TOURISTS will be able to holiday at Taronga Zoo within two years, with the state government giving the green light for a $40 million on-site ­resort hotel.

Featuring 62 guest rooms in five accommodation buildings of up to four storeys high, the eco-retreat is part of a $164.5 million overhaul of the site to occur over the next decade.

Fierce opposition from Mosman Council, which ­argued it was a resort for the rich, has failed to stop the ­project, with work to begin in ­August ahead of an expected March 2019 completion date.

State Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said the works will also include an ­extension to the existing ­Taronga Centre with a new restaurant and function room and outdoor terrace.

media_camera The proposed hotel for Taronga Zoo.

Guests at the resort will also have a view over a new native Australian wildlife exhibit, with kangaroos, platypus and walk-through aviary.

Approval was given with strict environmental conditions, including the adoption of energy, water and waste reducing measures, and the reuse of materials such as sandstone.

media_camera Tourists will be able to see the animals from the resort.

Mr Roberts said ­providing on-site accommodation would attract both international and domestic visitors.

“Taronga Zoo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this country and this retreat will only further enhance its attractiveness to international and domestic visitors alike,” he said.

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media_camera The overhaul is set to more domestic and international tourists. Picture: Toby Zerna

The resort follows the overwhelming success of the zoo’s booked out Roar and Snore program, whereby visitors pay to camp on-site overnight.

While Mosman Council supported Roar and Snore, it has declared the resort as “incompatible” with the zoo’s primary role as a wildlife research and breeding centre, while raising concerns it would be pitched at those who could pay.

State Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said the retreat would provide a “better immersive experience”.