Touristy Tuesdays: Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

by A Cajun Down Under on June 29, 2010

You may think that if you’ve seen one zoo you’ve seen them all.  So what makes Sydney’s Taronga Zoo worth a visit?  Location, Location, Location.  And a very cute baby elephant doesn’t hurt either.

All the usual suspects are represented at Taronga.

The giraffes…

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The chimps…

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The red panda…

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The snow leopards…

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The reptiles…

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Some native Australian animals like this Red Kangaroo…

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And the adorable Parthi Harn (forever known in this house as “Party Hard”) and his big mama Porntip…

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How precious is this little guy?

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But, here is what make Taronga more than your average zoo.  The view.

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And this view.

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And this view.

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The mountain goats are in the enviable position of having the best view of Sydney Harbour.

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Every time you look away from the animals at Taronga, another beautiful view of Sydney becomes a feast for your eyes.

From the city, getting to Taronga is very easy.  Just hop on the Zoo ferry at Circular Quay, and not only do you get a cheap harbour cruise, but they deposit you at the entrance.

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Make sure you jump on the Sky Safari for a trip up to the top first as Taronga is situated on a hill.  The ferry is at the bottom, so if you skip the Sky Safari, you are walking uphill all day.  I don’t know about you, but pushing 2 kids in a double stroller is much more pleasant going downhill rather than up.

We took the girls out for a day at Taronga on Sunday, and I was disappointed at the amount of construction going on at the moment.  There were several animal enclosures closed for renovations or maintenance, and it did take away from the atmosphere.

The only down side of Taronga is the price.  Entry is $43 per adult and $21 per child.  I personally think this is bit pricey for a zoo.  But, we all had a fantastic time.  And then, there was the adorable baby elephant.  And, all those spectacular views.

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Note: This is NOT a paid advertisement.  Just sharing one of my many Australian experiences.

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Elizabeth June 29, 2010 at 10:12 pm

Great post, Great pictures.. love the updated picture of “Party Hard” and her baby….cuuute!

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Elizabeth June 29, 2010 at 10:14 pm

Meant to say “Party Hard” and his Mama!

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A Cajun Down Under June 30, 2010 at 9:11 am

Elizabeth, you just missed a once in a lifetime opportunity to use the word “Porntip”.

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Isabel June 30, 2010 at 6:19 am

Great pics!!

Any family discount packages available like at Audubon Zoo in NOLA?

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A Cajun Down Under June 30, 2010 at 9:18 am

Thanks Isabel. Yes, for $108.80 you can take a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children). Considerably more expensive than Audubon Zoo.

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run26.2mom July 1, 2010 at 8:02 am

Great photos. Love seeing the different animals. Do they have a North America section at the zoo. It seems like all zoos I have been to always divide it up into different continents. Just curious. If so, what animals do they feature? thanks for sharing.
Have a good day!

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A Cajun Down Under July 6, 2010 at 10:08 pm

Taronga is divided into sections as well, but no North American section. “Wild Australia” is the highlight here.

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