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Into The Wild: Sleepover With Lions, Tigers and Koalas this Winter
Cuddle up by the fire and immerse yourself in the magic of Taronga Zoo after dark.
We’ve partnered with Taronga Zoo to share why this is the ultimate winter sleepover — cosy campfires, close-up animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes adventures you won’t forget.
As the sun dips below the horizon and dusk settles over the harbour, something magical begins to stir. You’re tucked up in your very own safari-style tent, hands curled around a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and the soft crackle of the fire pit lingers in the air. Above, the sky twinkles; around you, the gentle hum of the zoo comes alive — a lullaby of lions, owls and creatures great and small.
This is Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo — a sleepover like no other, where sweeping views of Sydney Harbour meet up-close encounters with the animal kingdom. From soul-warming meals and cosy glamping tents to nocturnal safaris and stories shared by passionate keepers, it’s a night that blends comfort, curiosity and a touch of wild wonder.
Step out of the ordinary, and listen to the call of the wild. Wind your way through torch-lit trails, listen to stories from passionate guides and get up close and personal with your favourite animals like never before. Thinking about that childhood dream of spending a night at the zoo? This is it.
Sydney’s Ultimate Urban Safari
Begin your night at the zoo with a refreshing welcome drink and follow the irresistible aromas wafting from Saltwater Bistro — because an adventure-filled night can’t start on an empty stomach. Think: a warm buffet-style meal with full winter fare, from thyme and lemon marinated chicken skewers and gourmet lamb and rosemary sausages, to grilled corn with miso butter, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, and a hearty vegetable curry. And damper, of course — this is fireside comfort food at its finest.
As you savour that last bite, wander through the zoo’s exclusive after-hours grounds until you find the soft glow of an outdoor fire. Pull up a safari chair, wrap yourself in a snug blanket, and let the quiet magic of the moment sink in.
Lining the winding paths of the hidden Roar and Snore campsite, you’ll find custom safari-style tents that are plucked straight from a Disney adventure film. Each hideaway echoes the free spirit of the wilderness, blending creature comforts with a sense of escapism. As the stars emerge, so do our favourite nocturnal animals. Fall asleep to the quiet chatter of the local residents, then wake up to the silhouette of a giraffe grazing nearby.
With electricity, toasty heated blankets, and enough room to stand, stretch, and truly relax, these aren’t just tents — they’re your private safari sanctuary. Step inside, settle in, and let your Tarzan-esque adventure begin.
Go Behind-The-Scenes
As the gates close to the general public, your exclusive Twilight Night Safari begins — a rare chance to explore the zoo after dark, when the animals truly come alive. Guided by passionate wildlife experts, you’ll venture along lantern-lit trails beneath a canopy of lush eucalyptus, native banksia, and heritage-listed fig trees — an atmosphere that feels both mysterious and magical.
No two Twilight Safaris are ever quite the same. Each tour is shaped by the unique rhythms of the night, following animal activity in real time. One moment you’re watching a koala curl perched into the arch of a tree, the next, you’re pausing to hear a lion’s deep, thunderous call echo through the Zoo. Along the way, listen in to the untold stories of Taronga Zoo — from quirky personalities of our favourite animals to quiet conservation victories, these are the behind-the-scenes moments you won’t find anywhere else.
And the best part? You’ll get close — really close — to some of the zoo’s most charismatic creatures. Learn about the unique winter habits of friendly tigers, sassy giraffes, and sleepy koalas as they reveal their nighttime selves. In this quiet, exclusive space, you’re not just observing — you’re stepping into their world.
Sitchu tip: Be sure to pack comfortable shoes to walk in and layer up, as it can get chilly. Forgot your beanie? Don’t worry. You’ll be gifted a limited-edition Roar and Snore beanie to keep you warm throughout the night. Plus, it’s the perfect souvenir for an unforgettable night.
Extended Adventures
Don’t want the adventure to end? Good news — it doesn’t have to. With your Roar and Snore booking, you’ll receive full-day entry to Taronga Zoo the following day, giving you the chance to explore more at your own pace. Revisit the creatures you met under the stars in a new light (literally), now wide awake and basking in the sun. It’s the perfect way to round out your wild overnight winter escape.
So, are you ready to snuggle up with your favourite zoo animals? Drift off to soft lion growls and chimpanzees chattering just beyond your cosy safari-style tent. Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo isn’t just a winter escape; it’s where childhood dreams come to life. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the fire, learning the secret habits of nocturnal animals, or waking to giraffes against a harbour sunrise, these are the moments that stay with you, long after the fire has faded and your boots are packed away.
This winter, you don’t need a passport for a cosy escape to the wild; you just need a sense of wonder and a night snuggled up at the zoo.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Taronga Zoo’s Roar and Snore is a winter experience like no other. Cuddle up by the fire with friends, old and new, and live out your childhood dreams of spending a night at the zoo.
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