Taronga Zoo sits on the harbour at Mosman, and the best way to arrive is the way the view deserves: by ferry from Circular Quay. Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney in Summer Hill makes that an easy day out: a direct train to Circular Quay in about 20 minutes, the ferry across in about 12, and back to a family room, free secured parking and 24-hour reception at a rate from $140. For families visiting the zoo, the aquarium and the harbour, it is a comfortable base without harbourside prices.
Getting to Taronga Zoo from the hotel
Walk about five minutes to Summer Hill station and take a direct train to Circular Quay, around 20 minutes. From Circular Quay, the Taronga Zoo ferry leaves regularly and takes about 12 minutes across the harbour, passing the Opera House on the way. From the zoo wharf, a short bus ride or the zoo's own transport takes you up the hill to the main entrance, and you can walk back down through the zoo to the wharf at the end of the day.
By car it is about 35 minutes via the Harbour Bridge, with paid parking at the zoo. Most families find the ferry easier and far more fun.
Planning your zoo day
Taronga Zoo is open every day of the year. Check the zoo's website for current hours, keeper talks and the Sky Safari, and book tickets online to skip the queue. Allow a full day: the zoo is large and hilly, so comfortable shoes, hats and water bottles matter. Free premium Purezza water refills in our reception will fill the bottles before you leave.
Combine it with the SEA LIFE Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo at Darling Harbour on another day, both reachable by the L1 light rail from Taverners Hill near the hotel.
Family rooms for the zoo trip
Deluxe rooms sleep up to five, with a queen bed plus singles, an ensuite, air conditioning, a smart TV and a kitchenette cupboard with fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster for breakfast before the ferry. Rooms are from $140 a night Monday to Thursday and from $180 on weekends and public holidays, and every booking includes one free secured undercover parking spot.
There is no restaurant at the hotel. Summer Hill's cafés and a supermarket are a short walk away for picnic supplies.
- Family rooms for up to five guests
- From $140 midweek, from $180 weekends and holidays
- One free secured undercover parking spot per booking
- Coin-operated guest laundry on site
Why not stay in Mosman?
Hotels near the zoo are few and priced for the harbour views. Staying about 20 minutes away by train at a standard rate, with free parking and 24-hour reception, leaves more for zoo tickets, the ferry and a second day at the aquarium. The same train takes you to the city's other sights, so the zoo becomes one day of a bigger Sydney trip.
Why guests choose us
Why zoo visitors stay here
- Direct train to Circular Quay in about 20 minutes
- 12-minute ferry from the Quay to the zoo wharf
- Family rooms for up to five from $140
- One free secured undercover parking spot per booking
- Reception open 24 hours
- Kitchenette, free Wi-Fi and guest laundry
Gallery
A look around & nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Taronga Zoo from Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney?
Train from Summer Hill to Circular Quay in about 20 minutes, then the Taronga Zoo ferry, about 12 minutes. A short bus ride from the wharf reaches the main entrance. By car it is about 35 minutes via the Harbour Bridge.
Is the hotel suitable for families visiting the zoo?
Yes. Deluxe rooms sleep up to five, each with a kitchenette, and parking is free. Rooms are from $140 a night.
How long does a visit to Taronga Zoo take?
Allow most of a day. The zoo is large and hilly, with keeper talks through the day. Check the zoo website for hours and book tickets online.
Can I visit the zoo and the aquarium from the hotel?
Yes. Taronga Zoo is train and ferry from Summer Hill; the SEA LIFE Aquarium at Darling Harbour is the L1 light rail from nearby Taverners Hill.
Book online here
Book your Taronga Zoo stay
Family rooms from $140, free secured parking, 24-hour reception and a direct train to the zoo ferry.