortunately, we are unable to exceed this limit under any circumstances.

For families of four or more guests, we recommend booking interconnecting rooms to ensure everyone is accommodated comfortably and in line with safety requirements.

Can babies stay at the Wildlife Retreat?

Infants are classified as 0-2 years are are welcome to stay free of charge at the Wildlife Retreat as long as the room capacity is not exceeded.

We will provide a cot at no additional cost however these are subject to availablity.

Can i have a third person in the room?

Three people is the maximum number of guests that can stay in one room. There is an additional charge for every person that stays in the room. This covers the cost of the additional bed, housekeeping, breakfast, tours and zoo entry. 

This charge will be added at the time of booking. Please ensure to include the additional persons age if they are a child to be charged accordingly. 

We're a family of 4, what are our options?

For a family of 4, we offer Interconnecting Rooms (two rooms joined by an internal door) or our Family Suites. Our standard rooms cannot physically or legally accommodate 4 guests.

Can we fit 2 adults and 2 small children in one room?   

Unfortunately not, regardless of the age of the children, our maximum occupancy per standard room is 3 people. This is a strict requirement for Fire Safety and Building Code compliance.

A  room can hold 2 adults + 1 infant or child, but not 2 adults + 1 child + 1 infant.

How many people are the package inclusions for?

A pricing is per person however we typically display pricing based on 2 adults sharing.a room. Our website is set to defult to 2 adults when making a booking. This can be adjusted.

All inclusions are for the amount of guests in the booking. The price will refelect this. If there are more guests at check-in than on the booking and you do not exceed the room capacity you will need to pay the additonal person charge at this time. 

What's included in a stay at the Wildlife Retreat?

A stay at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is designed to be a complete and immersive wildlife experience.

Every stay includes: 

• Luxury accommodation
• Taronga Zoo entry
• Daily breakfast at Me-Gal Restaurant
• Pick up from the ferry wharf on request

Direct booking inclusions:

• Exclusive access to the Sanctuary with guided Australian wildlife experiences with koalas, echidnas, wallabies and more
• On-site parking 

Do you offer seasonal packages?

Yes! We have a range of seasonal packages, including Winter Escapes, Romance Getaways, Vivid experiences, School Holiday adventures, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. We also offer special food and beverage events throughout the year at our onsite restaurant Me-Gal.

Visit our website or contact us directly for the latest offers and availability.

Are you open for New Year's Eve?

Yes, we are open on New Year’s Eve. In fact, we offer special experiences over this exciting period, including our New Year’s Eve package that pairs two or more night stays with access to the world‑famous celebrations at Taronga Conservation Society Australia.

At Taronga Zoo Sydney on 31 December each year you can: attend the New Year’s Eve celebration, a ticketed event with multiple viewing and hospitality options for the Sydney Harbour fireworks, live entertainment, great food and drinks, and spectacular harbour views.

We offer a range of event types from relaxed viewing  to premium experiences with panoramic views, live music, food stations and dancing  all overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House for the midnight fireworks.

Visit the New Year's Eve page on the website or contact us for the latest details and availability, as events and offerings can vary from year to year.

Are there really Australian Animals outside my room?

Yes, it's true. Many rooms at the Wildlife Retreat overlook natural habitats where native Australian animals roam. Guests can see kangaroos, koalas echidnas and native birds right outside their windows. It’s a unique wildlife accommodation experience that combines comfort with the thrill of staying close to Australia’s iconic fauna. Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers seeking an immersive wildlife stay.

It is worth noting that not all room types offer this view, and because the animals are free to move around their habitats, sightings cannot be guaranteed but we do guarantee that every stay offers a close-up wildlife experience you won’t forget.

Is there a dress code at Me-Gal?

The dress code is Smart Casual, we do recommend a quick "refresh" after your day in the Zoo. 

Do I need to book Me-Gal and how can I do this?

Booking Me-Gal is easy.  You can secure your table online, give us a call, or email our friendly team. We’re here to help. We do advise you book prior to your stay especially during peak holiday periods and weekends to avoid missing out.

Book Online.

What time is the Zoo open

Taronga Zoo is open every day of the year, and opens at 9:30 am. Closing time can vary depending on the season.

• Summer (Sept–Apr): 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
• Winter (May–Aug): 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

What else is there to do when you stay at the Wildlife Retreat?   

The Wildlife Retreat offers a rare combination of tranquil bushland and world-famous Sydney icons all within easy reach.

Located within Taronga Zoo Sydney and overlooking Sydney Harbour, guests can enjoy peaceful harbour walks, native wildlife encounters and coastal bushland right on their doorstep.

Just a short ferry ride from Taronga Zoo Wharf to Circular Quay, you’ll find yourself moments from the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the vibrant Sydney CBD, perfect for sightseeing, shopping, dining or catching a show.

For those wanting to explore further, scenic harbour bushwalks like the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk are nearby, along with waterside restaurants and local Mosman favourites. 

For beach lovers, the retreat is perfectly positioned near two of Sydney’s most beautiful stretches of sand. Take a ferry to the world-famous Manly Beach for surf, coastal walks and seaside dining, or enjoy the calm waters and harbour views at Balmoral Beach, just minutes away by car. 

You’ll also find excellent dining close by in Mosman village and along Balmoral’s waterfront, with everything from relaxed cafés and pubs to refined harbour-view restaurants.

Time at the Wildlife Retreat is the best of Sydney in one stay,  immersive wildlife, harbour views, dining options and iconic city experiences, all just moments apart.

Our team is here to help you make the most of your stay,  whether you contact us prior to arrival or while you’re on site offering personalised recommendations, planning day trips and arranging transport, with our Retreat car available on demand for short local trips (subject to availability).

Are there events on at the Zoo during my stay?

Taronga is known for hosting some amazing events throughout the year. In addition to daily wildlife presentations and keeper talks included with your zoo entry, you may find seasonal and ticketed events taking place during your visit.

Thse include Twilight at Taronga, a live music and entertainment series held during summer.

Taronga After Dark, a special evening experience with lantern‑lit trails, entertainment and more.

New Year’s Eve celebrations of ticketed entertainment and fireworks viewing events on 31 December.

Seasonally throughout the year Taronga runs additional experiences, trails, and themed activities, especially during school holidays and peak seasons.

Event schedules can vary depending on when you visit, and some require advance booking or separate tickets. We recommend checking the Taronga Zoo website or contacting our team directly for the most up‑to‑date event information during your stay.

Can I get married at the Wildlife Retreat?

The wildlife Retreat and Taronga offer the ultimate location for your special day and onsite accommodation for guests makes it perfect for multi-day celebrations. With varying venue choices and bespoke packages on offer our events team would be happy to help you plan your dream day. 

See Events at Taronga.

Full prepayment is required at the time of booking.

• Guests are required at all times to behave in a manner consistent with Taronga’s Animal Welfare Charter
• Children must be supervised at all times within the Wildlife Retreat and all bookings require an accompanying adult over the age of 18
• The Wildlife Retreat is a non-smoking property. Smoking is only permitted outside of the site boundary
• Balloons and confetti are not allowed on the premises as they pose a significant risk to wildlife on site
• We reserve the right to request guests to leave if they behave in a manner that impacts the enjoyment of other guests or poses a risk to other guests, staff and the animals in our care. Furthermore, if any damages occur due to misuse of the room we reserve the right to charge you the full cost of reparation

Cancellation policy:

• Up to 7 days prior to arrival bookings can be cancelled with no cancellation fee. A full refund will be provided
• Within 7 days of arrival cancellations will incur a 100% amendment/cancellation fee
• Refunds may take up to 6 - 8 weeks to process. All refunds will be processed back to the original card of payment only
• A valid credit card and photo identification matching the name on your reservation is required to check in to the Wildlife Retreat
• The Wildlife Retreat is a cashless facility and accepts card payments only
• Gift Certificates are non-refundable. If you have used a Gift Certificate for this booking, your certificate will be reinstated to use for another booking within your validity period

Direct bookings

• Direct bookings’ channels include bookings made via Taronga’s website or through our Reservations Team
• Added value and inclusions consist of complimentary on site parking and exclusive access to the Sanctuary with guided tour
• Applicable to new bookings made after 1st July 2026

View the terms and conditions of sale.