Overview
Family-friendly favourite Taronga Zoo is undergoing a midyear transformation this June, reimagining the zoo as a winter wonderland complete with pop-up food stalls, hot chocolate and an openair ice rink. That's what's on the agenda at Taronga's Frozen Zoo, which will kick off from Saturday, June 25 and run for the duration of the school holidays.
Sydneysiders looking to get out and about this chilly season can head to Mosman for the zoo's 3500 animals, stunning city views and a spin around the ice rink. Set in front of the zoo's heritage gates, the pop-up rink is designed for all ages, from little skaters getting their footing on the ice for the first time through to adult skating aficionados. And with the zoo open daily until 8pm, the winter activities also offer an idyllic date spot for couples looking to mix things up from the regular dinner-and-movie night.
The ice skating sessions will run for 45 minutes, with access to the rink ranging from $20–23. To access the Frozen Zoo, you don't need to buy a ticket to Taronga; however, if you want to head to both, you can package all your tickets together and score a discount. Alongside the winter activations, the zoo also offers a high ropes course and countless animal exhibits, including Taronga's two latest family members: Taro the tree kangaroo joey and Humphrey the koala joey.
If you need some extra time to explore the place and you're looking for a one-of-a-kind staycation, Taronga is also home to a 62-room eco-retreat. The retreat is located in a sanctuary where koalas, wallabies, red kangaroos, echidnas and platypus live, so you can wander out to spot some at your own leisure, or else join a tour of the still-quiet zoo at sunrise.
Taro the Tree Joey, Guy Dixon
Frozen Zoo will run Saturday, June 26–Sunday, July 11, 10am–8pm seven days a week. Taronga Zoo is located at Bradleys Head Road, Mosman.