Where to find the cutest animals in Sydney
Who doesn’t love a cute and cuddly critter? In Sydney, you don’t need to venture far to experience a memorable local animal encounter. Read on for hot tips on the best spots to find the cutest creatures we have to offer.
Australia is home to an impressive volume of adorable wildlife, found on land, in the air and in the sea. Many can be found in and around Sydney, a veritable paradise for animal lovers looking for a special encounter thanks to a string of incredible parks, waterways, zoos and farms.
Here are our top picks for the best animal experiences in Sydney, giving you the chance to see the cutest and cuddliest creatures in the country.
Image Credit: Sea Life Sydney
See koalas and kangaroos in the city
Get up close and personal with the incredible native animals that call Australia home, at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour. Come face to face with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypus and a giant saltwater crocodile. Discover the most endangered creatures in the world including Tasmanian devils and the Instagram-famous smiling quokka, all in the middle of Sydney’s CBD, just a short walk from our hotel across Pyrmont Bridge. And bonus? Right next door is SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium where over 700 species reside in unique marine aquatic environments, from sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, turtles and dugongs. There’s even a penguin expedition boat ride – a world first raft that sails you straight into a spectacular colony of king and gentoo penguins.
Tip from our hosts: Double down and go for an action-packed few days with an attraction pass for the whole family to visit both animal experiences.
Image Credit: Taronga Zoo
Wonderful wildlife parks
Enjoy the sights of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge en-route a ferry trip across the harbour to the jaw-dropping array of animals great and small at Taronga Zoo. Experience unique animal encounters like animal feedings and petting zoo areas, and learn all about Australian wildlife at daily zookeeper talks. Plus, meet the most adorable baby animals that’ll melt your heart. For something a little different, head out west to the newest opening of the animal kind, Sydney Zoo in Sydney’s Eastern Creek, for an open-air zoo experience like no other. Or head north west to the iconic Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park where you can snap selfies with quokkas, hand-feed penguins and meet wombats.
Image Credit: Calmsley Hill City Farm
Go rural and visit an animal Farm
If you’re looking for a true blue Aussie outback adventure, within close range of the city, take a day trip to one of Sydney’s animal farms. For an interactive farmyard experience in Sydney’s backyard, head to Calmsley Hill City Farm where you can hand-feed nursery animals and join in sheep shearing shows and demonstrations on sustainability. Another family-friendly place in Sydney to see the animals is the hands-on Golden Ridge Animal Farm showcasing over 200 animals you can hand-feed. There’s an open paddock full of goats, pony rides and cow milking, you can also meet the cutest and softest baby chicks and rabbits too.
Tips from our host: Take the stress out of travel and parking by booking a designated driver (ask us, we can help!). And make sure to look out the window for the stunning road trip scenery of greater Sydney. The journey on the way there can be just as beautiful as the destination.
Whale watching on the harbour
When visiting Sydney during the cooler months, you have the chance to see majestic whales swimming along the east coast of Australia on a whale watching excursion. Ocean Extreme runs regular tours from Circular Quay, a short ferry ride from our Pyrmont hotel, every year from May to November. Catch a glimpse of one of thousands of humpback whales passing by Sydney on their northern migration coming from Antarctic waters to the south.
Image credit: YUMIAO cat cafe
Cacophony of cat cafes
Cat lovers rejoice! Did you know there are a number of cat cafes – cafes with cats – in Sydney? Play with the most loveable rescue kittens and adult cats at Sydney’s original cat cafe, Catmosphere in Surry Hills. Partnering with rescue groups to provide a safe space for displaced cats, they’ve helped many cats find loving new homes over the years. There’s even cat yoga (yes, cat yoga!) and a boutique Catflix cinema experience, perfect for chilling with the felines whilst watching a film on the big screen. Venture south of the CBD to find Pokemeow in Rosebery where you can pet the playful munchkin cats and sphynx cats, or visit YUMIAO in Waterloo where your session comes with a drink included and bonus, you can even be there during feeding time!
Image Credit: Puppy Yoga Sydney
Get ready for puppy love
Seeking something pawtastic? Score a ticket and head to a session of Puppy Yoga, which pops up across the city from time to time, and is exactly what you think it is – yoga with puppies. The fun doesn’t stop there though – visit Paws n Paints for a one of a kind, interactive art class that is pawsitively perfect for all travelling dog lovers. Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of unleashing your inner artist combined with the warm fuzzies from playing with adorable puppies. What more could you want for the pawfect holiday in Sydney?
Tip from our host: You’ll also find plenty of local dogs running free at the neighbourhood dog park down the road at Pirrama Park, a beautiful picnic spot to watch a harbourside sunrise in Sydney after getting takeaway breakfast from our hotel at Wayfarer’s Bar & Café.
BOOKINGS & ACTIVITIES
Ready to visit Sydney? Our team of hosts would be delighted to assist with creating and booking a tailored itinerary of local activities for your trip. Get in touch with questions and requests, as well as other insider tips and suggestions on what to see and do in Sydney. Explore our packages and book a stay at the heart of Sydney city at Aiden Darling Harbour.