Taronga Zoo and Sydney Nightlife

January 12, 2012
Day 5 - Taronga Zoo and a night out in Sydney


Woke up today and my ears were still bothering me from the day before. I had hesitations about diving the same day I landed but went ahead after I was reassured by the dive shop I could. Unfortunately was a bit too much for the ears and the following day my ears were feeling very uncomfortable. Thinking about the safety of my ears, I had to cancel the full day of diving (which was a bit disappointing), but decided to head to Taronga Zoo.

After a bit of figuring out and exploring, I took the ferry over to the zoo from Darling Harbour. The ferry ride was great and you get to see so much of the harbour. Sydney has a spectacular harbour and have to say I have never seen anything like it. For $50 with Captain Cook Cruises I got a ferry ticket and admission to Taronga Zoo. I could of went without the attitude from the sales woman (who didn't seem very happy to be working), but with that aside it was a very nice ferry ride. I was able to explore the harbour and learn a thing or two about the islands.

The zoo was great. A lot of walking and definitely bring a map. I got to have a "koala encounter" which was cool but not quite worth the money. Basically you get to meet a koala and take pictures...the only thing is it cost $20 and apparently it's against the law in New South Wales to touch them so you just stand beside it. Plus it was sleeping! $20 to get a picture taken and doesn't even have to be up... I think he's got it pretty good!

All in all though the zoo was a good experience. I saw so many animals including going into a pen with wallabies. Such a different experience from going to the zoo in Toronto where everything is in cages. Whereas here you can get a bit closer to the animals.  

Once my friend got off work we headed to a BBQ at one of her coworkers house. It was nice getting to hangout with some Australians over some food and a couple drinks. After eating we played board games over some drinks, then my friend and I headed out for a night on the town and what a night it was! We headed out to a couple local night spots for drinks and dancing. Was hard to find a good place at first as everything was a bit scattered around... and it was a Thursday night. However, ended up being an awesome unexpectednight out with dinner and dancing! Although I couldn't help but compare the nightlife scene to that of Toronto and would have to say (without being biases) that the Toronto scene rocks. A lot more dancers and open a lot later... So I tried to represent for Toronto.