A look at the Wildlife in Sydney

81

By SidneyMorgan

There’s no need for visitors exploring Sydney to head all the way to the Outback for a glimpse at Australia’s dazzling variety of native creatures. From some of the rarest animals in the world--like the platypus--to much beloved creatures such as the koala, all of Australia’s most famous four-legged (and no legged) friends are easy to visit.

Koala at Sydney Wildlife World
See all 7 photos
Koala at Sydney Wildlife World

The Australian Reptile Park

Visitors to Sydney have their pick from some of the world’s best and most esteemed zoos and aquariums, many of which are doing seriously important scientific and medical work while providing millions with the chance to see truly unique creatures up close. The Australian Reptile Park, with its collection of venomous snakes, is one of the leading producers of anti-venom in the entire world. This means that the research conducted at the park has saved countless lives, for without the anti-venom, people could not survive many different kinds of snake bites.

Reptile show at the Australian Reptile Park
Reptile show at the Australian Reptile Park

Sydney Aquarium

For travelers who are interested in Sydney’s wildlife but only feel like visiting one zoo or park, the choice is clear: the Sydney Aquarium. Located on the eastern side of Darling Harbour close to the Sydney accommodation of the moment, the aquarium offers the chance to observe not just your typical creatures, but also some truly rare animals that cannot be seen many other places on earth. With the focus on providing an atmosphere to observe the aquatic creatures that make Australia their home, visitors can enjoy everything from a recreated version of the Great Barrier Reef’s coral to an enclosed series of tunnels where visitors can literally walk through the vast world of sharks swimming about.

Exhibits at the Sydney Aquarium are divided into the different habitats that make up the country. The Southern Rivers are the most popular spot around for young and old alike, because this exhibit brings visitors face-to-face with a platypus. This mysterious duck-billed creature, a mammal known for laying eggs, is one of the true unique finds in Australia, and it’s a bizarre treat to actually see one up close. Other non-ocean portions of the Sydney Aquarium include a rather extensive crocodile exhibit.

Shark at Sydney Aquarium
Shark at Sydney Aquarium

Sydney Wildlife World

The fun doesn’t have to stop at the Sydney Aquarium, though. It can continue right next door at Sydney Wildlife World, who actually recently purchased the aquarium as well in the hopes of creating a unique and science-oriented space for the public and scientists alike to enjoy the experience of observing a variety of different species. Literally right next door to the aquarium, Wildlife World is truly unique experience in viewing wildlife. More rescue oriented than a typical zoo, the entire structure is air-conditioned and indoors. A hugely popular spot for families to visit, Wildlife World consists of everything from a koala sanctuary to a snake walkway, featuring over 7,000 square meters of enclosures packed with Australia’s various snakes. However, for visitors who aren’t as interested in checking out no-legged friends, there is a beautiful butterfly exhibit, and ample ways to avoid the reptile room.

Sydney Wildlife World
Sydney Wildlife World

More on Australian Reptile Park

If it’s the no-legged friends that you seek, then look no further than the Australian Reptile Park, located just outside of Sydney proper in Somersby. A major producer of anti-venom, the park also collects and analyzes venom from spiders, saving people’s lives who are bitten by both spiders and snakes alike. There’s no biting for visitors, who are free to roam about the park enjoying the numerous exhibits featuring the various reptiles of Australia. One of the country’s most beloved crocodiles, Eric, lived here, drawing thousands of visitors a year until his death. For a creature that has never been alive but has always been a big part of attracting people to the reptile park, look no further than “Ploddy,” a full-scale model of a diplodocus dinosaur. For those looking for live animals of the non-scaly variety, the reptile park also has kangaroos, a Tasmanian devil, and some cassowaries.

Tasmanian Devil at The Australian Reptile Park
Tasmanian Devil at The Australian Reptile Park

Taronga Zoo

By far the largest and most popular place for animal-lovers to visit while in Sydney is  Taronga Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the entire world. For those not expecting to stand in a long line, this might not be your first choice, but the wait is definitely worth it to check out one of the world’s most foremost zoos. Open for almost a century, the zoo has grown to include over 2,5000 different animals that are divided into eight different regions, representing habitats from all over the world. The museum has seen both the births of elephants and platypuses, both rare occurrences in captivity. For checking out the local wildlife, visitors and regulars alike flock to the Koala Encounters space, the Australian Nightlife space, and the extensive Australian Rainforest Aviary, where a truly impressive collection of the local bird population can be found swooping and playing.

Giraffes at Taronga Zoo with City in the background
Giraffes at Taronga Zoo with City in the background
Seal show at Taronga Zoo
Seal show at Taronga Zoo

A day a Taronga Zoo

Sydney Related Books

Lonely Planet Sydney Encounter
Amazon Price: $7.22
List Price: $11.99
Top 10 Sydney (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)
Amazon Price: $4.99
List Price: $14.00
Sydney (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Amazon Price: $12.97
List Price: $23.00
Lonely Planet Sydney (City Travel Guide)
Amazon Price: $13.54
List Price: $21.99

Comments

bookitnow 2 years ago

Great post ! love it .. hope to see one new artikel soon.

SilkThimble profile image

SilkThimble Level 2 Commenter 7 weeks ago

Some great information, and places I would have never thought of visiting. Going on the bucket list for that trip for Australia :-)

Submit a Comment
Members and Guests

Sign in or sign up and post using a hubpages account.



    • No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked
    • Comments are not for promoting your Hubs or other sites

    Please wait working