Located on Sydney’s Darling Harbour, a visit to the aquarium is a fun day out for all.  With over 12,000 aquatic creatures, the Sydney Aquarium is an educational adventure exploring the diverse waterways, marine life and ecosystems of Australia. Walking through the displays you will see animals habitats from the icy Southern Ocean to the warm tropics of the Northern Ocean to river systems of the north and south.  Step onto the travelator to enjoy the underwater world of sharks, fish and other creatures.

One of the newest attractions is Mermaid Lagoon, where two orphaned Dugongs “Pig” and “Wuru” call home.  Both were found as calves and hand raised at Sea World on the Gold Coast.  There is something very special about Pig and Wuru, they are the only captive Dugongs in Australia and if you visit Sydney Aquarium you will experience the wonder of it all.  Want more information on Pig and Wuru click here to experience the wonder.

For a behind the scene look why not book a Guided Tour.  An experienced aquarium guide will talk you through all the exhibits and then take you behind the scenes for a 90 minute guided tour plus receive your very own guide book.  Everyday in morning and afternoon sessions, you can experience the daily activities including shark feeds, Great Barrier Reef tank feed, penguin feeds, dugong talk, crocodile talks and much more.

Want Adventure?  Step aboard the glass bottom boat that floats above the Great Barrier Reef tank.  Your guide will point out an array of sharks from lemon to leopards and for the more daring take part in the shark feeding at 1.00am daily.  For groups of up to 8 people with prices at $5 for a standard tour and $25 for a shark feed tour.  These prices are additional to entry fees.  Inquire at the front desk on arrival for bookings.

Sydney Aquarium offers a waterfront cafe with beverages, snacks and meals open from 8.30am – 6.00pm daily.  The on site gift shops stock wonderful treasures to take home as a reminder of your wonderful time.

For those that are interested in the conservation of our fresh water and marine habitats, why not ADOPT an animal in support of the Sydney Aquarium Conservation Fund (SACF).  A donation of $50 will provide funding for projects to protect our environment.  You will receive a membership certificate, animal fact sheet, personalised letter, two discount admission passes, colour photo and sticker.  You can choose to adopt many creatures, inquire at the front desk.

Opening times for the Sydney Aquarium is daily from 9.00am – 10.00pm (last ticket sales 9.00am) except for Christmas Day and New Years Eve with closing time at 6.00pm (last ticket sales 5.00pm).

Ticket prices start at children $17.95 to adults $31.95.  Student concessions and family passes also available.  Annual passes and Discovery Pass Combos also available.

For more information, visit Sydney Aquarium

Summer is here and so is the holiday season for many.  The Sun Herald in association with the Sydney Taronga Zoo is hosting “Twilight at Taronga” a showcase of  Australian talent in an open-air night concert running every weekend from 30th January – 27th March 2010.

Bring your friends and pack a picnic for a night of great entertainment with a back drop of zoo animals and their calls.  The concert lawn is an unreserved picnic style so be sure to pack a picnic blanket and/or chair or for the first time, a silver section theatre style seating will be arranged at the back of the area with superior harbour views.

Food and beverages will be available on the night.  The concert will go ahead no matter the weather, so ensure you come prepared with wet weather gear if the skies look dubious.  Packages are available that include the Silver Hamper Package, Gold Corporate Hospitality Package and  Zoo/Concert Ticket.  Entry  and exiting is through the Zoo’s Top Main Gate with the concert lawn opening one (1) hour prior to commencement.  If arriving via ferry, exiting may be through the lower exit.

The line up for entertainment will be impressive with such talents as

Katie Noonan performing tracks from her recent album Blackbirk on Saturday 30th January 2010 7.00 pm

James Morrison performing in typical jazz style Friday and Saturday 26- 27th March 2010 7.00 pm

Bjorn Again 20th Anniversary ABBA Show Friday and  Saturday 05-06th February 2010 7.00 pm   /   Sunday 07th February 2010 6.00pm

Tour de Force the tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel performing Friday and Saturday 19-20th March 2010 7.00 pm

100% Kylie tribute act to our well loved Aussie songstress performing Friday and Saturday 12-13th March 2010 7.00 pm

and many more….

For all booking enquiries visit ticketek

OR visit www.twilightattaronga.com.au

Located on the shores of Sydney Harbour in the Suburb of Mosman, Taronga Zoo occupies a land size of 21 hectares and is home to over 2,600 animals making it one of Australia’s largest zoos.  With exhibits of animals from all continents and showcasing our own native wildlife, Taronga Zoo is a wonderful way to explore and learn more about wildlife and their conservation.  Guided tours, talks and animal encounters make the zoo an interactive learning environment for all.  Daily presentations include koala encounters, reptile encounters, hold an owl, seals encounter and giraffes in focus.

For the more adventurous, why not sleep amongst the animals in the purpose built safari tents in the Zoo’s Roar & Snore accommodation.  With magnificent Harbour views on one side and lions, leopards and meerkats on the other, this fully hosted experience is one not to miss.

It couldn’t be easier to get to the zoo with ferries leaving from Circular Quay departing every quarter past and quarter to the hour and only a 12 minute ferry ride.  Buses are waiting to transfer passengers from the ferries to the Zoo entrance or the Sky Safari Cable is open from 9.30am – 5.00pm daily.    Trains run to Circular Quay or Wynard Station where ferries can then be caught.

If driving, the Zoo is located at Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman SYDNEY and the parking entrance is off Bradley’s Head Road with a parking cost of $15.00.

Zoo Passes offer a discount of 10% which covers a return ferry fare from Circular Quay, Zoo Entry Fee, Sky Safari cable and bus transfers between the wharf and Zoo entrance.  ZooPass can be purchased from Circular Quay and can not be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Alternatively, a Day Tripper pass offers a 10% on the general admission cost to the zoo on presentation of a valid and dated ticket.  The Day Tripper Ticket allows unlimited travel on CityRail trains within the Sydney Suburban area, all regular bus and ferry services.  The Day Tripper ticket can be purchased from CityRail Stations, Sydney Buses (on board), Sydney Ferry outlets or transit shops on the day of travel.

If travelling with young ones, strollers are available for hire at a fee of $15 a day.

For those requiring a wheel chair, these are available for hire free but must be pushed by a care giver.  Admission to the Zoo is FREE for care givers on presentation of a Companion Card or letter depicting such.

Admission prices start at Adult $41.00  Child (4-15) $20.00 Child (under4)  Free  Family pass (2 adults/2 children) $103.70    Concessions also available.

Taronga Zoo offers food and beverages located in the convenient Taronga Food Market.

For more information visit   Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is hosting Twilight at Taronga from the 30th January – 27th March 2010.

Being 134 metres above the harbour waters, the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers awe inspiring views.  If visiting Sydney, it is strongly suggested that you climb this magnificent structure.  Spanning 1149 metres in length and housing an arch span of 503 metres, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the largest in the world however not the longest, this goes to New River Gorge USA.  The clearance for shipping under the deck is a spacious 49 metres.  To gauge the sheer size of the structure, it has been built from 52,800 tonnes of steelwork of that a huge 39,000 tonnes is in the archway.  The Bridge now carries a cycleway, a footway, two train lines and eight vehicle lanes.

Being officially opened on Saturday March 19th 1932, the Bridge has carried many vehicles with a count in 1991 depicting figures of 159,597 vehicles per day.  The Bridge has not always welcomed pedestrians with the first being able to walk across on the 50th anniversary in 1982.  Now it is a regular attraction to walk to the South Eastern Pylon.  There are 200 steps to walk up to reach the Pylon Lookout from where views of the harbour can be taken at a height of 87 metres above sea level.  For further information of the Pylon Lookout pricing, opening times click here

Those thrill seekers wanting a little more adrenalin filled action can climb to the summit of the Bridge.  The Company “Bridgeclimb” offers three different climbs, The Express Climb, The Discovery Climb and The Bridge Climb.  The Express Climb is for a group of up to 12 climbers and takes only 2 hours and 15 minutes.  For those on a tight schedule, this climb is perfect to take you to the summit for the breathtaking views without spending all day.  The Discovery Climb allows for up to 14 climbers and takes 3 hours and 30 minutes.  You will climb the inner arch of the bridge and where a guide will talk about the bridge and its history.  The Bridge Climb is for up to 14 climbers and takes 3 hours and 30 minutes.  A guide will take you along the outer arch of the bridge for an ultimate climbing experience enjoying 360 degree panoramic views, an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Want to share the adventure, Gift Certificates are available in Platinum, Titanium, Gold and Blue which will be sure to impress.  On a tight budget? Bridgeclimb even offers a Lay by plan.

Pricing starts for Standard Periods Adult $188 – $295  Child $118 – $195

Pricing starts for Peak Periods Adult $220 – $295 Child $140 – $195

Climbs are available day, night, twilight and dawn.  To preview the experience, click the link below.

For more information click here

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Quite simply one of the most beautiful natural harbours of the world, Sydney Harbour incorporates 240 kilometers of shoreline dotted with private dwellings, parklands, reserves and gardens.   It is possible to walk around much of the harbour edge and enjoy a picnic or explore the Sydney Harbour National Park where if you are lucky, you may happen upon some of the local fauna, such as the long nosed bandicoot and  little penguins.  On sunny days, hundreds of avid sailors take to the vibrant blue waters of the harbour in their sailing  and cruise boats while ferries are a constant feature.

The best way to take in the full sights is by ferry.  Circular Quay is the hub of the harbour and is the terminus for ferry services.  Run by the local government, the ferries are an inexpensive way to see the attractions located on or near the harbour and depart from this point at regular intervals.  From here its an easy walk or short ferry ride to The Rocks, the Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour and Bondi Beach.

If a view of the Harbour is what you are seeking, then you should consider a climb on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  What an exhilarating experience for those seeking a thrill.  Bridgeclimb will take you to the summit of the bridge, 134 metres above the harbour waters for complete uninterrupted views.

For those wanting a view from a structure equivalent in height to the Eiffel Tower, a trip to the ionic Sydney Tower is well worth the trip.  Standing proud at 268 metres, Sydney Tower has two levels of restaurants, a coffee lounge and an observation deck to keep all sight seers content.  Skywalk is a high altitude adventure that has you walking the roof top of the Tower for some spectacular sight seeing.

For further information Sydney Ferries timetables click here

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