An amazing trip to the zoo
We can’t remember the last time we visited Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.
I do remember a visit in 1988, with our three little girls when they were aged 5, 3 and 3 months (eek!). We had a big day out, catching the train from Newcastle to Sydney with close friends who also had three little ones much the same age as ours, and looking back now I’m thinking, were we actually mad???? No we just got on with it and had a fun-filled day together which I can remember today 34 years later!
Fast forward and here we are visiting the zoo with our daughter, son-in-law, 3-year-old granddaughter and 1-year-old grandson plus a friend and her 2 year-old daughter.
After all the heavy rain in recent weeks, Sydney turned on the charm by giving us the most glorious April day you have ever seen. It was an almost cloudless blue sky day, warm and sunny (even a bit hot at times).
It was amazing.
The little ones had been hyped up with the thrill of a day at the zoo, and we were excited too, seeing their excitement – that’s how grand-parenting works! Maybe not so much for the parents 🙂
The giraffe enclosure had the prime real estate spot with the best view of the city. We couldn’t get enough of it!
A ferry ride on the harbour
After we’d played in the playground, had morning tea in the coffee shop, walked and walked, waved at animals, caught the sky-train gondola back up to the top and oohed and aahed at all the sights, the Mathematician and I left the family to go home for a rest (or not as the case may be) and caught a ferry across the harbour to Circular Quay.
We couldn’t remember the last time we’d done that either, but we know it’s not been anytime in the last 2+ years as this was our first outing to the big smoke since Covid hit in March 2020. (We took all precautions with masks and trying to keep our distance).
The stroll around the quieter than we remembered Circular Quay area and the Rocks was delightful with the harbour bridge high above us and the harbour sparkling in front of us.
We also used our Senior’s Opal Card for the first time – giving us unlimited travel on the Sydney transport system for a whole $2.50. I was waiting for someone to ask us for proof of our concession status but alas no-one was interested!
Have an amazing day – you’re amazing and don’t you forget it!
Deb 🙂
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Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. You can read more of Deb’s story here
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That looks simply wonderful. It’s been years since I’ve been to Taronga Park Zoo – you’ve inspired me to go again. Toni x
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It was years for us too Toni, but more fun with little ones and the weather was perfect which helped. We’d originally been going on Saturday but it was raining so decided to wait until Monday which was a great choice!
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We went to that zoo in 1982. I remember the views, the hill back up and the bison. Found it strange to see an animal from back home. I would say you had a wonderful time with your family and friends. So good to see!
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Thanks Bernie, having the little ones made it extra special for us and the weather was simply perfect!
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What a fun day. It has been many years since I went to that zoo though I still remember it being an interesting day
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Yes Suz, it’s always interesting but it all came back to us despite it being years since we’ve been there. The grandkids made it come alive!
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What a beautiful day creating memories. I loved your photos.
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It really was one of those memorable weekends! Thanks for your comment on my photos 🙂
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Looks like a glorious day Debbie, don’t you just love giraffes. We were in Sydney some time last year and we thought the same how quiet everywhere was. So many places closed or only open from Wednesday
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Yes Ali the giraffes always look so ‘awkward’ but they’re also very loveable! I was really pleased Sydney didn’t feel ‘too much’ for our first visit in years!
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I feel for all the shop owners and restaurants though, same in Melbourne when we visited last.
We are off to Melbourne in May I think it’s a lot busier now
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Taronga Zoo is great. I remember taking my (now big) kids there a few times when they were growing up and it’s always fun.
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It has changed (for the better) since I was there last and is still a good day out. Thanks 🙂
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The Zoo makes me hot AND tired…and I havent been forever. Actually the last time was around 21 years ago, and we had a NSW Primary principals’ conference breakfast at the Zoo before anyone came in…and that wander around in the cool morning was special. I maintain there is no better way to see Sydney than on ferry and to & from the Zoo is ideal. Last two occasions when I had to be in Sydney for surgery the next day, I used the seniors opal card and did the round trip to the Zoo. B even came the second time. WAAAAY before that gondola you really had to plan to Zoo trip not to end up having the WALK back up the hill to the bus or car. And yes, such an iconic pic from the Giraffe enclosure. What wonderful memories you all made on Monday. And what a great weather day it turned out to be!
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I’m glad we got there early just as it was opening Denyse, and the shade was very welcome as we walked around. We always used to go on a ferry ride before leaving Australia on our travels, it became a family thing to do. My daughter in UK wasn’t too happy seeing my photos as they always make her homesick. We were a bit worried we might have had to walk up the hill but thankfully we didn’t. Wonderful memories made for sure! Lovely to connect with you too.
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I love the zoo!
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It really was a fun day Carol!
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Perfect weather, time with the grandkids and their parents, a ride on the ferry….. what’s not to love about all of that? Glad you had a fabulous day xx
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That sums it up perfectly Leanne and I couldn’t have asked for a nicer day!
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That looks like a perfect day with the little ones… lovely weather too! I laughed at no one asking for proof of age when you used the senior discount. Even worse is when a sales person gives you the discount without even asking!
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That’s true Janis when they do it without asking for proof! I should be pleased in that case :). It was a perfect day out.
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What a glorious day to revisit the zoo … this time with your grandchildren (and friend). In your recollection, has it changed much?
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Thanks for your visit Ju-Lyn, the zoo is always fun regardless of your age in my opinion. I think it has changed and for the better I’m happy to say!
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I am glad to hear the zoo has improved with time – not all change is for the better, so it is good to encounter those which are!
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I’m so glad to read that this day was glorious! Being with grandchildren and watching their excitement always makes me excited too!!
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It was such a good day out Donna, seeing the world through our grandchildren’s eyes is one of the joys isn’t it?
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