What's on this Summer at Sydney Zoo

From festive fun and up-close encounters to behind the scenes adventures and the arrival of some very adorable new animal babies, it’s shaping up to be a wild summer at Sydney Zoo.

Here are 6 things to try on your next visit:

1. Snap a selfie with Santa

All December long, we’ve sprinkled a little extra magic across the Zoo. Kids can get creative in our Christmas Craft Zone, families can follow the Wonderland Trail together and little ones can write their letters to Santa before posting them in his special mailbox right inside our gates. And from 20 - 24 December, Santa will be here with us and ready for free festive selfies.

2. Spot our newest zoo babies

Every day is special at Sydney Zoo but there’s a few more… tiny… reasons to visit these school holidays - our baby hyenas and baby lemur are ready to make their seasonal debut! See if you can spot them out and about throughout summer as they learn to play and interact with their siblings and surroundings.

3. Catch a Keeper Talk

Ever wondered why elephants cover themselves in mud, or whether tigers share the same stripe pattern? Our Keepers share fascinating wildlife facts like these every day. These free talks are a great way to learn more about your favourite animals and see the zoo through a new lens. Talks run daily across the zoo, so be sure to check the schedule HERE when you arrive and plan your perfect route.

For a limited time only, this school holidays you can also join our cheekiest Primate residents for Breakfast on the Boulevard as our Keepers set up for the day with morning routines and live feeds!

4. Experience a Savannah Sunset

From 26 December, you have the chance to experience our  exclusive Savannah Sunset experience. From 4PM, wander the African Boardwalk as it glows under warm evening skies, enjoy live African drumming, free face painting and an African-inspired dinner menu and watch giraffes, zebras and lions roam as the sun sets.

5. Go on a VIP Safari Tour

For the first time ever, you can venture behind the scenes of Sydney Zoo on a VIP Safari Tour! Guided by our expert Keepers, prepare to get close to some of Africa’s most iconic animals as you step into areas normally reserved for keepers only.  You’ll hear extraordinary stories from our team and might even come face to face with lions, cheetahs and Tino the Rhino. Tickets go on sale on 12 December, with tours running from 26 December to 25 January, 2026. Dates and spaces limited - book early!

6. Discover Wild Australia

Don’t miss our brand NEW live show, Wild Australia, celebrating some of the country’s most fascinating native species. Meet lizards, snakes and dragons before moving on to something a little fluffier like koalas. It’s lively, educational and the perfect way to end a day - or night - of exploring. You’ll also learn how to protect wildlife from your very own backyard.

So whether you’re planning a full family day out or just dropping in for a golden-hour Savannah Sunset, there’s plenty to do at Sydney Zoo this summer. With more than 4,000 animals, Australia’s largest Reptile & Nocturnal House, a walk-through aquarium, new shows, new encounters and extended summer hours, there’s no better time to experience the magic of the animal kingdom!