Sydney’s new ‘Zootopia’

It’s well known that the animals at Taronga wake every morning to some of Sydney’s best harbour views, and now guests can do the same at the zoo’s boutique Wildlife Retreat accommodation offering.

The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, available for exclusive use, has been created for visitors seeking an unforgettable and uniquely Australian experience. Guests can wake up eye-to-eye with a koala outside the bedroom window and enjoy fine local fare with Sydney Harbour views in one place, all just a 15-minute scenic boat ride from the city centre.

Sustainably designed, the Wildlife Retreat comprises 62 rooms spread across five elegant, environmentally sensitive lodges on land traditionally owned by the indigenous Cammeraigal people.

Wildlife Retreat, Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW

Koalas, wallabies and echidna…and so much more

While Taronga’s Roar and Snore glamping experience focuses on the zoo’s exotic animals, the Wildlife Retreat is set among its native enclosures to showcase Australia’s iconic fauna. At the heart of the retreat is The Sanctuary, a lush native wildlife habitat exclusively for Retreat guests that can be viewed from the rooms.

Each stay begins with a tour of this environment that includes close contact with the animals – a walk among the wallabies and the opportunity to see koalas, platypus, echidna and more. Guests have a chance to meet the keepers and gain insight into conservation efforts and indigenous connections. The Wildlife Retreat experience also includes a daybreak walk at first light and a morning tour of the zoo where guests can see other uniquely Australian animals such as the red kangaroo and Tasmanian devil.

In addition to Wildlife Retreat inclusions, other experiences available for groups on request, include the Wild Ropes zip-lining course and Animal Encounters with koalas or elephants.

Me-Gai restaurant, Wildlife Retreat, Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW

Inspirational spaces

“We are created from the tears of Biame (creator spirit), just as her tears created the ocean. Me-Gal is the Gaimaragal word for ‘tear’ and is spoken in context with our ocean creation story and speaks strongly of the saltwater that surrounds this site.” – Dennis Foley, Cammeraigal Traditional Custodian.

The 75 seat Me-Gal restaurant takes advantage of the zoo’s harbour vistas and is open only to Wildlife Retreat guests who enjoy a two-course dinner included with their stay. The modern Australian menu showcases local produce and indigenous ingredients, including the signature seared barramundi.

While upstairs is the new event space, the Gili Rooftop Deck, which features private lift access, panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and can accommodate 90 guests seated or 150 for a cocktail function.

For larger events, Wildlife Retreat can be booked in conjunction with one of the zoo’s other event spaces – including the Dalang Ballroom which holds up to 250 guests seated or 350 for a cocktail function, the N’Galawa Terrace which accommodates 130 guests seated or 200 for a cocktail function, as well as lawn areas overlooking the harbour for open-air and marquee events.

Animal view room, Wildlife Retreat, Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW

Good to know

As Taronga is a non-profit organisation, proceeds from The Wildlife Retreat go towards funding upkeep of the zoo’s animals and broader conservation and education programs.