NSW Archives - Nature & bubbles

Taronga Zoo, Sydney!

What an incredible place and experience.

incredible Sydney for Nature and Bubbles — Quintessential Sydney

It was my birthday and I had been pondering the “ideal” birthday present.

I brainstormed fond memories from my childhood and then it hit me… Taronga Zoo.

I knew the perfect people to share it with.. my children.

SMH Nature and Bubbles — Photo shoot for Sydney Morning Herald

I made the booking last week and we flew down on Wednesday.

Co-incidentally, I was asked to do an interview for the Sydney Morning Herald on the Tuesday beforehand. On the Wednesday in Sydney we arranged to do the family photo shoot. It was the BEST birthday present.

opera house nature and bubbles — The iconic Sydney Opera House

After the photo shoot, we caught the ferry from Pier 2 at Circular Quay to Taronga zoo. We passed by some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks; The Opera House; Sydney Harbour Bridge and the incredible bays of the harbour.

Sydney Harbour — Bay near Taronga Park Zoo Sydney

I love Taronga Zoo! I hadn’t been there for years but it was the same breath-taking experience it always has been.

My favs are the giraffes.

This year we find more amazing animals. The chimpanzees….

The three flippered (rescued) turtle.

The hippo

AND MORE.

I loved traveling to the zoo by ferry – the bays on the way are inspiring and traveling west into the Sydney setting sun is stunning.

Asian style food — Opera Kitchen – great views, food OK

A picturesque meal at the Opera House tops off the most perfect birthday ever imaginable.

Well some days nature just calls and today was one of those days.

A few clients shuffled around their appointments this morning and (like a silent but LOUD alarm) I knew I need a dose of mother nature.

I didn’t really bargain on the BIG dose of mother nature at Poinciana Cafe – a funky outdoors healthy eats place in Mullumbimby!

David Bowie’s soft melodic tunes hum away in the back ground and the weather blows, stops, rains and shines! Very Melbourne but quite nice being rained upon and awesome listening to some random tunes!.

Yellow Sword Fish from Poinciana Cafe Mullumbimby

The Poinciana has a good vibe… and lots of lizards. I think the chardonnay helps with the phobia but seriously I need more convincing.

Today I order the Yellow Fin Sword Fish and it is delicious… and the lizards become less of an issue until one pounces on my toes (I dropped a crumb) which sends me into a tail spin and I bolt off to the bush. (I don’t “do” lizards well).

Minyon Falls is a little off the beaten track but the drive there is so sublime. Yellow-green fields, fresh country air and exitement! I love the northern rivers of NSW. It’s wholesome and complete and close to civilisation yet so far away.

Minyon falls are incredible. Some of the tallest falls I have experienced in a long time and I get a little giddy.

The lovely creek that feeds into Minyon Falls

After a few kilometres into my bush walk, I also get giddy from thinking about snakes, so this time decide to abort and come back on a cooler day! Some days snakes don’t bother me, but after my frazzled ending to Nepal and the heat of the day, I know I will encounter a snake and I doubt I will be cool-calm-and-collected, so opt to bail before greeting my demons.

A light swim at Clarkes in Byron Bay on the way home rounds the day off nicely and a stressless drive home.

Tag Archives: NSW

Taronga Zoo

Minyon Falls, Mullum and dragon lizards