Whale breaching near a tour boat in Sydney Harbour.
Catamaran cruising near Sydney Opera House on a whale watching tour.
Entrance to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, featuring historic architecture and arched doorway.
Giraffes at Taronga Zoo with Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.
Tourists on a whale watching cruise near Sydney Harbour.
Whale breaching near a cruise boat with Sydney skyline in the background.
Whale breaching near catamaran on Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.

Combo [Save 4%]: Sydney Whale Watching Cruise + Taronga Zoo Tickets

Sydney
Zoos
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Duration: 7 hours (approx.)

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

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Experience Sydney with our Combo [Save 4%]: Sydney Whale Watching Cruise + Taronga Zoo Tickets, combining marine adventure and wildlife exploration in one day. Your journey starts at Circular Quay Wharf for a whale-watching cruise departing at 9:30am, offering views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from your comfortable seat on board. Following this thrilling excursion, enjoy direct access to Taronga Zoo's diverse exhibits with convenient ferry transfers included.

A guaranteed whale sighting is part of the thrilling 2.5-hour cruise around Sydney Harbour with expert commentary; if you don't spot any whales during your first trip, enjoy another one at no extra cost.

Experience a smooth start to your visit by entering Taronga Zoo directly via ferry from Circular Quay Wharf—avoid both entrance lines and crowded bus transfers for convenience.

Begin exploring the zoo's diverse exhibits with ease from its lower wharf entrance, perfect for families or those who prefer a more leisurely pace up the hill rather than taking the main route.

Explore over 4,000 animals at Taronga Zoo in your own time before heading back to Circular Quay on one of several return rocket ferries—ensuring flexibility with departure times.

Family-friendly catamarans provide both indoor and outdoor seating options along with wheelchair-accessible facilities for a comfortable journey around Sydney Harbour.

Ticket for a 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise

Access includes live commentary

Guarantee: free rebooking within the season if no whales spotted (whale sighting guarantee)

Admission to Taronga Zoo

Return Rocket ferry from Circular Quay Wharf

Individual Financial Costs

Whale breaching near a tour boat in Sydney Harbour.

Whale breaching near a tour boat in Sydney Harbour.

Start a thrilling day filled with marine exploration and animal encounters. This package includes an exhilarating whale-watching cruise paired with direct access to the renowned Taronga Zoo, featuring convenient ferry transfers for smooth travel.

Your Journey Begins at Circular Quay Wharf

Start your adventure by checking in for a 9:30 am departure on the Sydney Harbour. After receiving safety instructions, board a spacious catamaran and select from indoor or outdoor seating options. As you cruise past famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, anticipate an exciting encounter with marine wildlife.

What to Look Forward To

During your 2.5-hour excursion, marvel at humpback whales migrating along Australia's NSW coast. A knowledgeable marine naturalist will provide engaging commentary on whale behavior and the surrounding ecosystem. With a high 95% success rate for sightings, you're likely to witness these majestic creatures up close. Should no whales be sighted, enjoy peace of mind with our sighting guarantee offering a complimentary return cruise within the same season.

After your fascinating cruise experience, make your way directly into Taronga Zoo through its lower entrance — bypassing typical queues and bus transfers at the main gate. This entry point provides an easy start to your zoo exploration. Spend time enjoying various wildlife exhibits at your leisure throughout the rest of the day.

Tour Highlights

  • 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Cruise: Set sail on Sydney Harbour with expert commentary from a marine naturalist, observing humpback whales, dolphins, seals, and sea birds along the way.
  • Whale Sighting Guarantee: If no whales are spotted during your tour, receive a voucher for another cruise within the same season at no extra cost.
  • Direct Entry to Taronga Zoo: Gain exclusive access through the zoo’s lower entrance, ideal for families and seniors looking to avoid long lines and bus transfers.
  • Explore World-Class Exhibits: Discover native Australian wildlife alongside exotic animals from around the world in a stunningly landscaped setting overlooking Sydney Harbour.
  • Return Rocket Ferry Ride: Conclude your day with a scenic ferry ride back to Circular Quay, departing at times provided during check-in for added convenience.

This full-day adventure combines nature and ease of travel — perfect for wildlife enthusiasts eager to explore the best Sydney has to offer.

Catamaran cruising near Sydney Opera House on a whale watching tour.

Catamaran cruising near Sydney Opera House on a whale watching tour.

Entrance to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, featuring historic architecture and arched doorway.

Entrance to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, featuring historic architecture and arched doorway.

Giraffes at Taronga Zoo with Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.

Giraffes at Taronga Zoo with Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.

Accessibility

    The Whale Watching Cruise is accessible for wheelchair users.

    What's not allowed

    Whale Watching Cruise:

      No smoking inside the cruise vessel.

      Taronga Zoo:

        The following items are prohibited: animal costumes, balls, balloons, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, alcohol apparatus, audio equipment, or musical instruments. Additionally, touching animals, feeding them, throwing objects, damaging structures and signs, lighting fires, or littering is forbidden.

        Additional information

        Whale Watching Cruise:

        • The cruise operates on open water; therefore, sea motion may be experienced. It's advisable to have a light meal beforehand.

        Pets are welcome if kept in an appropriate container at all times during the journey.

        Taronga Zoo:

          Access the Taronga Zoo map by downloading it from this link.

          Tourists on a whale watching cruise near Sydney Harbour.

          Tourists on a whale watching cruise near Sydney Harbour.

          Whale breaching near a cruise boat with Sydney skyline in the background.

          Whale breaching near a cruise boat with Sydney skyline in the background.

          Book your whale-watching cruise and zoo tickets at least a day in advance to ensure availability during peak season.

          To avoid long queues upon arrival, activate your entry pass before you reach the venue for quick access.

          If visiting multiple attractions in Sydney, consider starting with this combo tour as it offers convenient ferry transfers and direct zoo entrance from Circular Quay.

          For a more relaxed experience at Taronga Zoo, enter through the lower wharf to explore uphill leisurely—ideal for families or seniors.

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          Operating hours

          Taronga Zoo Sydney

          Monday
          9:30am - 4:30pm
          Tuesday
          9:30am - 4:30pm
          Wednesday
          9:30am - 4:30pm
          Thursday
          9:30am - 4:30pm
          Friday
          9:30am - 4:30pm
          Saturday
          9:30am - 4:30pm
          Sunday
          9:30am - 4:30pm
          • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

          By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

          FAQs

          You will discover over 4,000 different animal species on display throughout the zoo.
          Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the whale-watching cruise, but no specific mention of smoking rules at the zoo was provided in the data.
          The catamarans offer both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as wheelchair-accessible facilities for comfort during your adventure.
          The whale-watching cruise begins at 9:30 am from Circular Quay Wharf.
          You gain direct entry to Taronga Zoo via ferry from the lower wharf entrance, bypassing main entrance queues and crowded bus transfers.
          The whale-watching cruise lasts for 2.5 hours and includes expert commentary with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour along with a guaranteed sighting of humpback whales or free rebooking if no sightings occur.
          The package includes a return rocket ferry to Circular Quay after your visit to Taronga Zoo.
          Do not bring animal costumes, balls, balloons, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, apparatus alcohol, audio equipment, or musical instruments into Taronga Zoo.
          If you don't spot any whales during your cruise, there is a guarantee of free rebooking within the season for another chance to see them.
          Yes, both the whale watching cruise and Taronga Zoo are wheelchair accessible.

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