It’s no secret that Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is a wonderful destination for a bonding trip with the fambam. There’s plenty to entertain the little ones here, from idyllic parks and world-class museums to the many beach towns dotting the New South Wales coastline.
For a fun day out, why not check out these attractions, where kids can meet and learn about animals?
1. Taronga Zoo
Perk up your Aussie family vacay with a visit to Taronga Zoo, which houses more than 2,000 animals from 150 species within dedicated sections like Wild Australia, African Savannah, and Primate Islands.
Lots of activities abound in this 28-hectare complex, including animal hospital tours, free-flight bird shows, and lively talks by the animal keepers. During the annual Vivid Sydney festival in winter, the park is aglow with colourful sculptures and light shows.
This Sydney institution, which boasts views of tranquil Port Jackson Bay and the city’s iconic Harbour Bridge, has welcomed millions of visitors since 1916.
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
2. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Meet aquatic inhabitants from all over Australia, from the Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest coral reef system – to the southeastern rivers that make up the Murray Darling Basin.
There are glass-viewing tunnels that offer close encounters with sharks, dugongs, stingrays, and various tropical fishes. Curious younglings can also learn about the life cycle of the turtle via an animated light projection.
A crowd favourite among the 14 themed zones here is the Great Barrier Reef complex, which features coral caves, a touch pool and an oceanarium with over 6,000 marine animals native to Asia Pacific seas.
Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
3. Golden Ridge Animal Farm
Here’s a fun fact – goats are super cute and amazingly chill. Come visit them, plus other adorable farm pets like chickens and llamas, at Golden Ridge Animal Farm.
Kiddies will delight in the opportunity to hold baby chicks, rabbits, and ducklings, or they can have a go at squeezing fresh milk straight from a cow. Other fun experiences include egg hunts and pony rides.
The farm, located in western Sydney’s Dural township, is open all year long except Christmas. An online reservation is essential to secure one of the limited daily slots.
Address: 686 Old Northern Rd, Dural NSW 2158, Australia
4. Australian Reptile Park
If the tykes ask you to explain the differences between alligators and crocodiles, just bring them to the Australian Reptile Park, located in the small town of Somersby, just an hour’s drive from Sydney.
Be sure to check out its resident rock star, Elvis the Crocodile, a handsome five-metre-long saltwater creature dubbed as ‘Australia’s crankiest crocodile’. The internet sensation turns 57 in January 2023.
You’ll also have a field day with various reptile species as well as animals unique to Australia, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, cassowaries, dingos, and the endangered Tasmanian devil at this multi-award-winning park.
Address: Australian Reptile Park, Pacific Hwy, Somersby NSW 2250, Australia
5. Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
The Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, reachable by a five-hour road trip from Sydney, is a charming place to spot the big shots of the animal kingdom, such as African lions, Sumatran tigers, and Asian elephants.
You can traverse the 121-hectare safari park by electric cart, bicycle, car, or on foot. Don’t forget to pack swimsuits so the children can splash around at The Waterhole, which features a water play area with animal sculptures and automated water jets while you cool down with refreshing drinks.
For an immersive experience, book a stay at the park’s Zoofari Lodge. This resort offers chic tent bungalows overlooking the savannah where giraffes, rhinos, and zebras roam—a sight to behold while you enjoy breakfast.
Address: Obley Rd, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia
6. Jervis Bay
Want to see some of the most majestic ocean creatures in their element? Although not a ‘park’, you can hop on a boat cruise along the scenic Jervis Bay, home to more than 60 bottlenose dolphins.
The best time to visit is from May until November when humpback whales and orcas make the placid waters here a pit stop during their annual migration. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a mother whale playing with her calves.
Jervis Bay is nestled in Shoalhaven, a municipality 200 kilometres south of Sydney that is also famed for its two Australian fur seal colonies.
This story by Irvin Hanni was originally published on AirAsia. Zafigo republished this story in full with permission from the publisher, simply because good stories should be read by as many people as possible! If you have stories that will be of interest and useful to women travellers, especially in Asia, please get in touch with us at info@zafigo.com.
