There's a giraffe chewing slowly, the Harbour Bridge and the city skyline behind it, and you realise this animal has a better view than most Sydney apartments. Not ours, but most.
Getting there
Take the ferry from Circular Quay (Wharf 2). It's a quick ride of about 12 minutes across the harbour to the zoo wharf.
The smart route
The zoo sits on a hill. Get up to the top entrance first, by the Sky Safari cable car or the shuttle, and then wander downhill all day. Do it the other way round and your calves will file a complaint.
Don't miss
The seal show. Pro move: let the queue form, then slip into the back rows, where the stadium seating still gives you a great view. There are more keeper talks than you can possibly see, so pick a few and relax.
Our tip
Food is mostly takeaway, so pack a picnic. There's lawn everywhere, and the view is free.