Sydney Essentials Plus Private Zoo Experience
Sydney NSW, Australia
7½ Hours
Duration
Operates
Daily Departures
1 – 5 People
Group Size
Language
English
About this tour
Combine two of Sydney's most extraordinary private experiences in a single day. The morning brings Sydney's iconic coastal circuit — Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Watsons Bay, The Gap, Bondi Beach, Diamond Bay, and the sweeping panorama at Dudley Page Reserve. The afternoon takes you somewhere most visitors never go: behind the scenes at Taronga Zoo on an exclusive Wild Australia Experience.
The Wild Australia Experience is a Zoo Keeper-led private tour for up to six guests total. Your Todd Tours guide joins as part of the group, which means just five guest spots are available — keeping the encounter genuinely intimate. Expect behind-the-scenes access to areas closed to the general public, a Koala Encounter with Australia's most iconic marsupial, and full zoo entry included for everyone in your group.
The day starts at 8:00 AM with hotel pickup. The city and coastal leg runs through to midday, followed by a transfer to Taronga. Your private zoo tour runs from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, hosted by your keeper alongside your Todd Tours guide. Hotel drop-off follows at approximately 3:30 PM. Guests who'd like to stay longer at the zoo can return to Circular Quay independently on the Taronga ferry instead — one of Sydney's great short harbour journeys.
Tour Photos
A Sample of Your Bespoke Itinerary
8:00 AM
Hotel Pickup
Your private guide meets you at your hotel in a premium, air-conditioned vehicle.
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sydney City & Coast
Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Watsons Bay, The Gap, Bondi Beach, Diamond Bay, and Dudley Page Reserve — the full Sydney Essentials coastal circuit at your own pace.
12:00 PM
Transfer to Taronga
A short drive through Mosman to Taronga Zoo — approximately 20 minutes from the Eastern Suburbs.
1:00 PM
Wild Australia Experience Begins
Your Zoo Keeper-led private tour starts. Behind-the-scenes access, animal encounters, and an up-close Koala Encounter with Australia's most iconic marsupial. Your Todd Tours guide joins throughout.
3:00 PM
Zoo Tour Concludes
Explore the remainder of the zoo at your leisure, or proceed directly to hotel drop-off.
3:30 PM
Hotel Drop-off
Your guide drives you back to your hotel. Optional: stay at the zoo and return to Circular Quay on the Taronga ferry at your own pace and cost.
Highlights
- Mrs Macquarie's Chair — Opera House and Harbour Bridge panorama
- Watsons Bay & The Gap clifftops
- Iconic Bondi Beach
- Diamond Bay & Dudley Page Reserve
- Private Wild Australia Experience at Taronga Zoo — Keeper-led
- Koala Encounter — behind-the-scenes access
- Zoo entry included
- Optional Taronga ferry return to Circular Quay
Included
- Bespoke city tour itinerary (Sydney Essentials circuit)
- Private Wild Australia Experience with Koala Encounter
- Zoo entry (Taronga Zoo)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Driver / tour guide
- Pick up & drop off at your hotel
- Bottled water
- Umbrellas
Excluded
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the maximum group size 5 guests?
Taronga's Wild Australia Experience accommodates up to 6 people in total per private session. Your Todd Tours guide joins as the 6th participant, so available guest spots are capped at 5. This keeps the keeper encounter genuinely intimate — everyone gets full access and attention.
What happens during the Wild Australia Experience?
A dedicated Zoo Keeper leads your private group through behind-the-scenes areas of Taronga Zoo not open to general visitors. The highlight is the Koala Encounter — an up-close experience with one of Australia's most iconic animals. Full zoo entry for all guests is included in the tour price.
Can we stay at the zoo after the private tour ends at 3:00 PM?
Yes. If you'd like to keep exploring Taronga after the private session, your guide can leave you at the zoo rather than driving you back to your hotel. The Taronga ferry returns to Circular Quay in about 12 minutes — a spectacular short harbour crossing. The ferry ticket (around $10) is at your own expense.
Why do bookings close 96 hours before departure?
The Wild Australia Experience must be pre-booked and confirmed with Taronga Zoo well ahead of your visit. The 96-hour cutoff ensures we can secure your dedicated keeper and private session slot before the day.
What if the private zoo session isn't available on my date?
The Taronga Zoo portion of this experience is subject to confirmed availability with Taronga Zoo. In the rare case the private session isn't available for your exact date, we will offer the same experience as a small shared group, or a private session on the nearest available date.
What does the morning Sydney Essentials circuit cover?
The city and coastal leg visits Mrs Macquarie's Chair (the postcard Opera House and Harbour Bridge panorama), Watsons Bay, The Gap clifftops, Bondi Beach, Diamond Bay, and Dudley Page Reserve — the same stops as the standalone Sydney Essentials half-day tour, covered at a relaxed pace between 8:00 AM and midday.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, with one note on the zoo session: children need to be calm and quiet around animals during the keeper encounter. The morning coastal leg is family-friendly for all ages. Please let us know the ages of any children in your group at booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 96 hours before departure receive a full refund. Cancellations within 96 hours may be subject to Taronga's private tour cancellation terms — full details are confirmed at booking.