Sydney’s wildest new evening out swaps daytime enclosures for lantern-lit trails, live shows and smoky food-truck heat overlooking the harbour. For ten spring nights only, Taronga After Dark blends music, cinema, cocktails and wildlife-inspired moments into a mood-lit stroll after sunset.
Location
Address: Taronga Zoo Sydney, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Website: taronga.org.au
Buy Tickets: premier.ticketek.com.au
Dates
Next Event: 3–12 October 2025 (10 nights)
Gates: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Frequency: Limited season (Spring)
Duration: Evening session (3.5 hrs)
Price
Adults: $41
Children (4–15): $36
Concession: $37.80
Under 3: Free
Zoo Friends: 10% off each ticket
Availability: Online only via Ticketek (no box office; pre-purchase required)
The BioHax Take
Not a standard zoo visit — this is atmosphere first. Think mythic mermaids, seals at golden hour, acoustic sets, a glowing trail and a craft bar by Archie Rose. Add harbour views and a crackle of firepit warmth and you’ve got a spring night that lands somewhere between outdoor cinema and boutique night market with animal cameos on their terms.
Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney - Illuminated koala lantern sculpture glowing at Taronga After Dark, with Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and city skyline lit up at dusk in the background.
Nightly Highlights
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Magical Mermaid Show – Mysteries of the Deep brings a pirate explorer face-to-fin with a real mermaid. (6:15pm & 7:45pm)
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Seals for the Wild at Sunset – Taronga’s signature show staged with a golden-hour backdrop. (7:00pm)
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Wildlife Cinema – AGB Creative’s Creatures of Australia on the big screen.
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Lantern-lit Trails – Wander glowing paths with surprise animal encounters.
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Archie Rose Sunset Bar – Bespoke cocktails overlooking the African Savannah.
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Live Acoustic Sets – Smooth tunes around the firepit.
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Food-Truck Village – Street eats, BBQ smoke, and desserts under the stars.
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Kids’ Fluro Playground – Face paint, glow gear, and an excuse to stay up late.
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Wild Ropes (add-on) – Swing through an illuminated treetop course.
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Wildlife Retreat Stay – Overnight eco-luxury with koalas outside your window.
Eat & Drink
Sydney’s favourite food trucks are rolling in:
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Lemonada — handmade, zesty lemonades for a cool-down between shows.
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Tener Antojos — Mexican spice, crunch and fiesta in a taco.
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Let’s Do Yum Cha — dumplings, BBQ buns and steam-basket classics.
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The Pharaoh BBQ — African fire, smoky meats, bold flavour.
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Le Crookie — Paris-meets-Dubai pastry indulgence with a cult following.
Pair it with a cocktail from the Archie Rose Sunset Bar, perched over the harbour, or linger by the firepit with something sweet.
Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney - Guests enjoy drinks and food under glowing lights at Taronga After Dark, with the Archie Rose Sunset Bar and city skyline creating a vibrant evening atmosphere.
For the Kids
This isn’t a “sit still” kind of evening. Little ones can burn energy in the Fluro Zone Playground, get their faces painted in glow-in-the-dark colours, and chase lantern light along the trails before crashing out on the ferry home.
Stay Overnight
Want to stretch the magic? Book a Treetop Suite at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. It’s eco-luxury with a private sanctuary, Sydney views, and yes — a koala might be your neighbour in the morning.
Photo Credit: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga / Taronga Zoo Sydney - Elegant suite at Taronga’s Wildlife Retreat with modern furnishings, a canopy bed, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge at dusk.
Know Before You Go
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Animals: Most enclosures close after 5pm, but you’ll see seals, reptiles, and maybe a few nocturnal cameos.
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Transport: Ferry from Circular Quay (12 mins) or bus/drive. No late return ferries, so plan your trip.
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Parking: $12 flat rate in Taronga’s car park. Limited spaces.
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Accessibility: Steep slopes in parts. Strollers/prams allowed. Companion Cards accepted.
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Prohibited: No alcohol, glass, selfie sticks, balloons, or drones. Empty reusable bottles welcome (refill inside).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a regular zoo visit at night?
No. Only selected areas are open; focus is on lights, shows, music, cinema and trails.
Will I see animals?
Some nocturnal species may appear; the Seals presentation runs at sunset.
What time are gates and show times?
Gates 5:30–9:00pm. Mermaid Show 6:15pm & 7:45pm; Seals 7:00pm.
How do I get there?
Ferry from Circular Quay (12 mins) or bus/drive. Note: no late return ferry after the movie; plan return.
Is parking available?
Limited multi-storey parking at the Zoo; After Dark patrons $12.
Can I buy tickets on the night?
No. All tickets are online only via Ticketek.
Does my ticket include daytime zoo entry?
No. Day entry is separate; everyone must exit at 5:00pm and re-enter at 5:30pm.
Are Companion Cards accepted?
Yes. Companion ticket is free (book via Ticketek Accessible Line 1300 665 915).
What can’t I bring?
No alcohol, glass, unsealed drinks, weapons, drones, selfie sticks, etc. Sealed non-alcoholic drinks only; empty reusable bottles allowed (no glass).
Is the site accessible and stroller-friendly?
Yes, with some steep slopes. Strollers/prams allowed. Contact the Zoo for specific assistance.
Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney - Illustrated night map of Taronga After Dark, showing lantern trails, wildlife zones, Mermaid Show, Sunset Seal Presentation, food truck village, Archie Rose Sunset Bar, kids’ activities and cinema.
Related Reads: Night & Family Outings
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→ Maroubra Beach Farmers Markets
→ Second Life Markets Sydney – Carriageworks 2025
→ Wanderlust Wellspring Gold Coast 2025
→ Gary Brecka: The Ultimate Human Live in Sydney
Article originally published: 30 September 2025, by Editor
