As you wander through the entrance of the all-new Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo, the echo of bird calls and rustling sounds coming from nearby enclosures conjures images of Jurassic Park. You half wonder whether an imposing, prehistoric creature might round the corner as you enter the lobby. Surrounded by restless wildlife, anything seems possible here.

But, I soon discover, the zoo’s adjoining Wildlife Retreat is every bit luxurious and very much centred on relaxation – and as much a sanctuary for humans as it is for the neighbouring animals who are always the priority of the ever-passionate zoo keepers on site. Here, conservation is key, and profits from the sanctuary are returned to the safekeeping of wildlife.

An enthusiastic staff member welcomes you into the lobby’s bird-nest-shaped sitting room – the N’gurra Lounge – offering you an iced tea infused with native plum as you overlook Sydney Harbour. Peering out, it’s difficult to imagine a view that better encompasses more of the city’s icons in one glimpse. 

And yet, take your eyes of the harbour and you’ll notice that below the lounge a flurry of activity is taking place. Echidnas scurry, marsupials play among native flowers and koalas snore away in the surrounding gum trees. During your stay, guests can enjoy a sanctuary tour, with a chance to meet some of these animals (and some other surprise guests) and meander through the thoughtfully designed habitat. Accommodation, naturally, includes access to the zoo – so you can take time to meet the other animals on site. That is, if you can leave your room.

This isn’t the first time the zoo has invited guests to stay the night, but it’s certainly its most luxurious accommodation yet. Sixty-two spacious rooms offer harbour or sanctuary views, which means you could easily wake up to a koala sleeping outside your window, if not the morning’s sun on the water. Although the retreat’s rooms are very much sophisticated and chic, featuring deep bathtubs, large four-poster beds and stylish amenities, little touches including lamps that resemble birds remind you where you are. Designed by Australian architects at Cox Architecture, five environmentally-sensitive lodges are built into the native bushland setting.

In fitting with Taronga’s commitment to sustainability, the environmentally focused design is targeting a 5 star Green Star rating. Designed to reflect the existing landscape, the resort is clad in reconstituted timber and metal with native planted green screens to integrate them into the surrounding bushland.

By night, onsite restaurant Me-Gal springs to life, serving up a refined menu dotted with native ingredients – alongside that view. Romantic lighting, soft jazz music, a sparkling outlook, cleverly executed dishes and an intelligent wine list satisfy grown-up diners, while a children’s menu and colouring-in pages keep young zoologists-in-the-making entertained. Upstairs, a private terrace space with a large outdoor area opens for events and private bookings. And, of a morning, the dining space transforms into a breakfast buffet for guests.

In keeping with the zoo’s conservation endeavours, no plastic is used at the restaurant, and all seafoods and meats are sources sustainably. Executive chef Gursu Mertel comes to Australia from Turkey, bringing his passion for fresh produce to the menu. Head chef Joseph Cain, hailing from England, brings a curiosity for native Australian flavours and a passion for sustainable farming in tow. The menu, therefore, evolves with the seasons – showcasing the best in Australian ingredients.

For dinner, enjoy the likes of  Fraser Island spanner crab with timbale, pea mousse, fried native saltbush and salmon pearls or New South Wales beef fillet served with a Hunter Valley shiraz jus.

For those early birds among us, a Daybreak Walk offers a guided journey through the zoo as the animals are waking up, before the zoo opens to the public – just as the sun is coming up over the harbour. Elephants and giraffes greet you as they await their breakfast, and birds begin to make their morning calls. Never fear, the quiet walk on Cammeraigal country at first light includes coffee in a Taronga keep cup (and the promise of a buffet breakfast afterwards). 

Before checking out, and after introducing yourself to Me-Gal’s pancake machine come breakfast time, guests are welcomed to take a morning tour through the Wollemi Aviary, surrounded by rare Australian birdlife. Then, the zoo is your playground and you’re invited to pay a visit to your favourite animals at Taronga.

To book your stay, visit Wildlife Retreat at Taronga’s website.

Rates start at $790 per night for two adults and includes two-course dinner, buffet breakfast, immersive and exclusive Australian animal experiences and complimentary general admission to Taronga Zoo. Taronga Conservation Society Australia is a not-for-profit organisation and proceeds from every stay support Taronga’s ongoing work caring for animals within its two zoos and through conservation programs around the world.