Taronga (1986) is a young adult science fiction post-apocalyptic novel written by Australian author Victor Kelleher.

The story revolves around the catastrophic disaster that destroys the Earth as we know it and its impact on Australia in the Southern Hemisphere.

It is not directly revealed to the audience what has caused this apocalypse, but it is assumed that it was due to global war.

The protagonist is a young teenager named Ben, who has developed telepathic powers and is able to communicate with animals.

Ben feels guilty about leading the animals to their death but faces a beating from Greg if he does not comply.

He travels first on foot, then by bike, using mountain roads to avoid local gang activity.

She takes him to the community leader, Molly, who allows Ben to stay after he proves that he can also round up and cage the cats.

Although Ben originally sees Taronga as an ideal community, he soon discovers that Molly is a ruthless and selfish leader.