sanctuary tour taronga zoo

A night in the new Wildlife Retreat at Sydney's Taronga Zoo

Leigh Ann Pow

Travel Journalist

17 February 2023

Privileged access to the creatures of the bush – and the jungle – comes with luxe inclusions, expansive harbour views and a conscience.

It’s every child’s dream come true, to be locked inside a zoo once the gates have closed and the visitors have all gone home. And I’m living it. There is nothing nefarious about how I have found myself within the grounds of Sydney’s celebrated Taronga Zoo after dark; rather it is all well conceived and purposeful.

The back story

I am a guest at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga , a new 62-room eco-retreat owned and operated by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. It’s a privileged position to be in but a necessary one: as zoos around the world attempt to stay relevant in an age when our senses are heightened to the indignation of keeping majestic animals in enclosures, it is this melding of experience and education – with luxury inclusions and multimillion-dollar views thrown in for good measure – that is designed to ensure the future of places like Taronga, not to mention the vital work it does in conservation (another essential element to any zoo’s trope in the 21st century).

With compelling and necessary stories of conservation and citizen science to tell, it is pleasing that Taronga Conservation Society Australia has put such time and consideration into the Wildlife Retreat. Sitting on Cammeraigal country at the edge of Sydney Harbour, the five low-rise lodges, sustainably designed by leading Australian creatives Cox Architecture, sit surprisingly lightly within the environment. The accommodation ‘pods’ are clad in reconstituted timber and metal, their clean, modern lines softened with ample use of tactile blonde sandstone and native plantings.

In keeping with Taronga’s focus on sustainability, land care and social responsibility, advice was sought throughout the construction phase and will continue now it is up and running; the property is targeting a five-star Green Star rating.

The rooms are luxuriously appointed

First impressions

The convivial hub of the property is the ‘nest’, a vast central lounge that is drenched by afternoon sun, its floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted city views; when night falls the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline twinkle and dance in the inky darkness. Cosy indoor/outdoor seating areas abound, and there is a bar in the corner ready to supply sundowners at a whim. While the design and appointments dazzle upon arrival, it is the Sanctuary that confirms the Wildlife Retreat’s intentions. A purpose-designed and built native habitat created exclusively for guests, the space allows for unique encounters with a menagerie of Australian native animals. With a guide/keeper leading the way, we weave through the space, pausing to watch as one of the two resident echidnas (old man Robbie and the younger Wednesday) laps up its dinner with its long, thin tongue, all the while watched over by a duo of shy Tammar wallabies. Encountering our totally unique animals never fails to give me goosebumps, and getting so close is a lump-in-the-throat honour.

Expansive views from the communal lounge

There are animals here I have never even heard of – the red-necked pademelon for one – and those that are instantly emblematic of our country: we finish by watching one of the resident koalas waddle from one tree to another, almost as if it is looking for a more advantageous position to admire the view.

Throughout the walk we meet various keepers immersed in facts about their furry charges, and hear stories of how we can make a difference to the future of each one: advice as simple as “plant a tree” to ensure the survival of our koala population has me planning which variety of gum I am going to buy at the garden centre.

And that’s the whole point of the Wildlife Retreat: above and beyond offering up a new luxury Sydney stay, this is a brilliantly realised concept in making a real difference to the world through a hearts and mind conversion of its guests.

One of the Sanctuary’s echidnas

The property

Each room they fill by offering up stylish accommodation, delicious food (the Me-Gal restaurant serves up a generous menu stacked with sustainable and local produce) and the opportunity to look into the eyes of a long-nosed potoroo results in another convert to the cause.

After a night spent listening to the whoops and squawks of the zoo’s birds, I rise to take an early morning tour around the grounds before the visitors arrive. While many of the animals are still slumbering, we pass by the gorilla enclosure to find two of the young males searching for their breakfast. I stand in silence and watch as they play, and feel the privilege of my exclusive access, and the responsibility that comes with it.

An en suite bathroom with a nature aspect

Staying there

An overnight stay at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is priced from $790 for two adults and includes a two-course dinner, buffet breakfast, exclusive immersive animal experiences and complimentary general admission to the zoo. Proceeds from each and every stay support Taronga’s ongoing work caring for animals within its two zoos here in Australia (Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo), as well as through conservation programs around the world.

You might also like

What’s on around Australia in August 2023

There’s no shortage of things to do in Australia. Here’s what’s on in August. There are countless amazing experiences to be had throughout Aust...

A Sydney to Byron Bay road trip itinerary

Driving from Sydney to Byron Bay is one of the most iconic drives in Australia. Here's how to make the most of the route over four days. The kind cli...

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

Asia Pacific

Animal Encounters

Beach getaways, family travel, pet-friendly travel, adventure travel, attractions, inspiration, accommodation, tips & tricks, events & holidays, resources & reviews, assistance animals, blind/low vision, d/deaf and hard of hearing, mobility needs, hidden disabilities, sensory needs, apps & gadgets, support workers & carers, car rental & modifications, clothes & luggage, wheelchairs & mobility equipment, travel insurance & ndis, changing places & public facilities, sunflower program & sensory support, we review: wildlife retreat at taronga.

• Julie Jones
• November 30, 2022

TWL | Plan Your Trip | Accommodation | We Review: Wildlife Retreat At Taronga

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is located on Cammeraigal country in the leafy North Shore suburb of Mosman. This award-winning eco-retreat is nestled within Taronga Zoo and overlooks the magnificent Sydney Harbour.

Guests can arrive at Wildlife Retreat by car with complimentary parking provided as part of your stay. If you prefer to use public transport, you can catch a ferry to the Taronga Zoo wharf and connect to a bus, which has a stop near the Retreat.

Guests staying at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga have access to Taronga Zoo throughout their stay, with a private entrance connecting to the zoo. It certainly made it easy for us to arrive at the zoo at opening time, and allowed us to see many of the animals (including the lion cubs) at their most active.

A highlight of our stay was the Sanctuary Tour, which is exclusive to guests staying at the Wildlife Retreat. The tour can be booked on arrival for timed departures during the afternoon. We enjoyed joining our tour guide and a small group of fellow guests for the 30 minute walk/wheel through the exclusive area. Be warned: all animals have right of way, and nobody gets between an echidna and their dinner – not even a wheelchair. Our guide seamlessly directed us around the wheelchair accessible route throughout the tour.

In the evening, we dined in Me-Gai for dinner, where we enjoyed delicious food with a side-order of stunning harbour views at sunset. The menu heroes locally sourced quality produce, which changes with the seasons. Gluten free and vegetarian options are available. Child-friendly meals are also on offer, and although the restaurant has five-star decor, the staff are down-to-earth and don’t mind a bit of mess under a high-chair.

Having an early riser in our family, we took advantage of a 7.15am tour of the zoo. A staff member educated us about various members of the zoo family. We found the birds particularly chatty at that time of the morning – all before I’d had my first cuppa of the day! Insights into the personalities, origins, and diets of the various residents really adds depth to a zoo visit, and something we all enjoyed.

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga offers luxury accommodation without compromising on the facilities that make a stay truly accessible for a wheelchair user. It’s always delightful to find an accessible room with a view, and as we pulled back the curtains in our room, not only could we see various animals meandering around the dedicated Wildlife Retreat Sanctuary, but also the Sydney Harbour Bridge glistening in the distance.

Being a family of four adults, we appreciate any accessible accommodation with the option of an interconnecting room. It’s also handy for those travelling with family, friends, or support staff. While it’s nice to have the option of being together, it’s also sometimes nice to be able to close the door if needed.

Accessibility

The plush accommodation of Wildlife Retreat at Taronga has been designed with accessibility top of mind.

Entry to the room is via the simple tap of a card. Once inside, we were immediately wowed by the features of the spacious room and generously sized and stylish accessible bathroom. It’s proof that accessibility and sleek design can blend beautifully.

The bathroom is equipped with all the necessities for ease of use, including lever taps, grab rails, a backrest on the toilet, and shower bench. Guests can choose between two shower heads, one hand-held and adjustable and the other a large overhead rainmaker. Lowered features and ample space for toiletries ensure that everything is within easy reach.

An iPad in the room provided us with information about the Wildlife Retreat at the touch of a button.

While Wildlife Retreat’s accommodation is spread out over a large area, the accessible accommodation is close to reception, the restaurant, and N’Gurra Lounge which is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink.

Accessible parking is provided for guests in Taronga Zoo’s undercover multideck carpark (maximum vehicle height 2.1m), approximately 400m from the entrance to Wildlife Retreat. Guests can leave luggage with hotel staff at the entrance prior to parking.

Our family had a wonderful stay at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, and appreciate that accessibility and sustainability can co-exist so harmoniously in a luxury property. Whether you are looking for a staycation, a destination for a celebration, or simply a unique accommodation option, we highly recommend a stay at the zoo.

This review first appeared in Travel Without Limits magazine. You can  subscribe here .

Latest Posts

More magic to find in Anaheim

Go 100k Your Way for Vision Australia this April

Morgan’s Magic

MORE STORIES

A feast for all the senses in Tropical North Queensland

Squeaky Beach named the Best Australian Beach of 2024

Good things come in threes for Cory Lee

‘Assume That I Can’ Video Goes Viral

Top End Sensory Experiences with Cocky Guides

The best accessible spots to see cherry blossoms in bloom

• Sunshine Coast
• New Zealand
• Best Of Sydney
• Things To Do
• Food & Drink
• Health + Wellness
• Local Escapes
• Gift Guides
• Live the WA Dream
• Tales of Italy
• Japan After Dark
• Perfect GC Family Itinerary
• Bold Brisbane

Wildlife Retreat At Taronga

Ph: (02) 9978 4791 Visit Website

Bradleys Head Road Mosman , 2088 NSW Show on map

The Details

Perfect for.

• Luxury Vibes
• Romantic Escapes
• Those Water Views
• Gourmet Getaways

If you thought things couldn’t get any wilder at Taronga Zoo, think again. Sydney’s legendary animal kingdom has opened its very own eco-retreat. 

Called Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, it features 62 next-level luxury suites designed by Melbourne-based Cox Architecture. 

The retreat houses four different kinds of spaces including the Bushland Room, which will ensure you wake up to iconic Australian bushland complete with wild birds; there's the Animal View Room which overlooks the retreat’s private animal sanctuary; and if you want to catch the sunrise over a shimmering Sydney Harbour as furry friends shuffle outside, then the Harbour View Room has got you covered.

Finally, for those of you that really want to live your best life, the Treetop Suite will have you drinking champagne in a tub with panoramic harbour views. Just casually.

The Wildlife Retreat's thoughtfully designed animal sanctuary is home to tammar wallabies, red-necked pademelons, long-nosed potoroos, red kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas, koalas and short-finned Eels who inhabit the waterways. During your stay, you can take guided tours through the sanctuary to meet its many inhabitants. 

On top of this, all rooms have been designed with sustainability at the helm of their foundations so you can rest assured you’ll be maximising on all the good times while simultaneously minimising your carbon footprint. The design features green initiatives such as solar photovoltaic systems, cross-laminated timber (which contains a lower environmental footprint than concrete and steel), recycled water and LED light fittings.   

Each room package includes a sanctuary tour, dinner at Me-Gal Restaurant curated by award-winning chef Gursu Mertel, a daybreak walk, a morning tour, buffet breakfast and complimentary access to the zoo. 

And good news, proceeds from the retreat will go towards the conservation projects for this not-for-profit wildlife organisation. So you can sleep soundly knowing that your night of luxury is helping preserve our unique Australian animals against extinction. 

Image credit: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

You May Also Like

ADGE Hotel + Residences

Surry Hills, NSW

Packed with bars, restaurants and things to see, Surry Hills is an ideal spot to base…

Spicers Sangoma Retreat

Bowen Mountain, NSW

Nestled into peaceful bushland on the slopes of Bowen Mountain, Spicers Sangoma…

The Malaysian Traveller

• New Zealand

Taronga Zoo's New Wildlife Retreat Is Now Open

There aren’t many places within a 15-minute ferry ride of Sydney’s CBD where you can look out your bedroom window and see a koala wedged between the branches of a tree. But at Taronga Zoo’s new Wildlife Retreat , there’s a good chance that’s exactly what you’ll see when you wake up in the morning. If not a koala, you might spot red kangaroos lounging in the grass below you, an echidna snuffling out some food, or a tiny joey playing hide-and-seek with his mum.

The harbourfront eco-retreat, which is owned and operated by the not-for-profit Taronga Conservation Society , has opened on the grounds of Taronga Zoo. While “eco-lodge” often conjures draughty rooms and drop toilets, this hotel might be better described as “eco-luxe”.

There are 62 rooms in five environmentally sensitive and sustainably designed lodges, with walkways (suspended above the sanctuary) that connect the rooms to The Nest bar and reception area. Interiors have been designed by Chada studio (Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley, Saffire Freycinet , Hilton Auckland), while Cox Architecture (The Darling Hotel at The Star, the Sydney Airport Marketplace) oversaw the build.

Never miss a moment. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter today.

Some rooms have views of the harbour, some bring guests eye-to-eye with the animals, and others are set in the treetops, looking out over the wildlife haven. Floor-to-ceiling windows run the length of the rooms, and some contain a timber four-post bed with curtains. Stay in a Treetop Suite to enjoy a bonus freestanding bathtub and comfortable sitting area. But as well-appointed as the rooms are, it’s the animals that are the star of the show here.

Guests can choose from a range of guided tours, where they’ll learn about the sanctuary’s native animals and the dangers they face out in the wild. Afternoon tours begin with an Acknowledgment of Country, and Taronga has worked closely with the local Cammeraigal custodians to ensure the experience is imbued with Indigenous culture from beginning to end. (Guests are encouraged to be mindful of the people who have called the land home for tens of thousands of years at every stage of their stay, whether it’s through information in the menus, Indigenous artworks adorning guest suites, or stories about the Aboriginal women who fished in Sydney Harbour at nightfall.)

There are several tours for guests to join in the afternoons and mornings. The afternoon tour begins with meeting a friendly baby carpet python, then weaves through the sanctuary, past potoroos, tammar wallabies and red-necked pademelons at feeding time. You’ll get within metres of echidnas flicking their spaghetti-like tongues and koalas snoozing in trees. While the rooms are great, the guides are potentially the best part of the experience: they’re enthusiastic and knowledgeable, deftly answering questions and showing real affection for the animals they care for.

A daybreak tour takes guests on a morning walk through the zoo before it opens, as the animals are waking up. After breakfast, guests are guided through an aviary where they’re surrounded by rare Australian birds; a red kangaroo habitat, where muscular ‘roos peer snootily at human intruders; and a Tasmanian devil enclosure, where the squat critters snout around searching for food. The native-animal sanctuary is only open to eco-retreat guests, making the tours something special.

The dining experience is just as carefully considered as the rooms and the tours. Me-Gal (the Cammeraigal word for “tears”) restaurant has one of the best views of any diner in Sydney: peer out across the zoo and harbour to the city and Sydney Harbour Bridge as you dine on a menu chock-full of local produce and native ingredients. A two-course dinner is included in your stay, with the optional extras of wine and a third course. A buffet breakfast is also included.

Feast on dishes such as prawns with black mussel and celeriac remoulade; NSW beef fillet with cavolo nero and Hunter Valley shiraz jus; and a lemon-myrtle brûlée tart with tonka-bean crème. The breakfast buffet has locally made jams and condiments, and both menus use MSC-certified seafood , free-range chicken, and sustainably sourced meat and produce.

Profits from the retreat will support the work of the Taronga Conservation Society, which has projects in Australia and abroad – so your stay will help orangutans in Borneo, African elephants in Mozambique, and the tiny, critically endangered corroboree frogs in Kosciuszko National Park.

Round out your stay with a free visit to the zoo, where you’ll see more than 4000 animals from 350 different species.

Taronga Wildlife Retreat is now open. Bushland Rooms start at $550 per night, including tours, dinner, breakfast and a zoo pass.

taronga.org.au

This article first appeared on Broadsheet on December 5, 2019. Some details and prices may have changed since publication.

Explore the directory

Join our Newsletter

The Luxury Wildlife Retreat At Taronga Zoo Is A Surprising Delight Just Minutes From The CBD

In October last year, the Taronga Conservation Society opened the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. A lush bushland oasis just a stone’s throw from Sydney’s CBD.

Owned and operated by the not-for-profit organisation, the brand new, five-star ‘eco-retreat’ attached to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo was commissioned to unite earthy Australian luxury with an up-close overnight experience starring the very animals which call the zoo home. This is ‘roar and snore’ on another level.

My assumptions were quickly dispelled, however, when I arrived at the Wildlife Retreat for an overnight stay with my significant other. Greeted upon arrival by retracting automatic gates I like to imagine was a little nod to Jurassic Park , there was certainly a gravitas to the occasion. A friendly concierge service welcomed us in the beautifully designed N’gurra Lounge and our stay’s all-inclusive itinerary was laid out before us. The full experience soon came into view. A soothing eco-inspired atmosphere quickly set in as we allowed ourselves to sink into the gentle ambience of the animals, ushering the setting sun over the Sydney Harbour skyline for another day.

The price per room at Taronga Zoo’s Wildlife Retreat is based on double occupancy and includes a guided tour of the ‘Sanctuary’, dinner for two at the sensational on-site Me-Gal restaurant, a buffet breakfast the following morning and early access to the zoo prior to gates being opened for the public. I also discovered that a portion of this cost goes towards the care efforts of Taronga’s animals and conservation programs around Australia. I’ll expand on each of these inclusions in due course, but first, let’s take a look at the rooms on offer.

Huge floor-to-ceiling windows stretch across the entire suite, with a massive retracting glass door in the centre so you can enjoy the sounds of the animals in the evening and a fresh sea breeze in the morning. A plush, four-post king-sized bed sits in the middle of the room, which follows the same earthy decor as the rest of the retreat and is lit by soft ambient lighting. A freestanding bathtub (my low-key favourite feature of hotels) is placed to the side of the open-plan ensuite, and the minibar suitably stocked with all your favourite goodies essential for any relaxing night in.

Starting at $801 per night, the most expensive offering at the Wildlife Retreat Taronga is a beautifully appointed five-star space that, when you consider the value of the other inclusions, is really put into an affordable perspective.

Wildlife Retreat

The N’gurra Lounge you see upon entry to the retreat is quite a relaxing space that centres around an open fire pit and offers some incredible views of the city skyline. We sat back for a few pre-dinner wines to unwind, watched the Koalas wake up as the sun set, and waited patiently to spot the resident platypus come up for air in the water feature outside.

Me-Gal Restaurant

One of the most impressive features of Taronga’s Wildlife Retreat is the fine-dining Me-Gal restaurant that slices, dices, and serves fresh local produce and native ingredients over a three-course meal. It’s hard not to let the incredible views distract you from the impressive flavour on your plate, which tastes just that little bit sweeter knowing that it’s a retreat-exclusive restaurant. You’d be silly to look past the Huon Valley salmon to start and the beef fillet to follow. If you aren’t satisfied with that alone, the decadent cheeseboard will tip you over the edge to the food coma’s point of no return. It’s worth noting that drinks aren’t included, but you’ll be having such a nice time that you’ll be in the spending mood anyway.

Me-Gal is also the location of your buffet breakfast the next morning. You can graze on free-range and sustainably sourced produce, locally inspired condiments and in-house made pastries at your leisure. I’d also recommend taking the elevator up one more floor to the event space above and checking out the sensational views from the top-floor terrace. It’s the best vantage point from the whole retreat and I only wish I’d discovered it during sunset the night before.

Taronga Zoo

As well as the sanctuary experience upon arrival, guests of the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga are lucky enough to wake up with the animals during a private pre-opening tour of the zoo.

Zoo guides took us for a wander through the bird enclosure as it came alive in the crisp morning, followed by a sneak peek at the giraffes, kangaroos and the resident Tasmanian devil.

I hadn’t been to the zoo in probably a decade, but it didn’t take long to be reminded that there are over 4,000 animals of 350 species at Taronga, including a family of Asian elephants, giraffe and tiger cubs.

The Retreat will hold your luggage, provide complimentary zoo entry passes for you to explore at your leisure, and validate your overnight parking when you’re ready to depart.

The overall experience at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is a staycation like no other, elevated by the refreshingly unique – and just recently opened – offering that makes it hard to remember you’re only 15 minutes from the CBD.

For a breakdown of the room rates and to book, visit taronga.org.au .

RELATED: These Are Australia’s Best Hotels In 2019

RELATED: The Old Clare Hotel Is Our Favourite Hotel In Sydney

Feature image: Cox Architecture

Subscribe to B.H. Magazine

Share the article.

The Best International Airport Parking Options In 2024

A World-Class Motor Racing Resort Is Coming To NSW

Canberra’s Captains Of Industry Show Us Their Favourite Eats, Beers, & Vinos

Seiko Is Showcasing Museum-Worthy Watches In Sydney For 10 Days Only

Cop A Free Ride In A McLaren This Melbourne Grand Prix

Related articles.

The 13 Best Hotels In Auckland

Vivid Sydney Returns In 2024 With A Stacked 23-Night Program

The Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary In The USA 

7 Golf Courses In The USA You Have to Play Once In Your Life

Snakes On A Plane? Virgin Australia Announces Pets-In-Cabin Flights

SELECT ROOM 2

Choose your package, new year's eve 2023 wildlife retreat package.

Welcome 2024 with two nights of unforgettable harbour-side elegance!

This exclusive two-night package combines incredible food and wine experiences, intimate wildlife encounters, and one of Sydney's best fireworks vantage points.

Accommodation Type

Classic retreat package.

Enjoy a unique stay on the edge of Sydney Harbour with our Sanctuary Experience. This includes designer accommodation, exclusive tour of our native Australian wildlife habitat, breakfast, parking and complimentary zoo entry.

Ultimate Retreat Package

Revel in the natural beauty of the bushland, and step into a lush sanctuary where koalas and echidnas roam, and platypus swim. Join a guided tour with our passionate keepers, immerse yourself in their stories and learn from their expertise.

Bed and Breakfast - Taronga Centre Weddings

Enjoy a unique stay on the edge of Sydney Harbour. This includes designer accommodation, breakfast, and parking.

BGIS - Bed & Breakfast

Visa Ultimate Overnight Stay

Enjoy a unique Australian experience, by staying at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, an elegant eco-retreat overlooking magnificent Sydney Harbour.

As a Visa cardholder, you’ll receive exclusive inclusions such as a private Koala encounter and a complimentary in-room gift.

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Bed & Breakfast

Bed and Breakfast - Christmas Special

Zoofari ball 2023.

There are no rooms left matching this date, please click back to select different dates.

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve like no other, with an incredible vantage point and sweeping views of the Sydney Harbour fireworks from the award-winning Me-Gal restaurant. New Year’s Eve at Taronga provides one of the best locations to view the Sydney fireworks and a stay at Taronga means that you can avoid the noise and crowds and wake up in a peaceful and serene bushland setting with sound of bellowing koalas as your alarm clock.

Your two-night NYE experience at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga package includes:

- 2 nights accommodation in chosen room type

- Arrival drink

- Pre-Dinner Drinks and canapes in N'Gurra Lounge on New Year’s Eve

- 4 Course Dinner at Me Gal restaurant on New Year’s Eve

- 5 Hour Beverage package on New Year’s Eve

- Shared Feast dinner at Me Gal restaurant on the 1 st January 24

- 3 Day access to the Zoo

- Sanctuary Tour: a guided walk through the central wildlife habitat to meet the local residents including koalas, echidnas, pademelons, wallabies and bettongs

- Wollemi Aviary Walk

- Nura Diya Tour

- Daily Breakfast

- Complimentary Parking

As part of your stay at the Wildlife Retreat you'll have the opportunity to enjoy:

- Sanctuary access - a guided walk through the central wildlife habitat to meet the local residents including koalas, echidnas, pademelons, wallabies and bettongs - Buffet Breakfast - Complimentary access to Taronga Zoo Sydney - Complimentary parking within Taronga's multi-storey carpark

Check in: from 2pm

Check out: 10am

Cancellation Policy:

Up to 7 days prior to arrival bookings can be cancelled with no cancellation fee. A full refund will be provided

Within 7 days of arrival cancellations will incur a 100% amendment/cancellation fee

- Sanctuary access - a guided walk through the central wildlife habitat to meet the local residents including koalas, echidnas, pademelons, wallabies and bettongs - Shared Feast at Me-Gal restaurant with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour - Buffet breakfast - Complimentary access to Taronga Zoo Sydney - Complimentary parking within Taronga's multi-storey carpark

- Buffet Breakfast - Complimentary access to Taronga Zoo Sydney

Up to 7 days prior to arrival bookings can be canceled with no cancellation fee. A full refund will be provided

Within 7 days of arrival, cancellations will incur a 100% amendment/cancellation fee

- Buffet Breakfast - Complimentary Parking

Visa have partnered with Taronga to support vital conservation work in Australia. You’ve unlocked a uniquely Australian experience, by staying at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, an elegant eco-retreat overlooking magnificent Sydney Harbour.

As a Visa cardholder, you’ll receive exclusive benefits such as a private Koala encounter and a complimentary in-room gift.

Your Visa Ultimate Overnight Stay includes the following:

•One night accommodation in your choice of room

•Two-Day access to Taronga Zoo, Sydney

•On your arrival day an afternoon tour of The Sanctuary, the Australian native wildlife habitat at the Centre of the retreat home to koalas, wallabies, echidnas and more

•Dine at Me-Gal with a shared feast over breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour served with native sustainably sourced ingredients and local produce

•Free overnight parking at Taronga’s undercover multistory carpark

•Buffet breakfast with barista coffee - made to order

•A private Koala encounter with a Taronga Keeper on your departure day from Taronga, with timings to be confirmed on check-in.

•On your departure day, a Visa Customer tour of Taronga Zoo with a Taronga team member, who will guide you around three of the best animals to experience that day. Get tips on spectacular picnic lawns, the best vantage points to see and learn about our animals and enjoy captivating stories that only our people can tell. Timings to be confirmed on check-in.

•A complimentary gift-in-room including a Koala/Taronga plush toy, 2 x Wildlife Retreat water bottles and 1 x Koko Black Chocolate

Up to 7 days prior to arrival, bookings can be cancelled with no cancellation fee. A full refund will be provided. Within 7 days of arrival, cancellations will incur a 100% amendment/cancellation fee.

- Buffet Breakfast

- Morning Tour on day of departure

- Complimentary access to Taronga Zoo Sydney

Harbour View Room (Accessible)

Sleeps 2 adults, or 1 adult and 1 child

Wake up to a golden sunrise extending over Taronga Zoo Sydney and out across the glistening harbour, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Room amenities:

• King size bed
• Ensuite w/ shower
• Mini bar menu (order items from Reception)
• Sustainable amenities with no single-use plastics
• Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi
• Complimentary on-site parking
• Air-conditioning and heating
• Elegant custom furniture
• Baby cot (available on request, free of charge)
• Tablet-based guest e-compendium
• Flat screen TV

Animal View Room (Accessible)

Wake up to views overlooking the Wildlife Retreat’s Sanctuary, a lush habitat where iconic Australian animals roam, climb and perch among the branches right outside your window.

• Complimentary tea & coffee

Animal View Room

Sleeps 2 adults and 1 child up to 9 years of age

Wake up to views overlooking the Wildlife Retreat’s Sanctuary, a lush habitat where iconic Australian animals roam, climb and perch among the branches right outside your window. Room amenities:

• Open plan ensuite w/ shower
• Pull-out trundle bed (available upon request, suits up to age 9)

Treetops Suite

Sleeps 3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 children Experience the ultimate in comfort with the Treetop Suites. Our most spacious rooms, each suite features panoramic views and an open-plan ensuite with bathtub.

• Custom king size bed
• Open plan ensuite w/ bathtub and shower

Bushland Room (Accessible)

Wake up to views overlooking iconic Australian bushland, with wild birds scattered amongst native trees and native flora.

Bushland Room

Sleeps 2 adults and 1 child up to 9 years of age Wake up to views overlooking iconic Australian bushland, with wild birds scattered amongst native trees and native flora. Room amenities:

Harbour View Room

Wake up to a golden sunrise extending over Taronga Zoo Sydney and out across the glistening harbour, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Room amenities:

February 22, 2022

Wildlife retreat at taronga – accessible sydney accommodation.

We love living in Sydney and feel fortunate to have such a gorgeous dazzling harbour as the city’s centrepiece. Taronga Zoo and its residents have some of the best views of Sydney’s skyline and the harbour so it was logical for accommodation to be added to the mix. Since its opening, the animals have had to share those stunning vistas. We previously reviewed Taronga Zoo’s Roar and Snore glamping so we were keen to put Wildlife Retreat at Taronga to the accessibility test. We are happy to report that the luxury eco-retreat offers excellent wheelchair accessible accommodation and an exclusive animal sanctuary for guests to explore.

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga – accessible accommodation 

The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga opened in October 2019 on Cammeraigal country and it still feels brand spanking new. Everything is fresh, plush and accessible.

The retreat has been tastefully nestled into the natural bush setting in the leafy North Shore suburb of Mosman, about a 30 minute drive from Sydney’s CBD.

Now that the ‘kids’ are adults we really crave space so we were happy to spread out our family over two rooms. It’s always the sign of a thoughtfully designed hotel when there is the option of an interconnecting room attached to the accessible room. It’s perfect for families, anyone travelling with friends or support staff.

The accessible room offers good circulation space, lowered facilities including a lowered hanging rail in the wardrobe and air conditioning controls at a good height for wheelchair users. An iPad in the room provides guests with easy access to information about the Wildlife Retreat’s facilities including the restaurant, bar and Sanctuary Tour. The free movie selection is great for all the family. Amelia and I started the movie The Heights but I couldn’t make it all the way through. I think the bed was too comfy!

Bed height is 59cm with a 7cm clearance underneath. Circulation space from the bed to the window is 115cm.

I love an accessible bathroom that wows and the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga has ensured the bathroom offers all the key accessible features wrapped up in a sleek stylish design.

Anyone who has been following our reviews for a while will know how excited I am when I find a bathroom wash basin and bench that has plenty of room for a toiletries bag. Towels are also located at a good height to make accessing them easy.

Lever taps, grab rails, height adjustable shower head, shower bench seat and a back rest on the toilet all make this bathroom wonderfully accessible.

Bathroom door clearance is 88cm. Toilet height is 44cm to pan and 47cm to the seat. Shower bench seat is 48cm high.

A rollaway bed can be added to the room but it does reduce the circulation space significantly.

While the rooms at Wildlife Retreat are equipped with air conditioners, it’s always lovely to have the option of fresh air. Not only can you spot some of the animals in the Sanctuary but you can also hear the morning song of the birdlife.

Need to see a bit more? Take a room tour with me below.

Interconnecting non-accessible accommodation at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

The interconnecting accommodation, which connects to the accessible room via a shared doorway, offers similar features to the neighbouring room, however the layout offers less circulation space..

The toilet and shower are partitioned off into separate cubicles in the bathroom.

Sanctuary Tour at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga 

The Sanctuary has been created especially for guests of the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. It’s nestled amongst the accommodation and many rooms overlook the habitat. Upon checking in we were offered the opportunity to book a Sanctuary Tour which is exclusive and included for Wildlife Retreat guests.

The tour, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, is wheelchair accessible.

It’s feed time at the zoo in the afternoon and we had plenty of the Sanctuary’s residents actively moving around as we toured. The Sanctuary is home to over 25 native animals including koalas, long-nosed potoroo, tammar wallaby, red-necked pademelon, rufous bettong and long-nosed bandicoot to name a few. All animals have right of way and they seem totally oblivious to any fear of wheelchairs.

Guests need to stick to the path but the local residents have free reign, which means you need to watch where you step. A cutie could be right there checking you out.

Me-Gal restaurant – accessible dining at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or visiting the Retreat with kids, Me-Gai Restaurant is sure to satisfy.

The elevated location of the restaurant ensures guests are treated to beautiful views of the sun setting over the harbour. The decor is light and stylish with seating well-spaced to ensure wheelchair accessibility.

If you are visiting with a young child or toddler, high chairs are available and waiters don’t seem to look twice at any under-high chair mess which I think is really refreshing. There was no such mess at our table as every crumb was eaten.

As much as we delighted in the menu at dinner, I have to say I was super excited to graze on the buffet breakfast the next morning. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed but since Covid lockdowns curbed our travels I’ve come to appreciate them even more.

The breakfast included with our stay offered a range of hot and cold buffet items. Braeden normally has quite a good breakfast but he outdid himself on this one.

Croissants, multiple delicious yoghurt pots and eggs were all gobbled up with relish.

Early morning tour

When we checked into Wildlife Retreat we asked if there were any early morning activity options as Braeden is an early riser. We were pleased to hear there was an additional keeper-led tour at 7.15am which we happily joined. Over the years we’ve learnt so much about various animals through joining keeper talks and this was no different. We visited the Tassie Devils, Red Kangaroos and the aviary learning as we walked.

General accessibility at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo

On arrival guests are able to unload luggage and leave it with staff at the entrance to the Wildlife Retreat. Accessible parking is available and free to guests in the undercover car park (2.1m height restriction) around 400 metres away at Taronga Zoo. Accessible street parking is available opposite. Note it is meter parking unless you have an accessible parking permit displayed.

Lift access is available to navigate the various levels within the retreat, to access the restaurant and the Sanctuary.

The accessible room we stayed in was located close to reception and N’Gurra Lounge (the bar!) meaning there’s no long walk or wheel for access.

Taronga Zoo’s views of Sydney Harbour are thanks to it’s position on a hillside and that’s the only accessibility barrier we experienced during our stay. Guests have free access to Taronga Zoo during opening hours throughout their stay. Access is via a gate at the Wildlife Retreat. We found it a big push back up with Braeden in his wheelchair. Braeden of course sat back and had a good laugh at the effort Hubby had to put into it.

After breakfast we headed into the zoo for the day. Being in the zoo at opening time meant we beat the crowds and we managed to spot the lion cubs at play with their mum. Braeden had visited many times trying to spot them with no success until that morning.

Our thanks to Wildlife Retreat at Taronga for hosting our stay. As always, our wildly enthusiastic review (see what I did there?) is reflective of a wonderful stay. If you’d like to learn more about Wildlife Retreat at Taronga you can check out their website. 

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Connect with us

Have email will subscribe.

Don't miss out on the latest news and recommendations from Have Wheelchair Will Travel!

Type your email…

Latest adventures

• JAM adaptive clothing review
• Delta Sky Club lounge review – Los Angeles Airport
• Sydney Royal Easter Show 2024 review
• Accessibility News Round-Up: March 2024
• Peek inside the Autumn/Winter 2024 issue of Travel Without Limits

This website is subject to Copyright and pictures and information may not be copied for any commercial purpose without the prior written consent of the writer.

The opinions and experiences outlined on this website are personal to the writer and the writer accepts no responsibility if circumstances change or if others do not encounter the same facilities or features as described for various locations.

Get the newsletter

Don't miss out on the latest news and recommendations from Have Wheelchair Will Travel

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Find us on socials

© 2024 Have Wheelchair Will Travel

6 fabulous hotels to visit in April

Stay at a zoo in Sydney, or meet vortex hunters in Sedona

• Newsletter sign up Newsletter

This April, escape from the ordinary. Now is the time to go big and try something new on your vacation. That could mean spending the night at a zoo, booking a suite at a resort where you can swim straight to your room or staying at a hotel with a pet psychic on stand by. Here are six options that promise a fresh way to hotel.

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga in Sydney, Australia

You never know who might be outside your window at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

When you look out your window at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga , expect to see a koala gazing back. This boutique hotel is at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, and gives guests who book Animal View Rooms an incredible, immersive wildlife experience. Those who want to be at the zoo but prefer some distance from the animals can stay in rooms with bushland or Sydney Harbor views. Rates include two-day access to Taronga Zoo, a special guided tour of the wildlife sanctuary, sustainable amenities and daily breakfast. 

Romeo Napoli in Naples, Italy

Rooms at Romeo Napoli have views of Naples, the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius

April is a great time to visit Italy. You can enjoy the sights before the large crowds and sweltering temperatures arrive in the summer. For a taste of contemporary luxury, book Romeo Napoli . The hotel's 79 rooms and suites feature warm tones and original photography and have fantastic views of the city of Naples, Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Wellness is a focus, with some rooms including infrared saunas, sensorial showers and private Zen gardens. Keep the pampering going downstairs at La Spa by Sisley Paris, where guests can relax in the Finnish sauna, frigidarium with snowfall, steam bath and cold immersion bath.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sky Rock Sedona in Sedona, Arizona

Rooms at Sky Rock Sedona look out at the city's gorgeous red rocks

Sky Rock Sedona makes a stunning first impression. Walking into the lobby, guests are greeted by a sparkling amethyst-encrusted wall, and the titillations only increase from there. The rooms feel like sanctuaries, with cozy neutral tones and leather accents, and some have fireplaces perfect for cooler nights. Up on the rooftop, there are fire pits and couches so guests can take in the 360-degree views of Sedona's red rocks, including the iconic Snoopy Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and Thunder Mountain. Sedona pulls in many New Age seekers, and Sky Rock guests can take advantage of offerings like on-call pet psychics and vortex hunters.

Generations Riviera Maya on Riviera Maya, Mexico

Riviera Maya is on Mexico's Caribbean coast

As long as you pack a bathing suit, you will do just fine at Generations Riviera Maya . This family-friendly resort on Mexico's Caribbean coast is known for its massive pool with a swim-up bar. All of the suites have ocean views, and several have direct access to the pool from their private balconies, making it easy to go swimming whenever you please. Rates are all-inclusive and cover meals, butler service and access to a private beach.

Akara Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand

Akara Hotel is about one mile away from Bangkok's Victory Monument

The Akara Hotel is in the middle of everything in Bangkok's Ratchathewi district. Museums, shops, night markets and restaurants are all a short walk away — for those willing to leave the hotel, that is. Akara offers a lot of amenities, from a rooftop swimming pool to a culinary school and library, and some guests might want to stay put and take good advantage. The sizable rooms feature wood and marble decor, separate living and work areas and mini-bars with local delicacies. For even more space, book the large Akara Suite, which comes with a rain shower, jacuzzi tub and television in the bathroom.

Legado Mitico in Buenos Aires, Argentina

A Pedro Subercaseaux painting depicting José de San Martín at the Battle of Chacabuco in 1817

Learn all about Argentine history and culture without having to leave your hotel. At the elegant Legado Mitico in Buenos Aires, the 11 rooms are themed, honoring the people, arts and sports that shaped Argentina. The Liberator, for example, recognizes José de San Martín, a general who fought for independence and earned the nickname the Father of the Country. Paintings of the national hero hang on the walls, and books are stacked on a desk for guests wanting to read more about him. Legado Mitico is in the Palermo Viejo neighborhood, close to restaurants, bars and shops.

Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox

A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com

Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com . Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com , The New York Times , The Book of Jezebel , and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

The Week Recommends Foot hammocks and facial sprays add comfort to long flights

By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published 10 April 24

The Explainer It's a big and costly project, but benefits include long-term savings and property value increase

By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published 10 April 24

The Explainer The country was rocked but not rolled

By Devika Rao, The Week US Published 10 April 24

The Week Recommends Growing in popularity, sleepers offer the perfect combination of travel and accommodation in one

By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published 9 April 24

the week recommends A poetry collection curated by the U.S. Poet Laureate, another adult novel from Julia Alvarez and more

By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published 9 April 24

the week recommends An 'unsalvageable' disaster that 'squanders the talents of all involved'

By The Week UK Published 8 April 24

the week recommends The region's 'trio of fine cities' offer everything from beaches to culture to fine dining

By The Week UK Published 7 April 24

The Week Recommends Forget the potatoes for this gnocchi made of the 'classic combination' of spinach and ricotta

Under the Radar Some in Italy are trying to stop what they consider 'debasing' use of the sculpture

By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published 5 April 24

The Week Recommends Violence, politics and Sasquatches?

By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published 5 April 24

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Advertise With Us

The Week is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Wed - Wed 1:45 PM - 3:30 PM
• Sat - Sat 1:45 PM - 3:30 PM
• (1.62 mi) Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake
• (1.07 mi) Citra Royal Palm RV Park
• (0.93 mi) Citra Storage & RV Park
• (3.44 mi) "COWBOY COTTAGE" 4-bedroom Home on Gated Horse Farm
• (3.57 mi) "HIDEOUT" 2-bedroom Downstairs Apartment In Gated Horse Farm
• (0.29 mi) Old Tyme Bread House
• (0.37 mi) Five Star Pizza
• (0.43 mi) Ted's Restaurant
• (5.95 mi) The Yearling Restaurant
• (8.22 mi) Antonio's Made in Italy