Thanks for attending Harbour View Cinema!

Harbour View Cinema has now finished. Thank you to all who attended.

Check out more exciting events at Taronga Zoo via the link below!

EVENT UPDATE: Taronga’s Harbour View Cinema 

On behalf of Taronga Zoo and our event partners we regret to inform you that tonight’s (Sunday 1st October) session of Taronga’s Harbour View Cinema screening Dirty Dancing has been cancelled. 

A strong wind warning has been issued for the area of Mosman from late this afternoon with the likelihood that these winds will strengthen throughout the evening. 
  
Unfortunately the cinema screen will not be able to withstand these conditions. Therefore, in the interest of our guests and staff safety, the decision has been made to cancel this last screening. 
  
All tickets purchased including add-ons will be refunded by Ticketek. 
  
We sincerely apologise for this inconvenience and would like to thank everyone who has supported Taronga’s Harbour View Cinema. 

The Zoo and its operations will maintain normal trading hours on Sunday 1 October.
 

Harbour View Cinema Event Poster
Harbour View Cinema Event Poster

Event Details

Taronga Zoo is opening its gates after dark for a brand-new “Harbour View” outdoor cinema. 

Nestled within the picturesque grounds of Taronga Zoo, the Harbour View Cinema offers a breathtaking backdrop of Sydney's skyline and the iconic Sydney Harbour. As the sun sets over the horizon, relax in the unique ambiance of the zoo, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the 4,000 animals that call Taronga home.  

Bring a picnic rug and enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by wildlife and overlooking spectacular Sydney Harbour while you sit back and enjoy four ‘themed’ movie nights across the October long weekend - from family favourites and date night classics to the perfect girls’ night out. 

Dress up, sing along and bring your family, friends and a sense of adventure. 

* All tickets include free entry to the Zoo from 2pm, free parking and entry into the draw for your chance to WIN a range of amazing Taronga experiences! 

Join us for a night of movie fun that helps save wildlife. Proudly supported by Peters Ice Cream. 

Pre-sale tickets on sale Thursday 17th August 2023 *Includes Zoo Friends, Corporate Partners, Taronga event sign ups & Past event purchasers

General Public On Sale Friday 18th August 2023

 

 

Movie Details and Times

SOLD OUT ~ Thurs 28 Sep | The Lion King (1994)

The Lion King Event Art

SOLD OUT 

  • Doors open: 5:30pm  

  • Movie commences: 6:45pm 

  • Movie concludes: 8:14pm 

  

(G) Family, Animation, Drama *1h 29m  

A young lion prince is cast out of his pride by his cruel uncle, who claims he killed his father. While the uncle rules with an iron paw, the prince grows up beyond the Savannah, living by a philosophy: No worries for the rest of your days. But when his past comes to haunt him, the young prince must decide his fate: Will he remain an outcast or face his demons and become what he needs to be? 

General (G) The content is very mild in impact. The G classification is suitable for everyone. G products may contain classifiable elements such as language and themes that are very mild in impact.  

Watch Official Trailer

 

BUY TICKETS

~ Fri 29 Sep | Scream (1996)

Scream Movie Poster
  • Doors open: 5:30pm  

  • Movie commences: 7:00pm 

  • Movie concludes: 8:52pm 

(MA 15+) Crime, Horror, Mystery *1h 52m  

A year after the murder of her mother, Sidney Prescott is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly. 

Mature Accompanied (MA 15+) The content is strong in impact. 

MA 15+ rated material contains strong content and is legally restricted to people over the age of 15. It contains elements such as sex scenes and drug use that could have a strong impact on the viewer. A person may be asked to show proof of their age before purchasing or viewing an MA 15+ film or computer game. Children under the age of 15 may not legally watch, buy or hire MA 15+ rated material unless they are in the company of a parent or adult guardian. Children under the age of 15 who go to the cinema to see an MA 15+ film must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film. The parent or adult guardian must also purchase the ticket for the child. The guardian must be over the age of 18 and exercising parental control over the child. 

Watch Official Trailer

 

BUY TICKETS

SOLD OUT ~ Sat 30 Sep | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)

Harry Potter Movie Poster
  • Doors open: 5:30pm  

  • Movie commences: 6:45pm 

  • Movie concludes: 9:17pm 

(PG) Adventure, Fantasy *2h 32m  

Based on J.K. Rowling's book about a young boy who, on his eleventh birthday, discovers that he is the orphaned boy of two powerful wizards and has unique magical powers of his own. Invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. At Hogwarts, he finds the home and the family he has never had. 

Parental Guidance (PG) The content is mild in impact. 

The impact of PG (Parental Guidance) classified films and computer games should be no higher than mild, but they may contain content that children find confusing or upsetting and may require the guidance of parents, teachers or guardians. For example, they may contain classifiable elements such as language and themes that are mild in impact. PG-rated content is not recommended for viewing by people under the age of 15 without guidance from parents, teachers or guardians. 

Link to Official Trailer 

 

BUY TICKETS

~ Sun 1 Oct | Dirty Dancing (1987)

Dirty Dancing Movie Poster
  • Doors open: 5:30pm  

  • Movie commences: 7:30pm 

  • Movie concludes: 9:10pm 

(M) Drama, Music, Romance *1h 40m 

Expecting the usual tedium that accompanies a summer in the Catskills with her family, 17-year-old Frances 'Baby' Houseman is surprised to find herself stepping into the shoes of a professional hoofer—and unexpectedly falling in love. 

Mature (M) The content is moderate in impact. Films and computer games classified M (Mature) contain content of a moderate impact. M-rated films and computer games are not recommended for children under the age of 15. They include portrayals of elements such as violence and themes that require a mature outlook. However, children under the age of 15 may legally access this material as the classification rating is an advisory category. Parents, teachers and guardians may need to find out more about the specific content before deciding whether the material is suitable for children in their care. 

Watch Official Trailer 

 

BUY TICKETS

Ticket Inclusions and Add Ons

General Admission

  • Adult $28.00 
  • Children (4-15 years) $25.00 
  • Concession $26.20
  • Children under 4 are free  
  • Zoo Friends takes 10% off the ticket price

All general admission tickets include your movie ticket, free entry into Taronga Zoo from 2pm & free parking. Please note, all visitors must exit the Zoo by 5pm and re-enter when the event opens at 5.30pm.

In our General Admission section, there is no allocated seating.

The Bee's Knees - VIP

Bee's Knees Chair

Cost 

  • $55

Inclusions

  • Movie Ticket 

  • Chair in the Bee’s Knees section 

  • The latest Peters Ice Cream   

  • Complimentary Popcorn  

  • F&B service to your chair   

*All tickets include free entry into Taronga Zoo from 2pm & free parking. Please note, all visitors must head to the Top Plaza when the Zoo closes at 5pm

* VIP tickets are available for all ages. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your VIP seats cannot be moved from the VIP section.

Lions Pride - VIP

Lion's Pride Chair

Cost 

  • $40

Inclusions

  • Movie Ticket  

  • Chair in the Lion’s Pride section  

  • Food & beverage service to your chair    

*All tickets include free entry into Taronga Zoo from 2pm & free parking. Please note, all visitors must head to the Top Plaza when the Zoo closes at 5pm

* VIP tickets are available for all ages. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your VIP seats cannot be moved from the VIP section.

Add ons

Add ons
  • Chillazy Chair - $35 

  • Chillazy Chair Hire $20 *please note that a $15 refundable deposit is required upon collection of your chair. Taronga is a cashless venue. 

  • Picnic Rug - $25 

Food and Beverage Offerings

Food and Beverage Icons

Enjoy movie classics including freshly popped popcorn, Peters ice cream scoops and other sweet treats. Grab a themed mocktail for the kids and a cocktail for the grown-ups, a range of beer, wine and pre-mixed drinks will also be available. A range of hot food will also be available before the start of the movie. 

* If you have purchased a Sandwich box for 2 or a Chips & Dips for 2, please make your way to the bar at the back of the concert lawns to collect these.

 

VIEW MENU

Harbour View Cinema Competition

Congratulations to our winners! 

Hadleigh R 

Elizabeth E 

Andrew M

Ellicia Miller 

 

Purchasing a ticket to the Harbour View Cinema event puts you automatically in the draw for your chance to WIN some amazing Taronga experiences including:  

  • An Ultimate Retreat Experience for two 

  • A Roar and Snore Experience for two  

  • A Zoo Keeper Day experience 

  • 2 x Adult Zoo Family Flex membership!

Harbour View Cinema Competition Terms & Conditions 

Social Media Competition

View T&Cs for our social media competition here. 

Zoo Friends Member Benefits

Calling all Zoo Friends? We’ve got you covered. You'll receive 10% off the ticket price, plus included in your movie ticket is a free ‘Chillazy Chair Hire’ for each guest listed on your membership, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the movie.
* Please note you must hold a valid current Zoo Friends membership and be named on the membership card to claim this offer, this offer is not transferable. Upon collection of your Chillazy Chair Hire, your membership will be checked and a $15 refundable deposit per chair will be required. Once you have purchased tickets, you will receive a pop up from Ticketek which will direct you to a survey with details on how to claim your free Chillazy Chair Hire!

Stay Overnight

For the ultimate Taronga cinema experience, stay overnight at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, an elegant eco-retreat overlooking Sydney Harbour. Where else in the world can say good morning to a Koala outside your window, explore a private wildlife sanctuary and enjoy this stunning view. For availability and bookings, please visit The Wildlife Retreat Site. 

Wildlife Retreat Taronga Zoo
Wildlife Retreat Taronga Zoo

FAQS

General

What time does the Harbour View Cinema event start? 
- You can see start times here. 

I’m running late for my movie, can I enter at a later time? 
- Yes. You are welcome to enter the event any time after gates open. 

Ticketing

Where can I buy tickets? 
-  Tickets can be purchased online via Ticketek.  

Can I buy tickets at the Zoo on the night? 
- We do not have an on-site box office and all tickets must be purchased online and before you arrive.  

I am a Zoo Friends Member, do I receive a Free Chillazy Hire? 
- Yes! As a valued Zoo Friends Member, you are entitled to receive a Chillazy Chair Hire with your movie ticket. Please note you must hold a valid current Zoo Friends membership and be named on the membership card to claim this offer, this offer is not transferable. Upon collection of your Chillazy Chair Hire, your membership will be checked and a $15 refundable deposit per chair will be required. Once you have purchased tickets, you will receive a pop up from Ticketek which will direct you to a survey with details on how to claim your free Chillazy Chair Hire!

I am a Zoo Friends Member and purchased tickets, how do I claim my free Chillazy Chair hire? 

- If you have already purchased tickets and would like to claim your free Chillazy Chair Hire, please complete the following survey 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Zoo Friends, if you forget to return your hire chair on the night, please ensure you return it to the Zoo Friends Office within 7 days of your movie night so we can process your $15 per Chillazy deposit. Alternatively, you can keep this for an extra $20 per Chillazy! Our team will contact you to take payment if you would like to take up this option. 

Does my ticket give me entry to the Zoo during the day? 
- Included in your movie ticket is an afternoon Zoo admission from 2pm. Please note, all visitors must exit the Zoo by 5.00pm and re-enter when the event opens at 5.30pm.  

I purchased tickets but can no longer attend. What can I do? 
- You can also exchange your tickets to another movie. However, refunds are not available if you are no longer able to attend or change your mind. Tickets are not tied to the purchasers name, so you are welcome to pass your tickets onto friends/family to use. Please note that if you are a Zoo Friends member, your free Chillazy Hire is not transferable.  

What is the refund policy for Harbour View Cinema tickets? 
- Tickets to the event are non-refundable, unless the event is cancelled by the organiser, Taronga Zoo Sydney. Should you be unable to attend your session, tickets can be transferred to another session pending ticket availability. Please contact Ticketek Support for any ticket exchange requests. 

Do you accept Companion Cards? 
- Yes, holders of a government issued companion card can access a free ticket for their companion. Proof of eligibility will be required upon entry. Please book these tickets by calling Ticketek’s Accessible Line on 1300 665 915. 

Can I change my ticket to another movie session? 

You can exchange your tickets to another movie however this is subject to availability. Refunds are not available if you are no longer able to attend or change your mind. Please contact Ticketek Support to facilitate this request. 

Lost ticket, ticket issues or requests
- For all ticket enquiries including purchasing over the phone / Tickets were not received / I can no longer attend and want a refund or exchange – please visit Ticketek Support

Venue

How do I get to the Zoo?
- There are lots of transport options available for visitors to Harbour View Cinema at Taronga Zoo. You can drive and park at the Zoo. Taronga Zoo has a multi-story car park with limited parking available. The Zoo car park fills up quickly, so we highly recommend public transport as a green option! 

The Zoo is located 12 minutes from Circular Quay by ferry or a short bus trip from the city or North Sydney. Please note return ferry services to Circular Quay will not be running after the movie, so please plan your trip accordingly.  

Visit www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500 for up-to-date information and timetables.  

How much does parking cost? 

All general admission tickets include your movie ticket, free entry into Taronga Zoo from 2pm & free parking. Please note, all visitors must exit the Zoo by 5pm and re-enter when the event opens at 5.30pm.

How do I get from the wharf to the Zoo’s top entrance? 
- There are regular bus services to transport visitors from the wharf to the Zoo’s top entrance. Please note there will be no entry via the Zoo’s lower entrance from the wharf during the Harbour View Cinema event at Taronga Zoo. Please note return ferry services to Circular Quay will not be running after the movie, so please plan your trip accordingly. 

Is the bus a free shuttle service? 
- The busses are regular Sydney public bus services, so please ensure you have your ticket or Opal card ready. If you are traveling via ferry the bus is usually included in your single trip ticket. For more information on fares visit www.transportnsw.info 

Is the Zoo an accessible site? 
-  Taronga Zoo is an accessible site, but it does contain some steep slopes. To get the most out of your experience, comfortable shoes and attire are highly recommended. For full information on accessibility at Taronga Zoo, please visit: https://taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo/plan-your-zoo-visit/facilities-accessibility 

Please contact us on 9969 2777 if you may require assistance during your experience. 

Are strollers and prams allowed? 
- Yes, strollers and prams are allowed. 

What aren’t I allowed to bring? 
- The following items are prohibited and not allowed to be brought into the Zoo grounds; 
Weapons, sharps, glass, animals or animal costumes, balls, balloons, bicycle, scooter, skateboard or rollerblades, alcohol or illegal substances, non-alcoholic beverages in unsealed containers (including glass, cans or hard plastics), musical instruments, noisemaker, airhorn, laser pen, laser pointer or similar focused light devices, portable BBQs, candles, sparklers and/or any firework paraphernalia, poles, sticks, selfie or Go Pro sticks, professional photography, drones. 

No liquids (including non-alcoholic beverages, water or alcohol) are permitted on site for security reasons. Free water refill stations are available on site, so bring your empty reusable water bottles, no glass permitted! Please ensure your reusable water bottles are emptied before entering through the security checkpoint. 

All non-alcoholic beverages must be in sealed containers (such as hard plastic or cans), glass is not permitted. 

For more information, please view the prohibited items list here

How will the animals respond to the Harbour View Cinema event and extended opening hours during the event? 
- Rest assured that Taronga’s first priority and concern is always the welfare of the remarkable animals in our care. Taronga’s animals also have access to the comfort and shelter of their night dens and inside areas, but it’s not uncommon for certain animals to choose to remain outside during night events. 

Planning has included detailed assessments from keepers to ensure that the event will not be problematic for our animals. Fortunately, Taronga Zoo Sydney has more than 25 years’ experience in successfully hosting after-hours events, including the Twilight at Taronga concerts, Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo and New Year’s Eve. Keepers and behavioural scientists monitor the animals and the environment during these events to ensure animal wellbeing is assured, and we are pleased that there have been no reported issues since the Twilight concerts began in 1996. 

The Zoo measures noise levels periodically during the concerts and if the guidelines are accidentally exceeded, the volume is immediately reduced. Additionally, Taronga Zoo’s animals also have access to the comfort and shelter of their night quarters and inside areas, but it’s not uncommon for certain animals to choose to remain outside during night events. 

Taronga is a not for profit organisation and funds raised by the series directly benefit the Zoo’s wildlife programs.

Will I get to see animals during the Harbour View Cinema event?  
- Once the Zoo has closed at 5pm, the animals have retired to their night quarters for the evening. If you would like to see our incredible animals, we suggest making the most out of your movie ticket and visiting Taronga Zoo from 2pm.   

Can I smoke or vape? 
- Taronga Zoo is a smoke-free site. Smoking, vaping and the use of any electronic device that simulates tobacco smoking is prohibited in all zoo outdoor areas. Guests who do not comply will be denied entry or removed

Seating

What are the seating arrangements? 
- In our General Admission section, there is no allocated seating. If you have purchased VIP tickets including The Bees Knees & Lions Pride, please note your ticket includes a VIP chair. IMPORTANT NOTE: Your VIP seats cannot be moved from the VIP section.

Can I bring my own seat? 
- Yes, you can bring your own low level seats, cushions, blankets and rugs. Alternatively, a limited number of Chillazy Chairs will be available for purchase and or hire on the night, for any General Admissions patrons who are looking for a comfy place to settle on.  

Eat & Drink

Will there be places to eat? 
- Enjoy movie classics including freshly popped popcorn, Peters ice cream scoops and other sweet treats. Grab a themed mocktail for the kids and a cocktail for the grown-ups, a range of beer, wine and pre-mixed drinks will also be available. A range of hot food will also be available before the start of the movie. You are welcome to BYO food. Please note Taronga Zoo is cashless. View menu here!

 

VIEW MENU

 

Can I BYO Alcohol? 
- Taronga Zoo is a fully licensed event and BYO alcohol and glass is not permitted. Random bag checks will be conducted on entry and all alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages in un-sealed containers (including glass, cans or hard plastics) will be confiscated. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available to purchase. 

Free water refill stations are also available on site, so bring your empty reusable water bottles, no glass permitted! Please ensure your reusable water bottles are emptied before entering through the security checkpoint. 

Do my VIP tickets include F&B? 
- The Bees Knees VIP ticket Includes the latest Peters Ice Cream, Complimentary Popcorn and F&B service to your chair. Lions Pride VIP ticket Includes F&B service to your chair only. Please note F&B service to your VIP chair will cease 30minutes after the movie starts. Taronga Zoo is cashless. 

Weather

What happens if it rains? 
- As an outdoor event, the Harbour View Cinema is subject to weather. Please note the event will proceed rain or shine. We strongly recommend you come prepared with wet weather gear, raincoats and ponchos and something waterproof to sit on in case of rain. Ponchos and umbrellas will be available to purchase at the Zoo’s retail outlets. If there is weather that presents a risk to our patrons, Taronga will notify ticketholders if the session needs to be cancelled. Ticketholders will be notified via email of any cancellations. Please also check our website and social media pages for updates. 

Patrons accept that in purchasing a ticket they are paying for an event that commences between 6:45pm-7:30pm depending on the movie on the Concert Lawns at Taronga Zoo and that weather conditions prior to that time and in other parts of Sydney will not result in the performance being cancelled. Patrons accept the risk that weather they consider unsatisfactory may occur on a concert night and acknowledge that a performance may be cancelled by Taronga due to dangerous weather conditions at the time of or during the performance. 

Accommodation

Can I stay overnight at the Zoo as part of my experience? 
- Yes! Make your Harbour View Cinema experience the ultimate night out by staying at Taronga's elegant eco-retreat, the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. Nestled within the grounds of Taronga Zoo, the Wildlife Retreat offers designer rooms, intimate wildlife encounters, award-winning dining and stunning views over Sydney Harbour and the city. Visit https://taronga.org.au/retreat for more information! 

Competition

How can I enter the competition? 
- Purchasing a ticket to the Harbour View Cinema event puts you automatically in the draw for your chance to WIN some amazing Taronga experiences including:  

  • An Ultimate Retreat Experience for two 

  • A Roar and Snore Experience for two  

  • A Zoo Keeper Day experience 

  • 2 x Adult Zoo Friends Family Flex memberships 

 

 * Harbour View Cinema Competition Terms & Conditions