Sydney, Australia covers nearly 5,000 square miles, so it’s no surprise that a place with an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife would have no shortage of ways to enjoy the splendor of the city. The zoos, theme parks, and animal conservation programs you’ll find in Sydney are some of the best in the world, and this guide will help you decide which family-friendly option you should visit during a trip the capital of Australia.

 

ZOOS

 

Taronga Zoo
Sydney’s most well-known zoo, Taronga Zoo is 52 acres and home to more than 4,000 animals from 350 species. The zoo cares for rare animals like Asian Elephants and many animals nearing extinction like the Sumatran Tigers, and stand-out features of the zoo include show and keepers talks and the Indonesian-themed tiger trek. They also oversee the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, which is dedicated to protecting the well-being of animals.  Tickets range from $24.30-$42.30.

 

Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Head to the heart of the city to view animals at Wild Life Sydney Zoo, a park in bustling Darling Harbour. See reptile exhibits, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get the chance to have breakfast with koalas. Tickets range from $24.60 to $67.

 

Photo courtesy of WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

 

For a road trip, the small, privately owned Mogo Zoo is a four-hour drive from Sydney, while Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo is nearly a six hours away.

 

RELATED: Meet The Parents Who Decided To ‘World School’ Their Daughters

 

AQUARIUMS

 

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

More than 13,000 fish across 700 species call SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium home, and the attraction is best known for its penguin experience, the shark walk, and the dugong island. Tickets range from $24.60 to $275.

 

AMUSEMENT PARKS 

 

Luna Park 

Luna Park dates back to 1935, and the park’s vintage art deco-design and throwback boardwalk games are a blast from the past. The park has old-school rides like a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and slides, and the park’s mission to capture the simplicity of fun makes Luna Park its own special attraction. Tickets range from $23-$55.

 

Photo courtesy of @aussies_shots

 

Wet’n’Wild Sydney

Wet’n’Wild Sydney is located in Prospect, New South Wales, and the water park boasts more than 40 slides and attractions including the world’s tallest double SkyCoaster. The park also has a gorgeous private beach developed for the park, and the Nickelodeon Beach is Australia’s largest kid-friendly water area. Tickets range from $59.99 to $69.99.

 

Manly Surf n Slide
Skip the crowds and head to Manly Surf n Slide in Manly for a laid back outdoor water park adventure. The park features multiple large slides that plunge into pools, and the park is a great place to beat the Australian heat. Tickets range from $20 to $170.

 

TreeTop Adventure Park

Explore Sydney from above at this high-flying outdoor park, where TreeTop Adventure Park features vertical wall-climbing challenges, a tightrope, Tarzan swings, and a roller coaster zip line. Tickets start at $18.

 

If you’re up for a six-hour drive, Dolphin Marine Magic in Coffs Harbour gives guests a chance to swim and interact with dolphins and seals.