Taronga Zoo: Australian Natural & Exotic Wildlife

 

Set in a vast 74-hectare estate of hilly bushland nestled on the cliffs at Mosman, Taronga Zoo is the largest zoo in Sydney and home to 2500 animals from 340 different species, including native Australian animals such as koalas, Tasmanian devils and kangaroos, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals. With stunning views across Sydney Harbour and beyond, we arrived by ferry and strolled to the top of the hill to Taronga Zoo, with fabulous views across the water to Sydney, for a spectacular day exploring all the zoo had to offer.

Arriving by ferry at Mosman Island, home of Taronga Zoo

Entrance Gate to Taronga Zoo

The New Zealand Fur Seal is the largest of all fur seals and the world's fourth rarest seal species

Winding elevated boardwalks and walkways allow visitors to walk through natural 

Australian bushland and interact with animals

An Australian Pelican resting in the shade

Colourful Nicobar Pigeons, a striking, iridescent bird in the Tropics Trail aviary at Taronga Zoo, 

known for its metallic blue-green plumage and white tail, it's closely related to the extinct Dodo

Aldabra Giant Tortoise is one of the world's largest tortoises

A Sumatran Tiger taking a nap having just been fed

An Australian White Ibis in Taronga's free-range immersive habitat

with unrestricted bird movement - they wander wherever they wish

Taronga Zoo's giraffes are iconic, and offer breathtaking views 

against the Sydney Harbour backdrop in their new African Savannah habitat

The Zoo's giraffes Jimmyu, Keito and young Ebo

Giraffe being fed by children

View of Sydney from Taronga Zoo

Family of chimpanzees

Taronga Zoo Sydney houses a renowned, large community of over 20 chimpanzees, 

representing one of the most successful breeding groups in the world

The troop includes multiple adult males and females with offspring, 

allowing them to live in a naturalistic social structure

Nestled in the fork of a eucalyptus tree, Koalas sleep typically for 18 to 22 hours a day

Australia's iconic Emu

Established in 1928, this is one of the few traditional mechanical floral clocks remaining in the world

Salvia growing at Taronga

Barry, the Silkie White Rooster, often described as looking like "puffy clouds with legs"

And Ken with his fluffy fur-like plumage, blue ear lobes and dark skin

White Silkies are the 'fashionistas' of the rooster world 

Elsa the lovely miniature goat

Australian White Sheep 

The Indian star tortoise is a critically threatened tortoise species native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka 

Chinese Three-Striped Box Turtle, often called the Golden Coin Turtle, is a critically endangered 

semi-aquatic species originally from Southern China and surrounding regions

Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon is also critically endangered,

and was thought to have been extinct until a Canberra farmer found a family living in his field

This tiny little Booroolong Frog is an endangered species and Taronga

is trying to restore this frog from extinction 

Rhinoceros iguanas are endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, 

meaning that they are found nowhere else on earth

Frilled Lizzards use their huge collar for defence

An Alligator Snapping Turtle is named for their alligator-like scales

Taking the ferry back to Sydney after a fabulous day at Tonga Zoo

taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo

Morrison's: A Classic Oyster Bar & Grill in Sydney

 

A vibrant New York-style brasserie in the heart of Sydney located within the historic 1912 Brooklyn Hotel building on the corner of Grosvenor and George Streets, Morrison's is renowned for its signature oysters, premium in-house aged beef, and well-known culinary classics. Seated in the new Conservatory featuring a New York-inspired aesthetic with exposed brick and concrete pillars, this stylish area was custom designed and built including handcrafted furniture, lush fabrics and soft lighting, the ideal spot to enjoy one of our last dinner's in Sydney.

The bartender mixing our Old Fashioned

A delicious Old Fashioned on ice

A glass of Laurent Perrier ‘La Cuvée’ champagne to begin our final evening in Sydney 

Renowned for their signature oysters, the shucker prepares our Sydney Rock Oysters

We began our dinner with half a dozen Sydney Rock Oysters with homemade Mignonette sauce

Soft and creamy, Sydney Rock Oysters are considered one of the best tasting oysters in the world

Flash Fried Southern Calamari

Spanner Crab Tart amuse-bouche

Morrison's Sydney chef Mark Archer

Bannockburn Chicken Salad with Butter Lettuce, Barley, and Buttermilk Dressing

Spencer Gulf King Prawn Penne with chilli, tomato and parsley

Morrison's signature T-bone steak for two with roast potatoes

morrisons.sydney