I want to this next time I visit Sydney: stay over night in a luxury tent at Taronga Zoo!
The view of Sydney from your glamp-site
The Roar and Snore (for that is what they call it) is something I’ve wanted to do for ages – and I don’t even have kids. I know I won’t sleep well, although with the newly refurbished “camp site” now consisting of luxury safari tents with wooden floor boards and a comfy double or single beds (they can sleep up to four), power outlets, there’s really no excuse. It’s glamping. But from what people say, lions do roar at night.
And the view back across Sydney harbour to the city is gorgeous when the sun goes down and when the lights come up, gorgeous becomes magic.
How about this for an urban zoo pic?! Flickr/thomasrdotorg
You start with drinks and nibbles, then tour the zoo after hours – with a torch – to spy on the animals when they don’t know you’re there. Here’s a tip: take night goggles for a really good perv.
Everyone gets together for a buffet dinner with stunning views that make the price worthwhile (this is according to Amy on TripAdvisor whose daughter insisted they do this and she was glad she did!) before heading out again then retiring to your boudoir and hoping to at least hear a lion roar. Or Katy Perry.
The whole Roar and Snore experience includes about 5 hours with a guide behind the scenes and in front of the scenes on the first day, then another 3 or so hours next morning before the park opens to the public.
Looking out of your tent. Pic Taronga Zoo
Details: Arrive at 6.15pm for drinks and nibbles. Price includes dinner and breakfast. You have an early start next day too – 6am! Roar and Snore runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, and nightly during NSW school holidays.
Cost: A$320 per adult, $205 per child (aged 5-17) Friday – Sunday and Public Hols or $288 and $184.50 Monday – Thursday