Sydney Wildlife World: An all-Aussie animal experience
A relatively recent addition to Darling Harbour, this three-storey theme park is perfectly positioned next to Sydney Aquarium, making it easy for families to enjoy a creature featured day out on the harbour.
An interactive experience featuring all Australian animals, Sydney Wildlife World has approximately 65 exhibits representing nine different habitats, and more than 250 animal species. Visitors are transported to different parts of Australia, from the lush rainforests of the tropical north to the red sands of the central desert.
If you’re on a mission to have your photo taken with a koala, Sydney Wildlife World is the only place in the city centre to do it. The Koala Sanctuary is found in Gum Tree Gully, Sydney Wildlife World’s temperate forest habitat, and the famously lazy marsupials are very occasionally roused from their slumber for a photo session.
Somewhat less cuddly is Rex, the five-metre (16 foot) saltwater crocodile who makes his home in the Kakadu Gorge exhibit. You’ll get up close with giant red kangaroos and yellow footed rock wallabies in the semi-arid habitat, and meet the endearing hairy nosed wombat at Wallaby Cliffs.
Once your eyes have adjusted to the darkness of the nocturnal world, you might be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the endangered bilby or the adorable sugar glider. The reptile habitat will allow you to investigate Australia’s incredibly diverse array of snakes and lizards, from pythons and dragons to geckoes and goannas. You’ll also get to explore the surreal world of insects, with a true interactive experience available in the beautiful walk-through butterfly enclosure.
Hello Metro Tip: The creators of Sydney Wildlife World have done an amazing job of replicating wild habitats (with full sized trees and all) in what’s practically the heart of the city. Remember though, the only way you can really experience the Aussie bush is to get out there amongst it! Once you’ve done that, head over to SWW and take those up-close wildlife snaps you didn’t quite manage while braving it in the wild.
Posted by Fiona Davies
