7 Aug 2025
New family adventure – Taronga After Dark, set to light up the night
Vision and stills available here.
This Spring school holidays, Taronga Zoo Sydney is opening its gates after hours for a magical new event for families and friends. Taronga After Dark invites guests to experience Taronga in a whole new way - after the sun sets and when the stars come out.
Running for ten unforgettable nights from Friday 3 to Sunday 12 October (5:30pm – 9:00pm), Taronga After Dark transforms the Zoo into a twilight wonderland filled with discovery, adventure, and plenty of family fun.
As dusk falls over Sydney Harbour, little adventurers can follow lantern-lit trails through the Zoo, encounter some incredible wildlife after dark, and enjoy a captivating Mermaid Show at the Seal Theatre. The evening also features a special Sunset Seals for the Wild presentation, perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
Families can choose their own adventure as they explore different glowing zones with plenty of fun activities learning about creatures of the night and encountering surprises around every corner. Enjoy some of Taronga’s much-loved residents including giraffes, big cats like African Lions and Sumatran Tigers, as well as 42 species that jump, slither and crawl at the new Amphibian and Reptile Experience
Enjoy glow-in-the-dark face painting, experience animals up close at the mesmerising Wildlife Cinema and even get a selfie with a Mermaid! While youngsters soak up the fun, adults can unwind with live music at the Archie Rose Sunset Bar, offering sweeping views over the African Savannah and Taronga’s iconic giraffe herd. The Food Truck Village will be brimming with family favourites where guests can enjoy the warmth and glow of the firepit while indulging in delicious street food and desserts under the stars.
For even more adventure, add on a Wild Ropes adventure high ropes course to your ticket and experience spectacular views across the Zoo and the harbour beyond.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular Taronga guest, Taronga After Dark is set to be a new and magical night out for the whole family.
Included FREE with a Taronga After Dark Ticket:
- Magical Mermaid Shows
- Sunset Seals for the Wild Presentation
- Lantern-lit animal trails and lighting displays
- Discover night-time antics of animals
- Glow in the dark face painting and fun kids activities
- Mesmerising Wildlife Cinema experience
- Food truck village with family favourites and desserts
- Live acoustic music, sunset bar and sparkling harbour views
Optional Add-On Adventures:
- Wild Ropes Treetops Adventure - Taronga’s four fun and challenging high ropes courses will be illuminated during Taronga After Dark. The experience is suitable for kids through to adults, with prices starting from $48 for adults (16+), $36 for children (8-15) and $27 for kids (3-7). Bookings can be made online or on-site.
Event Details:
Dates: Friday 3 - Saturday 12 October 2025 (10 nights only)
Time: 5:30pm - 9:00pm
Location: Taronga Zoo Sydney, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
Tickets: Adults (15+) $41, Children (4-15) $36, Concessions $37.80 and under 3’s free – Taronga Zoo Friends receive a 10% discount on all ticket purchase and access to pre-sale.
URL: For more information and to register for ticket pre-sale visit: https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/events/taronga-after-dark
Pre-sale tickets on sale Tuesday 19 August 2025 at 12:00pm
General public on sale Wednesday 20 August 2025 at 12:00pm
Don’t miss your chance to experience Taronga like never before.
- ENDS -
For more information, interviews or images please contact:
Kiah Wilson on kiwilson@zoo.nsw.gov.au or +61 401 251 341
About Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga) is a leader in the fields of conservation, research, animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education. Taronga is a not-for-profit organisation with an absolute commitment to conservation and securing a shared future for wildlife and people. Taronga is the largest contributor to veterinary services in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in NSW, and every year, 1,500 animals are admitted to the Taronga Wildlife Hospitals in Sydney and Dubbo.