While in Sydney we went to Taronga zoo which is rated as one of the best in the world. We went over by ferry and then took the cable car up to the top to start our exploration. We really enjoyed the Australian exhitits but on the whole in our opinion the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wildlife Park are far superior. Having said that the Australian outback exhibit where you walked through with emus, koalas, and kangaroos with no fences or anything was really cool and we spent quite a long time in there. Some of the bird exhibits were also great and I must say the three baby tigers were enough to grab a bit of the coldest of hearts. After a few hours at the zoo we took the ferry back and then walked across the Sydney bridge. Once again great views though I do think we have more than enough pictures of the Opera House.
The next day we did our last but not least tour. We were picked up at 7am in a van for a chef led tour of the Hunter Valley. First stop was the Sydney fish market which is the third biggest in the world and for a seafood lover like myself was paradise. Every type of seafood imaginable was available and I was tempted to have a dozen oysters but it was a bit early and I knew they were coming. We then set off for a wonderful breakfast on the Hawksworth River before starting our wine tasting in the Hunter Valley. At the last two wineries our slash guide chef pared food with the wines that was incredible. We had everything from oysters to scallops to truffled asparagus to kangaroo with wonderful wines. Incredible day. And to top it off we met a wonderful young couple,Nick and Christina, from Florida that after the tour we went and had drinks and oysters with. The joys of travel and a couple we truly hope to meet up with again.
Entrance to the zoo with the cable car off to the left
OK he is in the zoo but he is very cute
Komodo dragon. Do not want to cross paths with him
These have to be the laziest animals I have come across
These emus were blocking our path
Wallaby giving us the evil eye
Kangaroo up close and personal
Really quite a lovely creature k
When you have an itch you have to scratch
Very colourful birdsongs
This is a tree kangaroo which we had never heard of
We thought he looked a bit like a koala o
Two three month old tiger cubs playing
There truly is beauty in that face
Another animal we had never heard of. This is a fisher cat and it has webbed feet. Not a cat person but this is quite beautiful.
The front of the Opera House from the water
Walking across the bridge
Long expanse but great experience
Self explanatory
Pelican waiting for its next meal
Baby octopus. Yum
Mud crab
Now that is a collection of seafood
This fellow shucks oysters all day long
I don’t think there is a seafood they didn’t have
Those eyes seemed to be looking at you
Beautiful rock formations on the Hawksworth River
Early morning fishing with the fog in the background
Climbing the rocks to breakfast
Jimmy making breakfast at one of the park BBQs
Unique wine rack
Eric does like a good vineyard
Beautiful views of the vineyard and hills beyond
What better place to be
Can almost taste what is coming
A kangaroo slider. Won’t get this at home
An Australian version of crime brûlée. Tasted way better. Maybe it was the wine or the setting?
Hate to leave our last winery
Eric and I continued the evening with Nick and Christina with oysters and wine. What a great day!
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