Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Zoos

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Taronga Zoo Tickets

Whale watching Sydney Boat near Sydney Opera house
Taronga Zoo entrance with visitors in Sydney, Australia.
Giraffes at Taronga Zoo with Sydney skyline in the background.
Tourists on a catamaran cruise in Sydney, Australia, watching a whale breach.

Duration

7 hrs

Open today

09:30am - 04:30pm

Free cancellation

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

    • Enjoy a 2.5-hour whale watching cruise with expert commentary, panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, and guaranteed whale sightings—or cruise again for free!

    • Includes direct entry to Taronga Zoo via ferry, skipping the main entrance queues and avoiding crowded bus transfers.

    • Access the zoo from the lower wharf entrance, allowing a more leisurely uphill exploration—ideal for families, seniors, and visitors seeking a more relaxed experience.

    • Discover over 4,000 animals at your own pace, then return to Circular Quay on a flexible rocket ferry schedule.

    • Comfortable, family-friendly catamarans offer indoor/outdoor seating and wheelchair-accessible facilities for a smooth, scenic adventure.

  • Whale Watching Cruise

    • 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
    • Live commentary
    • Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within the season if no whales spotted

    Taronga Zoo

    • Entry to Taronga Zoo
    • Return Rocket ferry to Circular Quay
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.5
    2,055 ratings
    5/5
    1.5K
    4/5
    348
    3/5
    62
    2/5
    41
    1/5
    103

    What our guests say

    Matthew Gatt

    Matthew

    Oct, 2024Verified booking

    5/5
    Emma McCormack

    Emma

    Sep, 2024Verified booking

    5/5
  • Enjoy an unforgettable Sydney adventure combining the thrill of whale watching with a visit to the world-famous Taronga Zoo — all in one seamless day, complete with convenient ferry transfers and direct zoo access.

    Getting started

    Begin your journey at Circular Quay Wharf by checking in for your 9:30am whale-watching cruise. After a brief safety introduction, board a spacious catamaran and choose a comfortable seat indoors or outdoors. As you set out past iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, get ready for an exciting marine wildlife experience.

    What to expect

    Experience the awe of watching humpback whales during their annual migration along the NSW coast. A marine naturalist on board provides live commentary about whale behavior and the surrounding marine ecosystem. With a 95% whale sighting success rate, you're likely to witness these majestic creatures up close. If no whales are spotted, no worries — your sightseeing guarantee gives you a free return cruise within the same season.

    Following your 2.5-hour cruise, disembark directly at Taronga Zoo via the lower entrance — skipping the usual queues and bus transfers required at the main gate. This lower entry point offers a more relaxed and accessible start to your zoo adventure. Spend the rest of your day exploring a diverse world of wildlife at your own pace.

    Features

    • 2.5-Hour whale watching cruise: Set out on Sydney Harbour with expert commentary from a marine naturalist while watching for humpback whales, dolphins, seals, and sea birds.
    • Whale sighting guarantee: If your tour doesn’t spot whales, receive a free voucher to cruise again during the same season.
    • Direct entry to Taronga Zoo: Avoid main entrance lines and buses with exclusive access through the zoo’s lower entrance — ideal for families and seniors.
    • Explore world-class exhibits: Discover native Australian wildlife and exotic animals from around the globe in a beautifully landscaped zoo overlooking Sydney Harbour.
    • Return Rocket ferry to Circular Quay: When you're done exploring, enjoy a scenic ferry ride back to Circular Quay at your convenience (timetable provided at check-in).

    This experience offers a full day of adventure, nature, and convenience — perfect for wildlife lovers and visitors looking to make the most of their time in Sydney.

  • Taronga Zoo Sydney

    Monday09:30am - 04:30pm
    Tuesday09:30am - 04:30pm
    Wednesday09:30am - 04:30pm
    Thursday09:30am - 04:30pm
    Friday09:30am - 04:30pm
    Saturday09:30am - 04:30pm
    Sunday09:30am - 04:30pm
  • Accessibility

    Whale Watching Cruise

    • This experience is wheelchair accessible.

    What's not allowed

    Whale Watching Cruise

    • Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the cruise.

    Taronga Zoo

    • Animal costume, ball, balloon, scooter, skateboards, rollerblades, apparatus alcohol, audio equipment, or musical instrument is not allowed inside Toranga Zoo.
    • Please refrain from touching animals, feeding animals, throwing objects, damaging structures, or signs, lighting fires, or littering.

    Additional information

    Whale Watching Cruise

    • This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. It is recommended to eat lightly before the cruise.
    • Pets are allowed on board provided they are restrained in a suitable box, basket, or another container at all times whilst onboard.

    Taronga Zoo

    • You can download the Taronga Zoo map from here.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly. Please display the tickets on your mobile phone at the ticketing office in order to exchange them for physical tickets.

    • If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification. Students must show their valid student IDs.

    • Kindly ensure that you arrive 10 - 15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    Ticket redemption point

    • Show your ticket at Circular Quay Wharf 6.

    • Address: Circular Quay Wharf 6, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia..

    Get directions to the redemption point

    Validity

    These tickets are valid for the date and time chosen during purchase.

Similar experiences you'd love

Sydney Vivid Lights Cruise ship in front of the Sydney Opera House
Sightseeing Cruises
Instant confirmation
New
AU$49
Free cancellation
Group of tourists on a Guided Walking Tour of Sydney Opera House, Australia, with a clear view of the iconic architecture
Guided Tours
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 from 2351 ratings.
from
AU$35
Free cancellation
Tiger resting in enclosure at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
Zoos
Instant confirmation
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5.0 from 54 ratings.
AU$79
People enjoying OZ Jet Boating ride on Sydney Harbour with city skyline in the background.
Speed Boat Tours
4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 702 ratings.
AU$93
Free cancellation
Tour group walking on the Boardwalk at Scenic World, Blue Mountains, Australia.
Guided Tours
Instant confirmation
4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 732 ratings.
from
AU$275
Download app section background

We've served 38 million+ guests and we are here for you

38 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime