Taronga is a world-class zoo. Although it has a wide range of animals, the main attraction is the comprehensive collection of Australian natives. Exhibits are well done, although a few could use updating.

The VIP Gold Tour is well worth the extra cost. Requiring advanced reservations, a small group (max. 6) is guided through up-close and personal encounters with a good variety of Australian wildlife. Other visitors were jealous to watch me and a family of four petting echidnas and getting our pictures taken right next to the koalas. The two guides were highly knowledgeable and very friendly.

Taronga is rightly known as "the zoo with a view." Some of the best views I had of Sydney were from there. The Sky Safari cable car to and from the ferry landing gives some you won't get any other way.

The zoo is rather hilly and can be quite tiring to walk around. Give yourself plenty of time to explore. Those with mobility difficulties might want to consider a wheelchair.

Entrance to the Taronga Zoo is included in the Smart Visit card.

Volunteers led the groups of up to six, and while they were very nice and knew some answers, they weren't quite as expert as an actual zoo employees may have been on this behind-the-scenes tour. You start out in the koala enclosure (no touching--it stresses them out), where you can touch echidnas (pointy-nosed and porcupine-like). They were very inquisitive. That was a great start and offers a good chance to snap photos. Unfortunately, from there, we spent so long in rooms where food is prepared for the animals (interesting, but how many dead chicks and grubs can you look at?) or just looking at exhibits along with everyone else at the zoo that when we finally got to meet and pet a kangaroo (friendly and docile--he was used to people), we had only 2 minutes, because of a shift change. Still, you get right up next to koalas, and you can touch echidnas, snakes, lizards, and possums (much cuter and softer than in the U.S.). There's currently much construction there for a new food area and elephant area, but it's still a great zoo, with terrific harbor views.

Taronga Zoo is a lot of fun for kids and adults. We saw all the usual zoo animals--elephants, lions, chimps, reptiles, bears, seals, penguins, etc.--as well as local Australian animals like kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, dingos, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, emus, etc.

The best part of Taronga is the view. It's set up on a hill with fantastic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Bridge. It's accessible by ferry from Circular Quay, then a short cable-car ride up to the zoo entrance.

Get there early if you want to get your picture taken with a koala.

One of Sydney's most magnificent gems is Taronga Zoo, located across the harbor from downtown.

The zoo is on the pricey side (adults AU$27, roughly US$20), but it's well worth it. (Note: you can buy a "Zoopass" for roundtrip travel to/from the zoo plus admission, from Circular Quay; or transport/discount is included in a SydneyPass). The park opened in October of 1916, and has only been closed twice in its history - it is otherwise open 9-5 daily, every day of the year. Taronga Zoo, and its sister zoo, the Western Plains Zoo, focuses on scientific research, conservation and education, with planned projects to constantly expand and enhance their current offerings.

I had not been to a zoo in several years, but it seemed the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon - plus, it gave me the excuse to take the ferry. I couldn't possibly visit Sydney without getting out on that magnificent harbor!

I was blissfully happy as our ferry sped across the harbor, the wonderful Australian sun on my face, and we were soon disembarking at the zoo's dock. There are three ways into the zoo - the 'Lower', 'Sky Safari' and the 'Top' entrances. Taronga Zoo, you see, is built on a hillside overlooking the harbor - the line to take the "Sky Safari" gondola ride was very long, nearly half an hour, while the shuttlebus was ready to go and had us at the entry building in under five minutes.

The zoo's trail system rambles up and down the hillsides, so it is best to start at the and work your way down the paths - plot out the places you'd like to go in advance. The zoo's layout is more wheelchair-friendly than you might think, although there are some areas that may be slightly more difficult to access.

Taronga houses a magnificent collection of animals in a "bar-free" environment, showcasing their animals in more "natural" environments - one of the world leaders in this kind of zoo setting. Every so often as you wander about you catch a glimpse of the harbor and the city beyond, and you have to think that these animals have one of the best views in the world!

I was particularly fond of a walk-through exhibit where you could get quite close to kangaroos. Somewhere too I had seen that you could get to hold koalas at the zoo - an idea that was readily debunked once I found my way to the koala enclosure. You can get very close up to a koala (they look absolutely cuddly, too), but you cannot hold one yourself these days. Still, it is fascinating seeing these creatures much closer than I ever have before.

The zoo staff is wonderful, happy to share their knowledge with you, clear in their love for their animals. Taronga also puts on many talks and shows throughout the day, so there is plenty to see, do and learn here.

Buy a zoopass from Circular Quay and go to the zoo via ferry. The pass includes your round trip on the ferry, a cable-car ride to the top of the hill (or you can take the bus), and admission to the zoo.

While I was there they were working on a new enclosure for the elephants, and it looks like it's going to be wonderful. Should be done soon, too.

Great views of the city from some of the exhibits, particularly the giraffes and mountain goats. The free flight bird show featured mostly native birds.

Lots of Australian animals on exhibit. This is the place to go if you want your picture taken WITH a koala. You won't actually be holding one, but it will be in the frame with you ... and it's the best price you are going to find for that sort of thing.

Allow 3-4 hours for this, and take your time.