Things to do at Taronga?

[Ladybird]

Hi all,

I'm hoping to get to Taronga Zoo whilst in Sydney soon and am wondering if people have any suggestions on the best things to do there.

I've never been to Taronga and am definitely a fan of big cats so will be checking them out. I've had a look at the website and there appears to be a plethora of things that go on there - probably more than I can fit into one day if I want to get some decent togging in.

So any suggestions on what to focus on or where to go would be greatly
appreciated.

Also, any tips on transport across from Circular Quay would be helpful. Is it easier to just go and catch a ferry or book with ZooExpress or ZooPass??

Cheers,
L

[Mal]

I would suggest you get the ferry. Not sure how the zoo pass ferry things work, but getting the ferry is a great way to see the harbor.
In regards to things to see at the zoo my suggestion is to get there as early as you can, the big cats will be more active first thing in the morning.

[blacknstormy]

Liz - I can't tell you anything (never been there), but I do want to tell you to have fun
Can't wait to see some pics girl !!
Hugs
rel

[avkomp]

I would aim to be there upon opening.

go straight to the big cats, not looking at anything on the way

get your cat pix and at that stage no body will be there to get in the way so you can setup your tripod and get what you like.

having done that, you get around the rest of the zoo as you see fit.

thats what I did a week ago and it was good

here is a few pix I took that day:
http://www.avkomp.com/gallery2/v/zoo/
only the cats, meerkats and red pandas which were pretty much in one spot.

midweek is also better, especially when school is in

I just joined zoo friends also, the zoo is 37 bucks a throw to get in
but zoo friends cost me 80 and I can go as many times as I wish,
so now I will be turning up at opening and going straight to a particular animal and getting some pix in good light and going home again, beatin the crowds.

[Finch]

Hi Liz

I used to work as a bird-keeper at Taronga Zoo for 2 years so know the place well. Best suggestion is to catch a ferry across from Circular Quay and then catch the skyrail to the top. Being so steep, it means you can use your zoo map and work your way down to the bottom without a huge climb up You can buy a zoo pass at Circular Quay that covers the ferry, skyrail and entry to the zoo. I nearly always go there when I visit relos in Sydney.

Plenty to see and photograph and you can definitely spend a day there. Awesome views back across the harbour and looking at the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, too.

Enjoy your trip there.

Cheers

Michael

[jammy2]

I was there earlier last year, and from memory you can purchase a ferry ticket with included zoo pass from circular quay. This includes a cable car ride up to the zoo, an interesting prelude as you get a bird's eye view of the zoo.

Depending on time constraints, you may want to catch the "hourly" highlight show such as the "seal show" and "bird of prey show". If you time your departure from taronga at the last ferry home, you get a beautiful twilight view of sydney harbour and circular quay from a water perspective.

Enjoy
Ken

[Viz]

You can get a photo of the ever elusive snow leopard thing... I have never actually seen proof of it's existence Another thing to do might be to bring a long lens. But really is it a very enjoyable place for a photographer.

[firsty]

the snow leopard

[johnd]

Definately see the free flight bird show. It's on twice each day, something like 12.00 and 3.00, but best to check exact times once you're there. It goes for 30 mins. I went to both sessions when I was there. By the second session you start to know the routine, angles etc for the best shots.

Have fun.

John

[moz]

Don't forget to visit the tourist info centre in Darling Harbour to pick up one of the advertising booklet things with a zoo discount voucher in it (also discounts for IMAX, Powerhouse etc).

[Matt. K]

Skytrain is free. Hop on and spend the day going up and down. Pretend you're flying over deepest darkest Africa.

[Ladybird]

Thanks heaps for the info guys.

If I get any decent shots, I'll be sure to post 'em!