Tag:taronga zoo
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is a world-renowned city. It’s known for its stunning harbour, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. Every year, millions of visitors flock to this Australian gem to experience its charm. However, deciding how to spend your time could be overwhelming, with many things to see and do, especially if you have a tight schedule.
We had only 48 hours to explore the city during our recent trip to Sydney. Despite the time constraint, we still saw some must-see attractions. These included the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the world-class Taronga Zoo. It was a whirlwind tour, but we enjoyed every moment of it.
Getting around – Avoid the Car!
Try to avoid driving around inner Sydney. A new report commissioned by Australia’s motoring clubs has revealed Sydney is the nation’s most congested city. Melbourne wasn’t far behind, while Canberra came in third place. Additionally, the older parts of the city, particularly in the central business district, have narrower roads due to how they were designed and built many years ago. When Sydney was first developed, the focus was on creating a grid pattern of streets that could accommodate horse-drawn carriages and carts.
Additionally, as Sydney has grown and developed, it faced challenges expanding its road network due to limited available space. The city’s geography, sandwiched between the harbour and surrounding hills, made it difficult to build new roads without impacting the environment or disrupting established communities. As a result, many of the streets in Sydney have remained narrow, particularly in the city’s older areas. Car parking can be expensive with limited options, and traffic is heavy. The best option is public transport, taxis or rideshare.
Sydney has an excellent public transport system of buses, trains and ferries. However, even that is struggling to meet passenger demand. However, it remains the best way to get around. The Opal card is a rechargeable smart card used on all public transport.
QVB
The QVB (Queen Victoria Building) is a historic building in the heart of Sydney’s central business district. It was built in the late 19th century as a marketplace and shopping arcade. Since then, it has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Designed by architect George McRae, it features a stunning Romanesque Revival style with intricate sandstone and granite facades, ornate arches, and a central dome with a striking stained-glass skylight. The interior of the building is equally impressive, with soaring ceilings, marble floors, and beautifully crafted balustrades.
However, like many other beautiful old buildings, as progress was made, its future became uncertain. In the 1950s, it was in danger of being demolished due to neglect and the city’s changing needs. Thankfully, a group of concerned citizens, including architects, heritage enthusiasts, and community leaders, banded together to save the QVB from demolition. After years of advocacy and lobbying, the QVB was finally granted heritage protection in the 1980s. It underwent a significant restoration and refurbishment project that took several years to complete and returned the building to its former glory.
Today, the QVB is home to over 180 retailers, including high-end fashion boutiques, gourmet food shops, and specialty stores. Visitors can also enjoy a range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Angel Place
Angel Place is a small laneway located between George Street and Pitt Street in the heart of Sydney’s central business district. The laneway is famous for its unique and thought-provoking art installation called “Forgotten Songs.”
Forgotten Songs is an outdoor artwork that features 180 birdcages hanging high above the laneway. Each birdcage plays the sound of a different bird that once inhabited the area before the arrival of European settlers. The installation is a tribute to the fifty lost bird species and their songs that once filled the skies over Sydney but were lost to development. As night falls, the daytime bird songs change to the nocturnal birds. Michael Thomas Hill created the artwork, which was installed in 2009 as part of the City of Sydney’s Laneways Public Art Program. It has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists, providing a peaceful and reflective space amid the busy city.
Angel Place is also home to several restaurants, cafes, and small shops. It’s a great place to stop and relax while exploring the city. The laneway’s cobblestone pavement, brick walls, and historic buildings add charm and character. This creates a unique and memorable experience for visitors.
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is a world-renowned zoological park located in Sydney, Australia. The zoo was founded in 1916 and is situated in a stunning harbourside location, providing visitors with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.
The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from 350 different species, including Australian native wildlife and exotic animals worldwide. Highlights include the Great Southern Oceans exhibit, where visitors can see Australian Sea Lions, Penguins and fur seals, and the Wild Asia exhibit, featuring tigers, otters, and gibbons.
Taronga Zoo is not just a place to observe animals but also a hub for conservation and education. The zoo works closely with many organisations to protect and preserve endangered species and their habitats. Visitors can learn about these efforts through interactive exhibits and talks from expert staff.
Taronga Zoo offers a range of experiences for visitors, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and wildlife shows. The zoo also has various cafes and restaurants, providing ample opportunities to relax and enjoy stunning views.
Hissou Tepanyaki
Hissou is a Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Sydney’s central business district. The restaurant is known for its delicious teppanyaki-style cuisine, prepared by skilled chefs right in front of guests at their own cooking stations.
At Hissou Tepanyaki, guests can choose from fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables, which are then expertly grilled and seasoned to perfection. The teppanyaki-style cooking allows guests to witness the artistry of the chefs as they prepare their meals, creating a fun and interactive dining experience.
In addition to its teppanyaki offerings, Hissou Tepanyaki also features a sushi bar, where guests can enjoy a variety of fresh and creative sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. The restaurant’s sleek and modern interior and vibrant and energetic atmosphere make it the perfect spot for a night out with friends, a special occasion, or a romantic dinner for two.
The Palace Tea Rooms
A charming and elegant tea room located in the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) in the heart of Sydney. The tearoom features ornate decor and beautiful stained-glass windows. They offer a variety of teas and a selection of pastries, cakes, and sandwiches.
In addition, the Palace Tea Rooms also serves a variety of breakfast and lunch options. These include a range of classic British and Australian dishes. The tea room’s elegant and sophisticated atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a special occasion, a catch-up with friends, or a romantic afternoon tea for two.
Located against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbor, the Taronga Zoo is a symbol of wildlife conservation, education, and entertainment. The zoo boasts breathtaking views, an extensive collection of animals, and a dedication to animal welfare. Thus making it a unique experience for locals and tourists.
A Rich History
Taronga Zoo is situated on the north side of Sydney Harbour and covers an area of 69 acres. It was inaugurated on its present site in 1916, and the initial displays included seal ponds, monkey pits, an elephant temple, a top entrance, aviaries, paths, roadways and refreshment rooms. A total of 228 mammals, 552 birds and 64 reptiles were relocated from the old zoo location at Moore Park to Taronga. Some animals, such as the elephants, were transported across the harbour on a flat-top barge.
Throughout the years, the zoo has continuously expanded with new exhibits and facilities. The Giraffe House was completed in 1923 and was soon followed by the Aquarium in 1927 and the Floral Clock in 1928. Tahr Mountain followed in 1932, and the Tiger Pits in 1939. From the 1940s to the 1960s, Edward Hallstrom oversaw the development of various new exhibits, such as habitats for koalas, apes, gorillas the bigger felines.
A new era
In 1967, Taronga underwent a review that led to a shift in its style and operation philosophy. The focus was redirected towards scientific research, conservation, and education. This led to the development of several new exhibits. These included the Platypus and Nocturnal Houses, waterfowl ponds, and the Rainforest Aviary, which allowed visitors to walk through it.
In addition, Taronga built a Veterinary Quarantine Center and an Education Center, both funded by the Department of Education. They also replaced traditional attractions like elephant rides, miniature trains, monkey circuses, and merry-go-rounds with educational facilities like the Friendship Farm and Seal Theatre.
Conservation Efforts
Taronga Zoo is strongly committed to conservation, one of its most significant legacies. The zoo actively participates in various breeding programs for endangered species. This program aims to increase their populations and reintroduce them to their original habitats. The successful breeding of animals such as the Tasmanian Devil and Sumatran Tiger emphasises the crucial role that the zoo plays in protecting the future of these species.
Moreover, the Taronga Conservation Society of Australia collaborates with conservation programs and community groups worldwide to protect wildlife and the environment. This holistic approach emphasises the interconnectedness of all living beings and ecosystems, reinforcing the zoo’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Getting To The Zoo
Option One: Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo. The ferry will drop you off near the zoo’s bottom entrance, only a short walk away. However, please be aware that the zoo is built on a hill, so your visit to the zoo is all uphill.
Until the Gondola’s closure in February 2023, visitors arriving by ferry could take the Gondola to the top and then walk downhill back to the ferry. Although a new and improved gondola is in the planning stages, it’s not expected to open until 2025.
Option Two: Take the bus. With the Gondola out of action, the best way to see the zoo is to take the bus to the top entrance. Then, working your way downhill past the exhibits, you can exit at the bottom gate and take the ferry back to Circular Quay.
Animals
Taronga Zoo is home to over 5000 animals, representing 350 different species. It is the only zoo in Australia that houses chimpanzees at Taronga Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Taronga Zoo is home to a community of 19 chimpanzees living in a habitat designed to mimic their natural surroundings. The chimpanzees live in a socially stable community made up of six families, each with both male and female members. In September/October 2023, the chimpanzees will be temporarily moved to the orangutan enclosure while their current habitat undergoes redevelopment. During these 18 months, the orangutans will be relocated to newly built accommodations and unavailable for public viewing.
Taronga Zoo is not only a place to see amazing animals. It provides an immersive experience that ignites curiosity and wonder in people of all ages. Seeing these magnificent creatures up close leads to a greater appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our natural world. In addition, Taronga Zoo offers educational programs, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive exhibits.
Zoo Location and Entry
- Taronga is located at Bradley Head Road, Mosman.
- Open 9.30 am to 4 pm from May to August and 9.30 am to 5 pm from September to April.
- Zoo members can enter for free; Adults are $45.90 each, Concession is $35.10. Children 4-15 yrs are $27 each.
- Family tickets will save you 10% off individual prices.
Note:
If you visit the zoo on your birthday, you can pre-purchase a ticket for $1. You will need to have proof of your birthdate on you when going through the gate.
Taronga’s Zoos are now cashless. Only contactless payments are accepted when purchasing General Admission Zoo tickets and across our retail, food and beverage outlets.