Latest news with #SydneyZoo
Time Business News
2 days ago
- General
- Time Business News
Blue Mountains Small Group Day Tours: Discover Nature's Masterpiece in Comfort and Style
Just 90 minutes west of Sydney lies one of Australia's most beloved natural wonders—the Blue Mountains. Known for its dramatic cliffs, lush eucalyptus forests, charming villages, and iconic rock formations like the Three Sisters, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed region is a must-visit for anyone exploring New South Wales. While there are many ways to experience this rugged paradise, Blue Mountains small group day tours strike the perfect balance between personalized service, comfort, and adventure. If you're the kind of traveler who prefers a more intimate setting over big buses and crowds, small group tours are absolutely the way to go. With fewer people in the group—usually capped at 10 to 20—you can enjoy a more engaging, interactive experience. Tour guides can share detailed stories, tailor stops to the group's interests, and even offer flexibility on the day's itinerary. Smaller groups mean quicker boarding, less waiting around, and more time soaking in the sights. Many small group tours avoid the typical tourist trail and focus on hidden gems like bushwalks through the forest, local cafes in mountain villages, or lesser-known lookouts with jaw-dropping views. These tours are perfect if you're traveling solo or as a couple—you'll have plenty of company without feeling lost in the crowd. While inclusions may vary by operator, most Blue Mountains small group day tours offer the following: Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sydney Air-conditioned mini-coach or small van transport Stops at Echo Point and the Three Sisters Guided bushwalks to scenic viewpoints or waterfalls Optional entry to Scenic World (Skyway, Railway, and Cableway) Visit to Leura or Katoomba for lunch and shopping Featherdale or Sydney Zoo visit (on select tours) A knowledgeable, friendly tour guide Some premium tours also include lunch, national park fees, or even complimentary snacks and water on board. The most iconic lookout in the Blue Mountains, offering sweeping views of the Jamison Valley. For those who choose to upgrade, enjoy breathtaking rides including the Skyway (with a glass floor), the Scenic Railway (world's steepest), and the Cableway. A charming mountain town filled with art galleries, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. Smaller groups often visit lesser-known waterfalls that big tour buses skip. The Blue Mountains is stunning year-round, but here's a quick breakdown: Spring (Sept–Nov) : Wildflowers in bloom and perfect weather for hiking. : Wildflowers in bloom and perfect weather for hiking. Summer (Dec–Feb) : Cooler mountain air makes it a great escape from Sydney's heat. : Cooler mountain air makes it a great escape from Sydney's heat. Autumn (Mar–May) : Colorful foliage adds a magical touch to the views. : Colorful foliage adds a magical touch to the views. Winter (Jun–Aug): Crisp air, misty mornings, and fewer tourists. Wear comfortable walking shoes—you'll be on your feet exploring trails and towns. Dress in layers—the mountains are cooler than Sydney, even in summer. Charge your phone or camera—the views are worth capturing. Bring a reusable water bottle. Book in advance—small group spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. If you're looking for a day trip that's immersive, comfortable, and crowd-free, Blue Mountains small group day tours offer the ideal experience. With fewer people, you get more personalized service, greater flexibility, and access to hidden gems larger groups often miss. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or just someone who loves nature and a touch of luxury, this style of touring is your ticket to making the most of your time in the Blue Mountains. Don't just visit—experience the Blue Mountains with a small group and make every moment count. Most small group tours have between 8 to 20 participants, depending on the provider. This allows for a more intimate, relaxed experience. Yes, these tours are family-friendly and can accommodate most age groups. Be sure to check if there are any strenuous hikes if you have mobility concerns. While not fully customizable like private tours, many small group guides are flexible and may adapt the itinerary based on group interests and weather conditions. Some tours include lunch, while others offer free time in a town like Leura or Katoomba to enjoy local cafes. Always check what's included when booking. Comfortable shoes, a light jacket, water, a camera, and any necessary medications. A small backpack is usually best. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Katy Perry reveals unusual night activity to help 'beat jet lag' in Sydney as mega popstar prepares for month-long Australian tour
Katy Perry has officially touched down in Sydney and isn't letting the jet lag stop her from seeing the sights. The I Kissed A Girl hitmaker, who is bringing her Lifetimes Tour to stadiums across Australia this June, posted a video on Instagram showing her feeding a tiger at Sydney Zoo in the middle of the night. In the clip, the 40-year-old sported a brown shirt and matching brown hat as she balanced a piece of steak on her hand and pushed it against the chain-link fence. 'Oh my gosh I've never had a tiger lick my hand,' she said as she fed the large cat. 'Great way to beat jet lag,' she could be heard saying, before revealing she had just come off a 14-hour flight. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The I Kissed A Girl hitmaker, who is bringing her Lifetimes Tour to stadiums across Australia this June, posted a video on Instagram showing her feeding a tiger at Sydney Zoo in the middle of the night The popstar is set to perform three shows in Sydney, bringing all of her iconic hits as well as some of her new tracks from her latest album 143, to Qudos Bank Arena on June 4, 9 and 10. Tickets to the pop icon's tour, which has received an onslaught of criticism over the last few months, have been in high demand, with the Roar hitmaker announcing two extra shows on the Australian run to accommodate all of her fans. Taking to Instagram in February, Katy revealed that she added an extra show at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on June 4 to kick off the Australian leg, as well as an extra Melbourne show at Rod Laver Arena on June 7. The Grammy-nominated superstar revealed that she had been humbled with the success of her Australian tour, with all previous dates now sold out. Captioning the announcement, Katy said: 'I am so blown away by the incredible demand for THE LIFETIMES TOUR that I will be adding a final show in Sydney and a final show in Melbourne to make sure all my Australian fans have a chance to experience the incredible show I am bringing.' Katy will now play a hefty 15 Australian shows. The pop star announced the Australian Lifetimes tour just prior to her turn at the AFL Grand Final in September. The original run included just one show each for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, however fan demand dictated Katy needed to add two extra Sydney and Brisbane shows. Crestfallen Adelaide fans issued their sorrow over missing out on their chance to see Katy in the flesh but they were not left out in the cold for too long. Listening to fan protests, Katy eventually added a run of four shows in the City of Churches. 'I heard you loud and clear Adelaide, I got you!' Katy wrote on Instagram. Extra shows were also added to Melbourne and Perth as demand for the Teenage Dream hitmaker continued to rise.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Heartbreak as Sydney Zoo confirms shock death news
Two bull sharks have died from 'accidental impact' at Sydney Zoo. The zoo, located on the Great Western Highway in Eastern Creek took to social media on Friday to announce it was 'deeply saddened' by the loss of the two sharks. 'Extensive investigations by our animal care and veterinary staff, with support from external specialists, included comprehensive necropsies,' it said. 'These examinations found trauma consistent with accidental impact. 'While the precise cause cannot be definitively confirmed, preliminary findings suggest a combination of environmental and biological factors may have played a role in this isolated incident.' The zoo said all the other animals in the aquarium were healthy but were under observation, saying: 'The wellbeing of our animals remains our highest priority'. The bull shark section on the zoo's website has been taken down. Some Aussies lamented the fact the sharks had been kept in captivity. 'Sorry, but these sharks should never of been in captivity as bull sharks are not designed for tanks,' one person said. 'Translation: We put a species that needs a huge amount of space in an enclosed tank and they ran into the glass walls until it killed them,' another said. A third questioned 'how can it be isolated if two sharks collided with it?' 'Accidental impact from what? I think further explanation is owed here,' a fourth said. The wildlife is home to more than 4,000 animals. Bull sharks generally adapt well in captivity and thrive in many aquariums around the world. While their lifespan in the wild is typically 12 to 16 years, some have lived up to 30 years in captivity. Bull sharks are apex predators and grow to between two to four metres long and can weigh up to 600kg. They are one of the most aggressive species of shark in the world and are responsible for attacks because they can survive in fresh water. Sydney Zoo was contacted for comment by Daily Mail Australia.
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Shock as Sydney Zoo confirms death of two bull sharks
Two bull sharks have died at Sydney Zoo from an 'accidental impact'. In a post to social media on Friday, the zoo confirmed it was 'deeply saddened' by the loss of its two marine inhabitants. 'Extensive investigations by our animal care and veterinary staff, with support from external specialists, included comprehensive necropsies,' it wrote. 'These examinations found trauma consistent with accidental impact. 'While the precise cause cannot be definitively confirmed, preliminary findings suggest a combination of environmental and biological factors may have played a role in this isolated incident.' The zoo said all other species in the aquarium were 'currently healthy' and remained under close observation. 'The wellbeing of our animals remains our highest priority,' it added. The bull shark section under the animal page on the zoo's official website has already been taken down. Some animal lovers have reacted with anger to the news, taking to social media to argue such large mammals shouldn't be kept in small enclosures. 'Translation: We put a species that needs a huge amount of space in an enclosed tank and they ran into the glass walls until it killed them,' one wrote. Another asked: 'How can it be isolated if two sharks collided with it'. 'Sorry but these sharks should never of been in captivity as bull sharks are not designed for tanks,' a third said. 'It is sad they have past.' 'Accidental impact from what? I think further explanation is owed here,' another added. Bull sharks can measure between two to four metres long and weigh up to 600kg. They are known to be one of the more aggressive species of shark, having attacked 119 people in Australia.
