The Taronga Zoo New Years Eve in Sydney is a Can’t Miss Celebration

Celebrating the New Year in Sydney Australia is a major bucket list item. The Taronga Zoo New Years Eve bash is the perfect place to ring in the year.

Planning a New Years Eve in Sydney Australia? Here’s What You Should Know

New years eve fireworks over sydney harbour

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Where is the Taronga Zoo

The Taronga Zoo is located on the northern side of Sydney Harbour. It is near the Clifton Gardens neighborhood, within the Mosman suburb of Sydney.

How to get to the Taronga Zoo New Years Eve party

Normally, the easiest way to get to the zoo from the CBD, or south harbor area is by ferry from Circular Quay. The ferries however stop running from 530pm until around 1am. If you plan ahead you can ferry to the zoo early and wait in line. The cost of ferry to Taronga Zoo is around $8 AUD.

If you miss the ferry, you will need to take a bus to the zoo. The #100 buses go from the CBD across the bridge and end at the zoo. Following the fireworks, there will be a line of empty buses waiting at the zoo entrance to take people back into North Sydney and across the Sydney Harbour. The midnight bus is free, just hop on and pay attention to where you’re going. If the bridge is not open yet, you may need to get off and find a nearby train station to cross the bridge south into Sydney.

Don’t Let Sydney New Years Transportation Challenges Derail Your Celebration

tapping opal transportation card on bus in sydney

Taronga Zoo New Years Eve Tickets

The Taronga Zoo New Years Eve party is a paid event, with different ticket options. It is one of the paid events that does not sell out immediately, so if you are planning late, you can still get tickets a month in advance or via resale.

NYE Ticket Sales

Tickets for this party go on sale at the beginning of September. Unlike some other Sydney New Years Eve events, this event doesn’t typically sell out instantly. But if you want to be in a specific section, the earlier the better.

Taronga Zoo New Years tickets can be purchased through Ticketek (like Ticketmaster but less evil). Tickets will sell out. If that happens do not be discouraged! I waited too long to make my decision on NYE events and tickets had sold out by the time I was ready to book. However, you can purchase Ticketek resale tickets, for the same cost. Unlike Ticketmaster, they do not allow for a “choose your own adventure” when it comes to ticket prices. They will only sell it for the original ticket price, however there is a $15 AUD re-ticketing fee.

live dj at taronga zoo new years eve party with sydney harbour in background

Taronga Zoo New Years Eve 2025 tickets prices

Ticket prices vary based on which ticket type you purchase, with the silver level being the cheapest option. With entry you’ll also have live entertainment from bands to DJs set up in each location. You will also be able to see a few animals on display in their enclosures (including the elephants) earlier in the evening.

Taronga Zoo NYE Silver – $243 AUD
- Views of the harbour from the Concert Lawns. Includes entertainment and access to food trucks.
Taronga Zoo NYE Gold – $341 AUD
- Views of the harbour from the Bird Show Amphitheatre and Condor Lawn. Includes entertainment and access to the Taronga Food Market.
Taronga Zoo NYE Platinum – $503 AUD
- Views of the harbour from the Dalang Ballroom in the Taronga Function Centre. Includes entertainment, food and an arrival drink & “midnight toast”.
Taronga Zoo NYE Diamond – $723 AUD
- The best lawn views of the harbour from the Harbour View Lawn. Includes entertainment, a grazing box for 2, and access to the Taronga Food Market.
- This ticket is not accessible. Young children are recommended for Silver/Gold.
Taronga Zoo NYE Emerald – $803 AUD
- Unobstructed views of the harbour from the N’Galawa Terrace in the Taronga Function Centre. Includes entertainment, all food and wine & beer.
- This ticket is 18+ only

Parking at Taronga Zoo

Tickets in the Silver through Diamond levels include parking at Split Junction. Diamond tickets receive (1) on site parking pass for every (2) tickets purchased, and Gold tickets receive (1) on site parking pass for every (4) tickets purchased. Additional parking passes can be purchased for $55.

New years eve fireworks over sydney harbour bridge

Which level is best?

If you can afford an upgraded ticket, that’s the way to go.

Originally, I had planned to purchase a silver level ticket, mostly due to the cost. But, once I looked over the map, and started thinking about the viewing angles I decided to upgrade to gold. I am so happy I made that decision.

With the gold level, you have direct views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also two sections, one for lawn seating, and another at a small amphitheater where there is a band and DJ. There is also a dedicated bar for each section. Since I’ve only experienced the gold level, I can’t say which is best, but you will not be disappointed with Taronga Zoo NYE fireworks gold tickets.

gold level lawn seating at taronga zoo new years eve

Taronga NYE party hours

The entry time for the Taronga Zoo New Years Eve party varies based on your ticket.

Silver level tickets have first access at 6:00 pm, followed by gold at 6:30 pm, and the higher levels at 7 and 7:30. Whenever your entry time starts, plan to be there a minimum of 30 minutes (ideally 60) prior. This is a popular event, and the lines to get in are long. Most of the tickets are also general admission (within your section) so the sooner you arrive, the better seats you will have for the main event.

The event finishes as soon as the fireworks are over, around 12:15 am. I strongly recommend using the restrooms before you board the buses as you may be waiting awhile for a bus, or to get back home for the night.

What to bring to Taronga Zoo New Years Eve

Since you should plan to be here by no later than 6pm, you’ll want to come prepared for your 6+ hours at the zoo. I was surprised to see families with full wagons, including coolers, when I got in the entry line. After seeing that, I wished I had brought more with me.

Food: While you can buy food inside the zoo, you’ll definitely be paying a premium to eat. So if you’re with your family, or a group, that will add up fast, especially over 6 hours. Bring snacks and packaged meals to save money.
Drinks + Water: The zoo allows you to bring in unopened, non-alcoholic beverages, as long as they are not in glass containers. Don’t buy bottled water, bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. There are (free) water filling stations available at the zoo.
Blankets or towels: The zoo has lawn seating in the silver and gold sections. The blankets/towels will help you claim your space.
Low back chairs/cushions: These are allowed in the silver and gold lawn areas. All other tickets will have seats provided. Chairs and rugs are also available to rent for $15/chair or $25/rug.
Charger: When I’m traveling I pretty much keep a portable charger on me at all times. But with NYE especially, it’s important to keep your phone charged so you have battery life left to find your way home at the end of the night.
Comfortable shoes: It took me a tram, train and bus just to get to the zoo from my AirBnB, and the same on the way back. Between walking to and from transit locations, through the zoo and standing during the party, I was happy I brought sneakers.