If there are any animal lovers in your family, there’s no doubt that you’ve already considered taking a journey in the car hire Sydney International Airport passengers rely on for visiting some of the wonderful zoos and wildlife parks located there.

Even those not particularly enthused about wildlife are sure to appreciate some of the spectacular sights that can be found in the Sydney region.

Here are three of the best. Buckle up and prepare for unlimited fun and excitement!

Taronga Zoo

Only 12 minutes from the city by ferry, this zoo will allow you to have breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour, so it is well worth the trip.

As there is so much to do and take in, the best way to maximise your experience here is by planning your adventures ahead of time.

This way you won’t miss out on any of the highlights you desperately want to see. Don’t forget to work out what times the talks and shows are taking place as these are a must-see.

There is a bird show where you can marvel as birds swoop and dive close to you, and against the beautiful background of the Sydney Harbour, which is a spectacular sight.

Alternatively, you could visit the seal show. There are 950 seats available but it does fill up. Watch as the seals show off their natural abilities.

You can also get your animal fix by wandering around the zoo’s many enclosures – there are around 4,000 animals located in this zoo, so you are sure to find something you love. Over 350 species are represented.

Some highlights include Asian elephants, African lions, leopard seals, Australian little penguins and regent honeyeaters. This is just a small sample of what you can expect to view at this zoo.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Located in Darling Harbour, it’s not far to get here from the CBD​, and even if it was, it would be worth the trip!

This zoo has a strong Aussie focus, so you can experience all the animals our nation is proud to be home to, including Quokkas, Koalas and Tasmanian devils.

The zoo has many state-of-the-art design features that help make it so successful at recreating the natural habitats of these Australian animals.

It is made up of both intimate indoor and expansive outdoor enclosures that allow you to get close to the creatures and critters on offer.

The zoo has classed their animals into a few categories, so whether you’re after something cute and cuddly, dangerous or creepy, your desires will be met at this expansive zoo that is bigger than you would have thought from the outside.

For something really special, why not partake in a kangaroo walk-about on the middle level, spend some time in the butterfly tropics, or get up close and personal with a koala on the rooftop encounter?

Kids and the young-at-heart are sure to really enjoy the interactive displays, inspiring daily shows and captivating feeding sessions the zoo has to offer.

Symbio Wildlife Park

This fun experience is around 40 km from the central city on the southern fringe of the Royal National Park.

One highlight you could experience is the up close and personal encounters with animals such as koalas, red pandas, little monkeys, meerkats and dingoes. It’s not every day you can expect to hold one of these beautiful creatures in your arms, so make sure you snap a few pictures so you have a record of the experience.

If it is hot, make sure you pack your bathers and a towel – this park features a pool, which is really popular in the summer!