There are some Sydney experiences that sit on the bucket list for years. Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo is one of them.
Most of us have taken the kids to Taronga for a day out at some point, but sleeping there overnight, hearing the animals after dark and waking up before the crowds arrive is a completely different experience. So when one of the Mums of the Shire team had the chance to experience Roar and Snore first-hand with her family, we were very keen to hear whether it lived up to the hype.
The verdict? It absolutely did.
This Taronga overnight experience began with a guided walk through the zoo, which was such a special way to ease into the evening. As the zoo began to quieten down, seeing the animals up close already made it feel like they were getting access to a side of Taronga most visitors do not usually see.
Dinner came next, with a generous buffet that genuinely catered for everyone. The adults were impressed, the kids were happily fed, and the whole thing felt relaxed and easy, which is no small thing when you are staying somewhere overnight with children. The setting made it even better, with incredible views over Sydney Harbour and the city skyline as they ate.
After dinner, guests were taken down to the campsite, where their bags were already waiting in the tent. It was a thoughtful touch and one of those little things that makes a big difference when you are travelling with kids.
In the shared area, there were canapés, desserts, wine, beer, tea and coffee laid out for everyone to enjoy around the fire. Sitting there with a glass of wine, looking out over Sydney Harbour, was one of the moments that really stayed with her. It felt completely different to a usual family night out, but also made her realise Roar and Snore would be just as perfect for a date night. 
For those wanting to stretch out the evening, there was also the option of a night walk through the zoo. Seeing the animals in a completely different light, with the usual daytime crowds gone, was a real highlight.
When it was time to settle in, the tent was much more comfortable than expected. There were heaters and electric blankets ready to go, which were very appreciated on a chilly winter night. There is also air conditioning for the warmer months, which is handy to know if you are thinking ahead.
Everyone slept surprisingly well, apart from being briefly woken by the distant sound of roaring lions and the occasional chimpanzee chatter. And honestly, if you are going to be woken in the middle of the night, that is probably one of the better reasons.
The next morning started early, but it was absolutely worth it. Guests were taken behind the scenes for up-close animal encounters, including getting close to giraffes and rhinos from a safe distance.
This was one of the biggest highlights of the whole experience. Having almost the entire zoo to themselves for a couple of hours felt incredibly special. It is something you simply do not get during regular opening hours.
Breakfast followed, with another generous buffet, before the official Roar and Snore experience wrapped up. Even then, guests could leave their bags with the team and stay on to explore the zoo for the rest of the day, which of course they made the most of.
One of the biggest wins from a parent’s point of view was how engaged the kids were the entire time. No screens, no games, no iPads. They were completely in the moment, exploring, learning, asking questions and soaking it all in. The kind of family experience that feels like it will be talked about for a long time afterwards.
While Roar and Snore is a brilliant experience for families, it is definitely not just for families. Taronga also offers Adults Only Roar and Snore nights on selected dates, making it a fun option for a romantic night away, a special occasion, or an overnight Sydney experience that feels genuinely different.
For those looking for a more boutique overnight stay, Taronga also offers the Wildlife Retreat, a luxury eco-retreat overlooking Sydney Harbour with elegant rooms, immersive animal experiences and modern Australian dining at Me-Gal Restaurant.
Whether you are planning something special with the kids, looking for a night away as adults, or wanting to gift an experience rather than more stuff, Roar and Snore is one of those Sydney adventures that really does live up to the hype.
To learn more or book your Roar and Snore experience, visit Taronga Zoo Sydney online.
