Vacation spots in Sydney Australia

Sydney, Australia offers a variety of excitement for visitors and residents alike. It is a cultural and historical mecca dotted with museums, notable architecture and other points of interest. A couple of the most significant attractions are the Australian Museum, Vaucluse House, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Sydney, Australia offers a variety of excitement for visitors and residents alike. It is a cultural and historical mecca dotted with museums, notable architecture and other points of interest. A couple of the most significant attractions are the Australian Museum, Vaucluse House, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The Taronga Zoo is located near the shore of Sydney Harbor. It opened in 1916 and is home to Australia's best collection of native and exotic animals. Located on over 52 acres, the Taronga Zoo is one of the biggest zoological parks of its kind on the planet. This zoo was the first in Australia to breed an elephant and only the second to breed a platypus. Taronga's 340 various species include (among many others) koalas, wallabies and kangaroos. One of the most exciting opportunities provided by the Taronga Zoo is the Animal Encounters experience, in which a ranger accompanies a patron into an animal enclosure to visit with the animals.

The Australian Museum is the oldest museum in Australia and contains extensive natural science, paleontology and cultural collections. Two of the most interesting permanent exhibitions are the Skeletons and Indigenous Australian collections. The Skeletons exhibition features numerous displays of animal and human skeletons that provide insight into this essential support system. The Indigenous Australian exhibit highlights the history, culture and politics of the Aboriginal people of Australia.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are a breathtaking 70 acres of superbly manicured landscape. The garden was founded on the site of Australia's first farm and contains more than a million plant specimens. It was also home to Australia's first zoo until the majority of the animals were transferred to Moore Park in 1883. Not only is the garden open year round, but admission to the grounds is free.

Constructed in the Gothic Revival style of the early 1800s, the Vaucluse House is a historic estate located near Sydney Harbor. The property was the home of William Charles Wentworth, the father of the Australian constitution, and his family from 1827-1853. After substantial restoration, the mansion was turned into a museum and is open daily to visitors.

A distinctive marvel of modern architecture, the Sydney Opera House was opened in 1973 and is situated on Sydney Harbor. It hosts performances by all of Australia's major musical, dance and theater companies. In 2007, the Sydney Opera House was declared a World Heritage Site. Visitors can take part in a one or two hour tour that highlights the history and behind the scenes action that takes place in the opera house.

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