Twilight at Taronga

The Twilight at Taronga concert series has been bringing a little bit of summer sunset music festival sparkle to Sydney for 25 years. The annual gig experience ticks off a hefty amount of Sydney in summer ideals – harbour views at dusk, alfresco live music, and a zoo-fringed lawn to sprawl out on with shared treats and mates. Add in the ’90s-Aussie-rock-legends meets Triple-J-gold of the diverse line-ups, and you've got yourself a pretty bloody great way to spend a waterfront evening.

This year, the growls, squeaks and hisses of the menagerie at the zoo will be complemented by acts returning to the Taronga stage and artists debuting on the sunny lawn. It all kicks off with a synthy-pop session by New Zealand duo Broods on January 31. Listening to the big feels of songs like ‘Peach’ and ‘Heartlines’ will be a joyful start to the series, before Aussie rockers Wolfmother make an appearance the following evening for a little ‘Joker and the Thief’ in the early evening.

Other big acts we’re excited about include country warbler and ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Kasey Chambers, chart-topping soul, gospel and R‘n’B pioneer Mavis Staples, the rowdy uncle of Australian musical storytelling Paul Kelly, as well as another tribute set to Australia’s favourite Sweeds by Björn Again. Pop powerhouse Meg Mac will be the final musical act to take the stage, with her ever-growing setlist of hits like ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves’,  ‘Grandma’s Hands’ and ‘Something Tells Me’ blasting out on March 6.

But to make the most of summer’s dying days, they’ll also be squeezing in a quick comedy show on March 7. This’ll be led by the wonderfully honest and hilariously relatable Kitty Flanagan, and also feature Tasmanina comedian Luke McGregor, Randy Feltface (who is a critically-acclaimed costumed character) and identical twin brothers Benjamin and James Stevenson who make up musical comedy group the Stevenson Experience.

If you anticipate that you’ll be feeling snacky come sunset, you can pre-order a hamper for a picnic to go along with the tunes. There’ll also be on-site bars to keep you hydrated and other snack purveyors for less forward-planning concert-goers. For the first time, you can go full baller and book a package where you get to stay at Taronga Zoo’s brand new Wildlife Retreat and have VIP access to the concert area for the most primo dancing or picnicking spots.

Each ticket also includes same-day discounted entry to the zoo ($10 for adult animal lovers and $5 for little’uns), half-price return ferry fares to the site, and the knowledge that your moola is going to Taronga’s ongoing environmental conservation work. Pre-sale tix are available from October 29.