Things have settled down since I’ve moved to the city and I’m happy to say I’ve been able to do things that aren’t related to work, or moving, unpacking, or rearranging furniture. Last weekend, for instance, I decided to take the ferry across the harbour to visit Taronga Zoo.
Taronga Zoo is home not only to native Australian animals like kangaroos, wallabies, platypuses (er… platypi?) and Tasmanian devils, but many other exotic and endangered animals too. And seeing that it’s located opposite the Opera House on the shores of Sydney Harbour it has one of the best views of any zoo I’ve ever been to. Fun fact: Taronga is an Aboriginal word meaning “beautiful view”.
Yep. Ah-mazing.
Of course my trip to the zoo was a last-minute one (hello procrastination, my old friend), and because of that I missed out on a couple things I wanted to see. I still left with all the feels you get after spending a day with, and learning about, all sorts of animals, however. And sore feet from walking for three hours straight in shoes that were not really meant for long periods of walking. So besides not wearing flip flops (still have yet to kick that habit after picking it up in Bondi), I have some tips for you if you’re planning a trip to Taronga Zoo:
#1: Buy your tickets online
So It’s only a small discount if you buy tickets online ($41.40 vs. $46 at the gate), but it can mean the difference between waltzing in like you own the place and having to get into a long queue at the ticket booth. And if you, like many visitors, decide you want to start by taking the Sky Safari (a gondola type ride with a sweet view of the zoo and the harbour behind it) up to the top and work your way down to the exit you’ll have to walk around the hill to the ticket booth and back again. The queue for the Sky Safari is right next to the ferry entrance.
#1.5: Or… take your chances at the gate
On the other hand. If you don’t buy your ticket online, you look young, and you don’t have an Aussie accent, there’s a chance they’ll give you the student discount without asking questions. I believe the lack of accent is the key here. If you’re a risk-taker you forgot to buy your tickets ahead of time, it could very well work in your favour. But don’t hold me to that, please.
#2: Don’t be a sad panda. Do your research
As I’ve said before, this visit was a bit of a last-minute deal. And I did have a blast looking at all of the cute, scaly, fluffy, feathered, and creepy-crawly creatures on site. Yet had I taken some time beforehand to do some research I would have known that the Sumatran Tigers I’d REALLY wanted to see had been relocated to Taronga’s Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo (about a five hour drive from Sydney) during the ongoing construction of a fancy new experience that is set to open next year. Yes, I was a sad — and foolish — panda. 🙁
On the topic of pandas though, I did see the cutest red panda while I was there.
#3: Bring snacks (for you, not the animals)
As with any attraction or theme park, any food and drink bought at cafes or restaurants on the premises will be marked waaayy up. $15 for a cheese sandwich and a bottle of water? Unless we’re talking gourmet fromage, no thanks! I say bring your own and have a picnic. There are heaps of places for you to spread out and enjoy your own food. But keep a watchful eye where you do enjoy it though, as that brings me to my next tip…
#4: Beware the turkeys
Wild bush turkeys (and peacocks!) roam free on the zoo grounds. If you’re not expecting them you may be in for a surprise as not only can you find them trying to sneak scraps out from under your table while you’re eating, but they like to randomly jump out of trees and scare the crap out of you. I’m fairly certain they do this on purpose.
#5: Don’t miss the giraffes
Even if you’ve been to many zoos in your lifetime, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a zoo that has a better view than the one at Taronga Zoo. Right behind the giraffe enclosure is the Sydney skyline with the harbour bridge and Opera House in full sight. You’ll know where they are once you see the crowd of people wielding cameras. And the long giraffe necks, of course. Can’t miss those.
Of course, the most important tip of all is one that goes without saying: don’t forget your camera! On that note, I’ll leave you with a few of my favourite photos from my day at the zoo. I’m no wildlife photographer, and I’m not going to end up in National Geographic anytime soon, but I did have a blast taking these pictures and getting up close with the wildlife. Hope you enjoy. 🙂
-C
