Sydney’s Taronga Zoo prepares to open new luxury lodge

Sydney’s Taronga Zoo is preparing to open a new 62-room luxury ‘eco-retreat’ will open in October.

The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga will offer five environmentally sensitive and sustainably designed lodges built into the native bush with views across a wildlife sanctuary that is home to platypuses, koalas and echidnas.

The lodge will also feature the Me-Gal restaurant with views over Sydney Harbour and feature a menu focused on fresh local produce with dishes such as Fraser Island spanner crab with fried native saltbush; NSW beef fillet with potato foam, cavolo nero and Hunter Valley shiraz jus; and saffron and pea risotto with local watercress and vegan cheese.

Each stay includes a two-course dinner, buffet breakfast, animal experiences and access to the zoo. Guided tours with zookeepers are available at sunrise and later in the morning.

Funds from the retreat will go towards the Taronga Conservation Society Australia.