Save on Sydney’s best attractions this summer
Unlock the ultimate family adventure this summer and maximise fun and value while exploring four of Sydney’s top attractions right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, writes Tatyana Leonov.
We’re torn about where to start our thrilling day’s adventure. Our eldest is begging for SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, but my husband and I are on the same page about visiting WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo first. Our youngest is fascinated by koalas, and we hope to catch a glimpse of them being active earlier in the day while it’s still not too hot.
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
We needn’t worry. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is home to four koala habitats, and we spot several of these adorable creatures nestled among the gum trees soon after our arrival. Our eldest diligently counts and captures photos of these charming critters, while the youngest engages in a staring contest with one sporting a patchy pink nose.
Although I adore koalas and kangaroos, it’s the platypus I have a strong connection with. There’s something so magnificently special about a creature that possesses a duck-like bill and webbed feet. I rave on about its uniqueness to the kids, but they’re too busy watching the resident platypus gracefully navigate the water, swiftly manoeuvring its furry body around rocks.
Many of WILD LIFE Sydney’s animal exhibits are behind expansive glass windows, offering guests fantastic viewing opportunities. There are even pop-up window domes that kids adore, providing unforgettable photo opportunities for both youngsters and the young at heart. We manage to snap a photo of the girls right beside a large freshwater crocodile just a thick slab of glass between them and the fierce predator with its glistening scaly skin.
The eldest is at that inquisitive age where everything is fascinating, so we stick to the scaly skin theme as we move on to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
Big ticket fun
With Merlin’s Sydney Big Ticket granting access to WILD LIFE Sydney, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Sydney, and the Sydney Tower Eye over 60 days, we considered spreading the excitement over the summer, but the thrill of it all leads us to the decision to see the attractions all in one day. Three of the four attractions are conveniently located next to each other, and anyone with young children understands the challenge of being near something exciting without having access to it.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
The scaly fish keep our eldest entertained for some time. She’s recently started reading and enjoys deciphering the names of various fish species. Failing to pronounce Harlequin Tuskfish, she affectionately dubs it ‘Harlee’ – which I dub my favourite fish for its stunning vibrant blue and orange striped torso.
We’ve been to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium several times before, and one of the key highlights for the whole family is the 80-metre-long Ocean Tunnel. Our youngest loves gazing upward at the stingrays and sharks, awestruck by their graceful movements above her. Our eldest… well, she knows the venue inside out, and although she thoroughly enjoys the many marine life exhibitions, she’s on a mission to get to the Penguin Expedition Boat Ride.
Kid-friendly rides
The sweltering sun outside is soon forgotten as we board the vessel, which is a first-of-its-kind penguin raft journey along a man-made river through a sub-Antarctic penguin colony. The temperature is a lovely 6 degrees Celsius.
You can tell it’s a highlight for everyone. Kids are amazed, parents are snapping photo after photo, and the aquarium’s King and Gentoo Penguins are so very close to us, almost unbelievable in their proximity.
Madame Tussauds
What’s also almost unbelievable is that the wax figures next door to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium are 100 percent not real people. Sure, I know that, but stepping into Madame Tussauds for the first time is truly enthralling. The wax superstars are much more lifelike than I envisioned, and delving into the process of their creation, understanding the dedication and time invested, and discovering intriguing details such as the use of natural hair is fascinating. Also, comparing my height to theirs while standing beside these figures is interesting (I discovered I’m taller than quite a few famous people, and I’m not tall by any means).
My husband and our older child dive into taking photos, and it doesn’t take me long to join the fun. The four of us strike a serious pose alongside the Queen, attempting to exude elegance in the presence of such esteemed company… but to be completely honest I just don’t think we’re dressed up enough.
Exploring the Pride Zone is a whirlwind of colours, music and festive fun. Our kids are a little too young to understand who’s who in the Sydney Live music zone, but I have no qualms about making them wait while I spend time with Harry Styles.
You needn’t know who all the superheroes, celebrities and superstars are in the attraction to have a brilliant time. Interactive features throughout the experience keep the biggest kid in the family entertained, while the real biggest kid takes to surpass Spiderman’s flexible pose with her head-standing abilities.
The Sydney Tower Eye
The notion of Spiderman effortlessly navigating between towering skyscrapers has been a fundamental aspect of the character since its inception, and this remarkable agility to traverse high-rise structures is what I tell our eldest we can anticipate on our last stop at the Sydney Tower Eye. It’s not one of my best ideas… she gets scared, and it takes some time to reassure her that we’ll be using a completely secure elevator to reach a well-protected viewing area on this skyscraper. The little one is snoozing now, so it’s just the two of us zooming up to Sydney’s best view.
Once we reach the top, we stroll around the platform, admiring the 360-degree panoramic views and identifying familiar buildings and public spaces below. We’ve played in Hyde Park many times before, and I point out the prominent Archibald Memorial Fountain surrounded by colourful moving dots (aka people). My daughter surprises me by finding the waterside area near the three attractions we visited this morning quite easily.
Save on Sydney’s best attractions
It’s a fitting way to end the day. We’ve managed to visit all four Sydney Big Ticket attractions, and the value offering is undeniable. Priced at $90 for adults and $70 for children, the cost breakdown of $22.50 per adult and $17.50 per child per attraction has unlocked an array of adventures for us at an affordable rate. And with Christmas shopping high on our to-do list, my husband and I agree that Merlin’s Sydney Big Tickets would make perfect gifts for other families… I suppose if, on one occasion, a family member couldn’t make it, one of us would be putting our hand up to fill the spot and join in on the fun.
