There’s something magical about getting up close to exotic or native animals you usually only see in wildlife documentaries. Embrace that childhood sense of wonder when you meet these incredible creatures, from colourful sea slugs to cute quokkas.
- 3 min read
Giraffes at Taronga Zoo Sydney
Ever been to the zoo and missed your favourite animal because it was sleeping in a hidden spot in their enclosure? Many animals are nocturnal and are most active at night, which is what makes the Roar and Snore experience at Taronga Zoo so exciting. After dinner, a guide will take you on a night safari where you’ll get to see many animals prowling around that are usually sleeping during the day. You may have admired the elegant giraffes from afar before, but during this experience, you’ll be able to appreciate them up close as you help feed them. After a cosy night in your glamping tents, you’ll also get to wander around the zoo early in the morning before it opens to other visitors.
Taronga Zoo, Mosman
Capybara at Sydney Zoo
For an opportunity to hand-feed the largest rodent in the world, head to Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney. Native to South America, these curious animals are excellent swimmers and highly social. Capybara encounters are held every day at the zoo – try not to squeal as it nibbles at a snack in your hand and say cheese as you pose for a photo.
Capybara at Sydney Zoo, Western Sydney - Credit: Sydney Zoo
Penguins at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
You can’t help but smile as you watch these cheeky birds waddle and hop along the ice. On the Penguin Expedition, you can get up close to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s sub-Antarctic penguin colony. Jump aboard a raft ride that transports you through the king and gentoo penguins’ icy enclosure. The best bit? It's free with your general admission ticket to the aquarium.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Sydney - Credit: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Koalas at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Enjoy breakfast with koalas at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour. Work up an appetite on a guided highlights tour before settling in for a buffet-style meal, an insightful talk by a koala keeper and a photo opportunity with these native animals. Watch as these marsupials chew on eucalyptus, climb trees and snooze in precarious positions.
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Darling Harbour - Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Whales in Sydney Harbour
Seeing a tail slap from one of the many vantage points on Sydney’s coast is a joyful sight but nothing compares to getting up close to these enormous mammals. Between May and November, join a whale-watching cruise with Ocean Extreme. Operating the fastest commercial vessels in Sydney, Ocean Extreme can get you to the whales’ migration routes quickly. Prepare to be speechless as you see whales breach. Whale sightings are guaranteed but on the rare occasion these gigantic creatures are elusive, Ocean Extreme offers free spots on another cruise.
Ocean Extreme, The Rocks - Credit: Ocean Extreme
Quokkas at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
You’ve probably seen quokka selfies all over Instagram, but they are generally only possible on Rottnest Island in Western Australia. Instead, get up close to these smiley critters at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park in Western Sydney. During this fun encounter, you’ll get to sit inside the quokka enclosure, offer them food and snap that all-important photo. The park offers a number of other animal encounters, including koalas, penguins and crocodiles.
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, Doonside - Credit: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Cows at Calmsley Hill City Farm
In Western Sydney, with the help of friendly farmers, you can milk a cow at Calmsley Hill City Farm. Learn about dairy cows and milk production as you take part in this hands-on experience. Afterwards, explore the rest of the farm, meeting agricultural animals and experiencing a taste of rural life.
Calmsley Hill City Farm, Abbotsbury - Credit: Calmsley Hill City Farm
Nudibranch at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
A nudibranch is a fascinating soft-bodied mollusc and there are more than 2,000 known species. These sea slugs have an incredible variation of colours, forms and patterns. They can have feathery gills or horns and can grow up to 40cm. The thrill of spotting one in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve on an Ecotreasures snorkelling tour in Manly will stay with you all day, plus you'll encounter the many other fish that call this protected area home. Before you dive in, your expert guide will take you on a headland nature walk and tell you all about the native marine life you’re about to encounter, as well as the local wildlife, Australian environment and history of Manly.
