Saturday was a perfect day. Blue skies without a single cloud and a nice temperature neither too hot nor too cold. Just right for a day at the zoo with friends!
The Taroonga Zoo on Sydney Harbor
The Taroonga Zoo is blessed with a location like no other zoo that I have been to: it sits sort of on a slope on the north shore of the Sydney harbor looking towards the city center, the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House. It has a magnificent view that, by itself, is worth the visit to the zoo (the giraffe exhibit seemed to have the best view). Of course, the zoo has great displays of all sorts of animals including the native ones (koala, kangaroo, etc.) which are worth seeing.
Amazing view for these zoo residents! Rough life!
I went with friends whom I had not seen in years and their 4 kids aged 12 to 2.5. The little ones (twins), of course, made the visit even more fun as I got to live the excitement of seeing the animals through their eyes. Oh, and the excitement at taking the sky lift! The zoo goes to show that any destination can have something for everyone if one is willing to look for them!
Balmoral Beach
After the zoo we visited a small beach called Balmoral close to where they live. It seemed a very local place which was nice after days of having been doing the “tourist thing”. We had ice cream and sat at the pier enjoying a gorgeous day with no other care (except making sure the twins didn’t jump in the water!). This is exactly the type of place us tourists need to get out and see: where real life is happening, areas of town different that the more central ones. A charming place, Balmoral Beach!
Balmoral scene
At the pier in Balmoral Beach
The End to a Great Day with Friends
That evening we got together with another friend and headed into the city for dinner. It must have been night out for many as it took several attempts to find a place that would take a reservation. As with the night before, the meal, the wine and the company did not disappoint!
It was neat to get to see my friends (who are American) and hear about their experience living in Australia. One has been here about 5 yrs and the other about half that time. It made me a little jealous they had gotten to live in such a magnificent place but I was glad they got such an opportunity!
So, a perfect day ended in Sydney. Let’s see what the next one brings!
I think I might want to be a giraffe with a view like that. Australia is so high on my bucket list. I’m so jealous of your trip.
Leah Travels recently posted..Dining in the Desert Cities
I have never been to Australia but you just made my list of things to do once there even longer! It looked like you had an awesome time hanging out with your friends. I can’t wait to make it over someday.
Tawny- Captain and Clark recently posted..Our interview with Adam Richman of Man Versus Food.
Makes me want to get back to Sydney even more. Going to any zoo is usually a great time and with the skyline backdrop wow. Great times for you and your friends!
Aaron recently posted..Florida: Out on the Open Road by Foot.
i’m digging Balmoral Beach! i always like a less touristy beach where the locals hang out. i have a feeling after my habitat for humanity stint i’ll be visiting Australia soon. my entire team is Aussies except for moi!
lola recently posted..travel blogging goodness: TBEX 2012 Keystone, Colorado
Australia needs to be introduced to Lola! I, for one, ready to go back!
Never been to Balmoral, but went to Manly. I went to Sydney as the first stop on my epic honeymoon. We did a bit of sightseeing whilst trying to beat up mr jetlag on the first day, but one of the things that made the stay special (besides the obvious) was that we were able to catch up with friends who had moved there – and we just did what they did, lounging at the beach, drinking wine, whatever. I never went to Bondi, for example, but I don’t care. When I think of Sydney, I always think of those special moments I shared with friends, so far away from home!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..My favourite photos of the week – #FriFotos – Museums
Indeed, those are the best trips! I always try to prioritize visiting friends abroad when possible for that reason 🙂
Sydney is very high on my bucket list and your post is another reminder of that! The photo of the pier is really nice – the place looks like a perfect spot for a relaxing weekend stroll.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Boutique-shopping: more than dressing up
Yes, that’s exactly what folks seemed to have been doing on that beautiful June day: relaxing! We did too, eating ice cream sitting on the pier 🙂 Ooh… ice cream…
Definitely a great day…Sydney is at the top of my list…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Check Out Time – The Week in Travel
Truly one of my all-around favorite cities in the world. Great mix of natural setting beauty, city life and architecture, and diversity.
the wino is spending her week down the shore with relatives from australia and we’re both always so jealous after hearing all their stories! great photos.
the lazy travelers recently posted..rocky mountain highs & lows
I hear so much about Sydney… I must get there myself one day… I could use a perfect day too.
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday – A Sunset Sail in the Greek Isles
Hi Raul
I haven’t heard about a lot of these places in Sydney – thanks for shining a light on new places to visit:)
Fiona recently posted..The Photo Edit: The Beatles Tour in Liverpool
Great, I was especially charmed by the “normalcy” of Balmoral Beach and wanted others to find it too 🙂
I love this, Raul! Great photos and it brought back memories of my own visit to Taronga Zoo years ago. You’re right, It’s worth a visit for the views alone and the boat ride over!
Francesca recently posted..Hometown travel: Chicago area adventures
It is a neat zoo though I went there by road as my friends picked me up. Missed the boat ride – bet that was cool!
The zoo reminds me a bit of the on in Santa Barbara – it sits overlooking the ocean as well.
John recently posted..Confronting the Ethics of Zoos at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Wichita
I had never heard about the Santa Barbara zoo – I am sure you took some neat pictures!