Nature TV Shows can only go so far. To see the planet’s amazing creatures in the flesh, you need to visit a zoo or animal sanctuary. It’s a wonderful experience and a great day out for the entire family.
Wide open zoos
No visit to Sydney is complete without a trip to Taronga Zoo, which is just a ferry ride from the city. Children and adults alike just love the zoo’s “Animal Encounters,” where visitors can get up close to the animals and even feed them. Since the animals are in their natural habitat, the experience is a lot more exciting compared to a regular zoo. See a koala up close or feed a giraffe, Taronga Zoo in Sydney is sure to leave you exhilarated.
For something more adventurous, head to Dubbo’s Western Plains Zoo, where you can roam around on a bicycle, car, or cart. Meanwhile, locals and tourists can enjoy the wide open spaces at Werribee Open Range Zoo. It has zebra, rhinoceros, meerkat, exhibits, as well as Lions on the Edge.
Watch the zoo’s growing lion cubs and let them teach your children how to growl and prowl like a real lion. For a romantic getaway, make sure to book a reservation at the Slumber Safari. It includes amazing animal encounters, drinks, dinner, buffet breakfast, and an evening campfire. In the morning, wake up watching animals in the savannah at sunrise.
If autumn bush walks, wild bird watching, and rare reptiles are your thing, then head to Monarto Open Range Zoo. This is the only place in the world where you can find a rare reptile in its natural habitat, the endangered Pygmy Blue-tongue lizard.
Taronga Zoos are known for their wildlife conservation efforts, and are in partnership with conservation agencies around the world. So, when you visit a Taronga Zoo, you know the animals are not just for show and are healthy, happy, and well taken care of.
Reptile adventure
For more reptiles, visit NSW’s Australian Reptile Park. The park is home to Elvis, the country’s crankiest croc, as well as some of the world’s most venomous snakes. What’s so great about the park is there are also friendly local animals, and kids can hand feed free-range kangaroos, which is totally fun.
Meet the Devil
There is no experience like seeing a tasmanian devil in the flesh. If this is something you need to cross out on your bucket list, then make sure to visit Australia’s tasmanian devil sanctuary, Devils@cradle. Get a rare opportunity to watch the devils in action at night. Since these creatures are nocturnal, the sanctuary utilises sensitive lighting to allow visitors to see them feeding at night in their natural habitat.
Whichever place you choose to visit, you and your family are sure to have a grand time outdoors—there is nothing quite like an outdoor Aussie adventure. Just make sure to keep your mobile phone or camera handy to capture the great moments.