Taronga Zoo Sydney

Giraffes with the Opera House behind them

Hours: Daily 9:30am–5pm (Sep–Apr), 9:30am–4:30pm (May–Aug), open 365 days
Tickets: Adults from about A$51 online (more at the gate), under 4 free; prices vary by date, check the official booking page
Address: On the hillside across the harbour; the ferry wharf sits right below the lower entrance

The zoo climbs a hill above the harbour, so the classic shot is a giraffe with the Opera House and city towers behind it. There's a dedicated Australian section with koalas, kangaroos, wombats and platypus, and seal and bird shows several times a day. The easy route is ferry, cable car (Sky Safari) up to the top gate, then work your way downhill. It's bigger than it looks; reviewers say grab a map and plan around show times.