Taronga Zoo: The Roar and Snore Experience
This had always been a bucket list item of mine! The thought of waking up with the animals at a Zoo made me extremely excited! I was very pleased when Ecco invited me to experience Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo!
With epic views of the Sydney Harbour, feeding giraffes and getting up close and personal with snakes this really is a once in a lifetime experience that should be on every Sydney itinerary! Glamping against the backdrop of Sydney city, private zoo walks led by experts and nibbles and champagne at sunset makes the zoo a grown-up magical encounter!
Here is everything you need to know about Taronga Zoo’s Roar and Snore experience.
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Taronga Zoo: The Roar and Snore Experience
About Taronga Zoo, Roar and Snore Experience
Taronga Zoo is a conservation society and education hub that aims to ensure the safety and conservation of our wildlife.
The Zoo was officially opened in October 1916, holding animals brought from the Moore Park Zoo originally founded by the NSW Zoological Society in 1881. In over 100 years the Taronga Zoo has evolved to a conversation hub with defined responsibilities in education, conservation, research and recreation.
Taronga’s sister zoo, Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, opened in February 1977, realizing a need for an open-plan facility and providing additional space for the breeding of endangered species.
The two Zoos complement each other in achieving Taronga’s goals. Taronga also maintains a close association with other wildlife organisations including the International Rhino Foundation, of which Taronga is a founding Board member, the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (in particular their Captive Breeding Specialist Group), the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), as well as universities and research organisations throughout Australia and overseas.
I do not promote zoo’s, enclosing of animals or animals for entertainment but the work that Taronga Zoo do is an exception due to their conservation and education efforts.
Both Taronga Zoo, Mosman, and Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, are open to the public every day of the year during the hours 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (Taronga Zoo) and 9am to 4pm (Taronga Western Plains Zoo).
‘At Taronga Conservation Society Australia, we believe that wildlife and people can share this planet. We believe that all of us have a responsibility to protect the world’s precious wildlife, not just in our lifetimes, but for the generations of the future.’
Details & Itinerary of Taronga Zoo, Roar and Snore Experience
Taronga zoo roar and snore is an unforgettable overnight affair will leave in awe of our amazing animals and beautiful Sydney city.
The experience kicks off at dusk just after the close of regular hours. You will be treated with intimate animal encounters, expert keeper talks, full buffet dinner, nibbles and drinks on arrival and luxe safari-style accommodation with stunning views of the Sydney Harbour.
After a brief introduction, outlining the itinerary and a couple of housekeeping rules, you will begin the first of three roar and snore tours! During this tour you will start to notice the full effect of not only exploring a zoo during the night but doing it quite intimately with only 20 other people.
The two evening tours are broken up by nibbles back at the accommodation are. Here you have the ‘meet the creature’ talks where you guides bring out slithering friends for you to meet and touch.
This was the first time I began to get over my fear of snakes. I even manage to touch one- see evidence below.
Next up you will head to the large dining hall for a complete buffet dinner. With lots of vegetarian options, I was one very happy and full girl! All ready for the next adventure of the night we set off with our guide with just light from a touch introduced us to crocodiles, elephants and zebras.
While the entire night and morning views of the harbour leave you feeling pretty satisfied, the is the highlight is yet to come!
The best part of this tour was feeding the Giraffes and their babies! Here you will have a very cool photo op whilst you learn about these interesting creatures.
Highlights
- Take in the spectacular sight of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the evening as you drink and dine at the Roar and Snore harbour-side campsite
- Get up close to some of Taronga Zoo’s friendliest residents
- Dine in style at our delicious buffet dinner and breakfast
- Experience an exclusive Taronga Zoo roar and snore night safari led by passionate keepers and guides
- Unwind in our comfortable safari-style tents, listening to the sounds of Taronga Zoo at night
- Join in feeding time and close encounter sessions where you will form a special bond with the animals of Taronga Zoo
How much? Rates are seasonal and vary from $215 per child up to $345 per adult high season.
Itinerary
- 6.15 pm Arrival, Introduction
- 6.30 Quick tour
- 7.00 Nibbles and Meet a Creature
- 7.45 Buffet Dinner
- 8.30 Night time safari tour with guide experts
- 10.00 Dessert, tea & coffee.
- 11.00 Bedtime.
- 6.30 am Rise and Shine- take in those harbour views // Breakfast.
- 7.30 BTS tour with animal encounters and feeding of Giraffes.
- 9.30 Finish – You can spend the day at the Zoo and depart whenever you please.
When
Tuesday – Sunday nights
Every night during school holidays
Location
Your Taronga zoo roar and snore experience will take place at Sydney Taronga Zoo in Mosman. Your host will meet you at the main entrance at 6.15 pm.
You can arrive by car, bus or ferry. I took a ferry from Circular Quay which takes around 10 minutes. I then jumped on a bus that took me straight to the entrance.
What to Bring
- Enclosed shoes – Taronga Zoo’s landscape is varied and your experience will include walking. Heels, sandals and thongs are not recommended.
- You Camera– You have a lot of photo opportunities, and you will want to brag to your friends later.
- Wet weather gear – Roar and Snore is an all-weather experience. It rained the next morning for us so I was glad I had a poncho and enclosed shoes.
- Toiletries – The Taronga Zoo Roar and Snore campsite has shower and bathroom facilities
That is our guide to Taronga Zoo’s Roar and Snore Experience. For more Australia adventures check out our guides.
I was a guest of Ecco and Taronga Zoo as part of a joint campaign, as always opinions, ideas and photos remain my own.
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