If you’re looking for something really fun to do with the family, Taronga is always a winner. We recently spent the night at Taronga Zoo Sydney on a Roar and Snore sleepover, which makes your zoo trip even more fun!

No time to read all about it? Watch our the video of our Roar and Snore adventure!

We arrived in the evening to meet with our zoo guides who would also spend the night at the zoo. After a welcome speech, our bags were loaded onto a trailer to be delivered to our tents, while we headed off for our first walking after-hours tour.

The experience of exploring the zoo at night by torchlight was a mysterious and exciting one. The pathways are deserted from the normal to-and-fro of zoo visitors, and the air is rich with animal noises.

The kids absolutely loved touring the zoo by red-torch light (the animals are less startled by red light), discovering possums and bats in the trees, and viewing lots of different nocturnal zoo animals which become active when the sun goes down. Our friendly zoo guides were a wealth of information, telling us all about the different animals we came across. No question was too hard for them to answer!

Slowly the spectacular night lights of the opposite Sydney City centre, with its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge were revealed as we wound our way down to our accommodation for the night – the Roar and Snore area.

Everyone was really eager to check out where they would be sleeping for the night, and we certainly weren’t disappointed. This wasn’t camping – it was glamping!

The Roar and Snore accommodation area of the zoo consisted of a gated, low-fenced area containing several elegant pavilion-style individual guest tents, a large communal lounge tent and a luxury amenities block.

Our stylish tent was directly facing Sydney Harbour! Inside we found a double bed and also two single beds. A cosy electric blanket was installed to ward off any chill, and there was an electric light and also a power board (to charge those phones and camera batteries). A zip up screen door and canvas door could be tied up to completely open the front of the tent to those incredible night-light views of the city and harbour.

We quickly settled in to our tent and then headed to the main lounge tent for some welcome nibbles and drinks – soft drinks, juices and alcoholic drinks were available. Everyone was having a chat and getting to know their fellow guests.

Some special guests dropped in at this time too – a Shingle Back lizard and Python snake were gently carried in, and we were invited to touch them and feel their smooth skins!

Then it was time to walk across the zoo to dinner, which would hosted at the onsite The View restaurant. The View restaurant is a beautiful place to dine, and features panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. We were met with a row of splendid-looking chefs, ready to serve up our delicious buffet dinner. The restaurant was a hubbub of chatter about all the animals that we had seen so far, and how much fun it was going to be to sleep inside Taronga Zoo Sydney!

After dinner, we were in for another treat – another zoo animal night tour as we made our way back to our camping site! We were loving every second of these special opportunities to see the more shy nocturnal animals in the zoo. A fishing cat stared boldly back at us. An immense crocodile widened his jaws, clearly hoping a bush turkey would fall out of an overhanging tree which held several of them. A Binturong, a kind of half cat/half bear, scooted along the tree branches, so close it felt we could reach out and touch him. We even got to enter the Tiger Trek area and peep in at the sleeping Sumatran tigers – a mother and son lay cuddled up together, completely oblivious to our oohs and ahs!

Finally it was time to head back to the Roar and Snore communal lounge tent. Here we relaxed a while to chat with our fellow guests and zoo guides about all the fascinating animals we had seen over some desert, coffee or hot chocolates.

Before bed, there was time to grab a shower at the amenities block. The amenities block central corridor featured several individual deluxe bathrooms opening off of it that would hold there own in any five-star hotel. Pure white tiles shone and chrome fittings glistened – plentiful towels were available for guest use. Yet more confirmation that this was camping in style!

As we walked back to our tent, a native possum scampered in front of us – no doubt in search of a dropped treat! We tumbled into our cosy beds, completely exhausted by the day’s events. The girls put up a convincing argument to leave the front of the tent open all night, so I let the city lights twinkle them to sleep before I crept out to let the front wall down and zip us all in. It was winter after all, and so the air was a bit chilly – but it did seem almost criminal to drop the curtain on that breath-taking view!

The next morning I awoke to the sound of nature’s alarm clock – a family of kookaburras were perched nearby, laughing their way into the new day. The sun was coming up, casting a rosy-pink hue across Sydney Harbour, and the zoo animals were beginning to stir. Seals barked, monkeys chattered and chimps squabbled over some imagined offense. It was a morning greeting unlike any other!

We quickly got dressed and made our way to the central tent for a coffee and to join our tour guides and fellow guests for a morning chat whilst watching the sun rise together. Everyone was excited for what more might come. We had already done and seen so much, and there was still breakfast and another zoo tour and animal encounters yet to come!

When everyone was ready, we walked back over the The View restaurant for breakfast, stopping on the way at the elephant area. Of all the amazing things we saw during Roar and Snore, this was the most memorable. Almost on cue, an elephant mother and baby decided to take a mud bath. What followed was a hilarious series of the baby elephant using his mother as a seat, bed, trampoline and who knows what else – the kids screamed with laughter, the adults gasped in delight. It was such a display of fun and joy that we just couldn’t help but be infected by it for the rest of the day. We practically had to be dragged away to breakfast, maybe ten minutes later.

Breakfast proved just as enjoyable as dinner had been. The View now featured gorgeous daytime views of Sydney Harbour, which was bustling with ferries and other craft. Freshly made pancakes, fruits and cereals, tea and coffee set us up nicely for the big day to come.

When everyone had finished breakfast we set off for yet another behind the scenes tour – this time we headed into the back rooms of the reptile night house, where we met their passionate zoo keeper. We spent an entertaining time viewing some incredibly cute Australian native animals, and learning some key conservation messages (keep your cats in at night, everyone! It saves hundreds of native animals in your neck of the woods!).

Next we found ourselves standing at the entrance to the seal enclosure doors – we all looked at each other excitedly – could seals be on the agenda?! Yes – they could! We were welcomed in by Taronga Zoo Sydney’s seal experts and treated to a very special seal experience. The seals showed off their skills in the pool, and some were even brought out and walked amongst us. The children could barely contain their squeals of excitment, eyes sparkling. The adults sat forward eagerly – this was such a treat! What a beautiful way to end our Roar and Snore experience.

With the whole day still ahead of us, we bid goodbye to our wonderful zoo guides – they had been with us every step of the way, and we truly appreciated all of their information, support and companionship. Then we headed off into one of our most favourite adventures – the rest of Taronga Zoo Sydney!

For more information or to purchase tickets to Taronga Zoo Sydney, go to their Taronga Zoo Sydney official website here.

All information is correct as at August 2018 – please check the Taronga Zoo Sydney supplied website link for relevant, up to date information and ticket prices.
Let’s go Mum were hosted guests at Taronga Zoo Sydney, however all opinions remain firmly our own.

Have you ever visited Taronga Zoo Sydney, or do you plan to go one day? Tell us in the comments below…

The post Taronga Zoo Roar and Snore Sydney zoo sleepover appeared first on Let's go Mum.

We’ve just returned from a fabulous coast-to-coast trip of Victoria, and we’d like to share with you some simply amazing Great Ocean Road scenic sights and astounding accommodation finds you really shouldn’t miss!

We’ll list them in the order in which we stayed at them, because if we had to pick a favourite – well, we simply couldn’t do it!

Here are our picks of where to stay on the Australian Great Ocean Road…

No time to read? Just watch the video…

No.1 – Cumberland Lorne Resort

2 hrs drive from Melbourne

The Cumberland Lorne Resort is the best located hotel in Lorne. It’s situated directly opposite gorgeous Lorne Beach and right upstairs from bakeries, eateries and shops. This means you don’t have to drive or park to get to all those lovely Lorne boutiques, cafes and restaurants!

The resort features huge apartments – many of them with stunning ocean views. They are fully serviced and fitted out, with open-plan living areas, full kitchens, a laundry and big, comfortable bedrooms. Here, the family can spread out in comfort without having to worry about spending the holidays living on top of one another!

Amenities on site include an underground car park, gardens, barbeques,  a (beautifully warm – bliss!) heated indoor swimming pool and tennis court.

These apartments are ideal for both short or longer holiday stays. Suited for singles, couples or large families, the Cumberland Lorne Resort is a great place to settle in and relax, and explore the nearby sights.

Prices

Apartments start from $207 per night

Take a look for yourself – watch our apartment walk-through

Learn more or book at the official Cumberland Lorne Resort website here

Things to do near here

Visit Lorne Beach (1 minute walk, lifesaver-patrolled family beach), Teddy’s Lookout (2 minutes drive), Lorne Pier (2 mins drive), Live Wire tree climbing and zip lining (7 mins drive) and (Erskine Falls (15 mins drive).

While in Lorne, you might like to try…

Feel like climbing  through the trees? How about Australia’s newest and highest zipline? Watch our fun day out at the fun new Lorne family attraction, Live Wire Park

No. 2 – Cape Otway Lighthouse

1 hr 20 mins drive from Lorne
3 hrs drive from Melbourne
1hr 14 mins drive to the Twelve Apostles

It would be difficult to find a more historic, unique place to stay along the Great Ocean Road, than Cape Otway Lighthouse, or Lightstation, as it is more formally known. So historic, that it is even known for its ghost in residence!

Accommodation consists of the haunted Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (we had our own rather strange happenings here, both times we stayed!), which is a delight to stay in. A very large period house, the cottage is located at the end of the Lighthouse footpath which can sleep up to ten people easily. The big kitchen is set up to cater for many, as is the large dining room, living room and bedrooms with doubles and bunk beds. In winter, a wood fire and electric bedroom column heaters keep things nice and cosy.

During opening hours wifi is available in the café, along with yummy cooked meals, coffee and souvenirs. Be prepared to manage without the internet or even your mobile phone after hours, however there are some big advantages to this escape from the attention-seeking modern world. With no calls from work or text messages from friends, you can really relax together and perhaps play a board game or watch a DVD together. Or you can simply curl up in front of the fire with a shipwreck book from the cottages shelves – the choice is yours!

If you are really desperate, you can wander down to the Lighthouse where you may get a weak mobile phone signal.

At the end of the day, it’s the sheer isolation of this unique accommodation choice which makes the Cape Otway Lightstation totally unique. With little more than a handful of guests or perhaps a resident scientist staying on site after hours, you’ll find yourselves masters of your domain. It’s great fun to have free-run of the vast grounds of historical buildings, lookouts, rolling parklands and of course that amazing lighthouse!

Prices

Quoted upon enquiry

Learn more or book at the official Cape Otway Lightstation website here

Things to do near here

There is little reason to leave Cape Otway during your stay, as there is plenty to do and see! There are several historically significant buildings to explore. The most famous of course is the Cape Otway Lighthouse, which you can climb during opening hours. Be sure to visit the Aboriginal bush tucker hut and talks, whale art installations, World War 2 bunker, Telegraph building and more – and it’s all free with the price of your accommodation!

Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the numerous members of the local koala population in the Otway National Park forest too, which you have to drive through to reach Cape Otway. Just watch out for the haphazardly pulled-over cars and people staring and pointing upwards!

Take a look for yourself – watch our tour of the Cape Otway Lightstation and attractions

No. 3 – Port Fairy Horizons Beach House apartments

3 hrs 20 mins direct drive from Melbourne

2 hrs 30 mins from Cape Otway

Whilst no longer strictly part of the Great Ocean Road which ends at nearby Warrnambool, the historic town of Port Fairy is a Victorian coast highlight which is far too good to miss. An absolute feast of natural beauty, Port Fairy is steeped in coastal Victorian history and it’s streets are lined with a plethora of beautiful old buildings.

Located just about as close as you can be to the incredible expanse of Port Fairy Easts Beach you’ll find the indulgent Horizons apartment. This beach house has been split into two gorgeous accommodation options – one upstairs (the Penthouse), and one down (Horizons). Both are big enough to sleep families of up to six people. These beautifully modern apartments are a deluxe way to enjoy this stunning part of the world in comfort, but without the massive price tag.

Panoramic ocean view windows along the entire front, huge open living areas and bedrooms with elegant furnishings make for a very pleasant stay. There is a full kitchen with everything you could ever need, a separate laundry, ensuite and bathroom. With room to move and the beach literally a stone’s throw away across a single lane access road, the whole family is going to adore staying at Horizons.

Prices

From $350 per night for 2 x adults, 2 x children

Take a look for yourself – watch our water front apartment walk-through

Learn more or book at the official website here

Things to do near here

Visit Port Fairy Beach (across the road), Port Fairy’s historical town and buildings (2 mins drive), Griffiths Island & lighthouse (3 mins drive), Tower Hill reserve (20 mins drive), Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village (30 mins drive)

While in Port Fairy, you might like to try…

Just thirty minutes drive away at Warrnambool you’ll find the fantastic historical replica maritime village of Flagstaff Hill (don’t miss the light show!). Take a look at Flagstaff Hill in this video we made during our visit.

Have you ever visited the Great Ocean Road, or do you plan to go one day? Perhaps you have your own suggestions? Tell us in the comments below…

All driving times are approximate and do not include breaks. All information is correct as at July 2018, but prices can fluctuate – check supplied website links for any price and availability changes.
Let’s go Mum were hosted guests at all of the above hotels and paid activities, however all opinions remain firmly our own.

The post Great Ocean Road unique family accommodation stays appeared first on Let's go Mum.

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We’ve just returned from a fabulous trip around Tasmania, and we’d like to share with you some simply amazing accommodation finds you really shouldn’t miss!

We’ll list them in the order in which we stayed at them, because if we had to pick a favourite – well, we simply couldn’t do it! So here we go in no particular order, from 1 to 5…

No.1 – Freycinet Lodge, Freycinet National Park

East Coast – 2 hrs drive from Hobart / 2.5 hrs drive from Devonport

The Freycinet Lodge is a little piece of heaven in of one of the most astoundingly beautiful areas we’ve ever visited – Freycinet National Park. Located just minutes drive from the start of the world-famous Wine Glass Bay walks, this luxurious resort is located within the National Park.

The resort accommodation is made up of wood cabins spread over the expansive grounds, but they are anything but rustic. Our comfortable, modern cabin was fitted out with every comfort. The layout is spacious, and includes a separate second bedroom, living area with a dining table, kitchenette, bathroom, and a garden balcony.

The main guest lodge is impressive in its own right. An architectural marvel, it features soaring timber ceilings, stone fireplaces and a central staircase which leads down to the lounge, bar and two dining areas. One, a casual family-friendly bistro and the other an a-la-carte restaurant.

Outside, a large wrap-around veranda showcases panoramic views over Great Oyster Bay – particularly at sunset. This is when everyone stops in their tracks and gathers to witness the spectacular sunset, which casts not just a ribbon of gold over the water, but also a kaleidoscope of changing colours on the surrounding Hazards mountain range.

If you want to wow yourself, put the Freycinet Lodge on your Tasmania accommodation must-stay-at list.

Things to do near here

Watch the sunset from the resort veranda. Climb the family-friendly constructed path up to the Wine Glass Bay lookout, hike to Wine Glass Bay beach.

Prices

Rooms start from $329 per night for the school holidays

Take a look for yourself – watch our cabin walk-through

Learn more or book at the official website here

No. 2 – Cradle Mountain Hotel

North Western Wilderness – 4 hrs drive from Hobart / 1 hrs drive from Devonport

The Wilderness World Heritage area of Cradle Mountain is like stepping into an incredibly beautiful dream-world. Massive snow-capped mountains with cascading water falls surround the still, still water of the ethereal Dove Lake. Just a short drive away from the national park entrance you’ll find the fabulously comfy and cosy –  yet elegant and impressive – Cradle Mountain Hotel.

This high-quality hotel is set within a beautiful wilderness, and has attractions all of its own to offer guests. The grounds are teeming with unique Tasmanian native animals, including the adorable Pademelons – a small wallaby-type marsupial. These little guys practically knock at your hotel balcony door, begging for some attention! The wildlife odyssey continues with an exclusive rainforest boardwalk directly connected to the hotel. This unique complex is truly at one with nature, whilst sacrificing none of the creature comforts.

Inside, the large main lodge lounge and restaurant areas offer plenty of space to watch TV, play pool, or just relax. Numerous cosy wood fires are also dotted throughout the complex. The hotel rooms are modern, luxurious affairs, some with spa baths, and all with balconies to take advantage of the incredibly picturesque setting.

An impressive gallery is also located on-site, offering activities for the children and exquisite artworks for mum and dad to peruse – plus there is an expansive gift shop. This great hotel has a lot to offer holidaying families.

Things to do near here

Walk around Dove Lake (3-4 hours, mostly level, although with some moderate climbs), trek the Overland Track (you may see wombats here!), visit the Visitor Centre, see Tasmanian Devils and Quolls close up at Devils@Cradle Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary.

Prices

Rooms start from $334 per night for 2 adults & 2 children during the school holidays

Take a look for yourself – watch our room walk-through

Learn more or book at the official website here

No. 3 – Strahan Village

West Coast – 4.5 hrs drive from Hobart / 3 hrs drive from Devonport

Perched up on a cliff over-looking the picturesque village and fishing port of Strahan, Strahan Village is the perfect place to recharge.

This lovely hotel services every need for the weary traveller. Attentive service, great housekeeping, ample parking, a lift to the second floor, a guest laundry – the list goes on. There is a really lovely lounge, bar and restaurant area with panoramic views over the Macquarie Harbour and Strahan township. Breakfast (and dinner too, available seasonally) has the best view in town! It’s not just the main hotel areas which feature the wonderful view, but also many of the guest rooms (including ours).

Even though the hotel is located up on a higher level than the township it is still central. It only takes a couple of minutes to walk down to the town and ship docks via a footpath and stairs – or just a minute to drive.

Our split-level hotel room was absolutely charming. Toasty warm (believe me, this matters in winter/spring when it can get very chilly outside!), there were large, comfy beds with electric blankets, and an ultra-modern bathroom with a fabulous shower.

Located on the lower section of the room, a delightful little sitting area featured a lounge and two arm chairs to relax on, plus a great little free-standing tea/coffee area. I loved this idea – it meant I wasn’t roaming around trying to find a power-point to dangerously perch the hot-water jug near every time I wanted a cuppa. Here also was a floor lamp, large flat-screen TV, and a desk with plenty of power sockets to recharge all of my devices.

Outside, a generously-sized balcony with outdoor furniture was a great place for us to relax and enjoy the view. Not only were we booked onto a Gordon River Cruises cruise, but we could even watch the boat dock from our room!

Our stay at Strahan Village was so cosy and comfortable – it really does tick every box.

Things to do near here

Take a Gordon River Cruises cruise down the Gordon River, or to Bonnet Island, take a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, visit the local Huon Pine sawmills, see the historic (seasonal) live play “The Ship That Never Was” at the Strahan Visitors Centre.

Prices

Rooms start from $89 per night for 2 adults & 2 children during the school holidays

Take a look for yourself – watch our video room walk-through

Learn more or book at the official website here

No. 4 – Salamanca Wharf Hotel

Hobart – 3 hrs drive from Devonport

Located in the most charming and historic area of Hobart, you’ll find the boutique Salamanca Wharf Hotel. This diamond of a hotel is just a stones-throw from the famous Salamanca Markets of Battery Point.

Our top-floor loft apartment was the epitome of style and comfort. A plush main bedroom featured a beautiful pedestal bath, complete with decadent Mor bath crystals – a luxury impossible to resist! More elegant toiletries were to be found in the stylish bathroom – bliss! There was an ultra-modern kitchen with a fabulous array of coffees and teas, and a well-stocked mini bar too.

Elegant bedding with fur throws, leather lounges, large flat-screen mounted TVs – the Salamanca Wharf Hotel is a fabulous spoil-yourself accommodation option which you deserve on holidays – yes you do!

In the morning, if you don’t feel like self-catering you can head straight down to the Salamanca Wharf Café for a delicious breakfast – which is exactly what we did. After filling up at the café, we headed out to explore the surrounding historic buildings, docks and a wonderful variety of craft, specialty and gift shops. With free parking and wifi too, the Salamanca Wharf Hotel is the perfect Hobart base.

Things to do near here

Specialty shop at Battery Point anytime, shop at the famous Salamanca Markets on Saturdays, walk 10 minutes or catch a taxi to the Hobart city centre shopping area. (Mount Wellington summit 30mins drive, Port Arthur Convict Settlement and Tasman Peninsula 90mins drive)

Prices

Apartments start from $250 per night for 2 adults/1 child during the school holidays – larger families can book connecting apartments.

Take a look for yourself – watch our video loft apartment walk-through

Learn more or book at the official website here

No. 5 – Spirit of Tasmania ferry

North Coast – 3 hrs drive from Hobart

Why fly when you can really enjoy your journey to Tasmania? Whilst not strictly speaking a hotel, the Spirit of Tasmania was one of the most fun and adventurous accommodation choices we made on our trip.

You can travel with or without your car, but for us the ease of driving on, enjoying a luxury overnight cruise with cabin, and then driving off at the other side made the Spirit a very easy and convenient option. Taking your car with you also means you can pack it up, with no overweight baggage charges you would incur if you were flying. Plus you save on hire car costs when you arrive.

All common-sense reasons aside, cruising on the Spirit of Tasmania is a fun adventure! You are on a ship, crossing Bass Strait through the night (day cruises may also be available). It’s beautiful, exciting and memorable. The Spirit isn’t just any ordinary ship – this is a way to really enjoy your journey.

Just like any other luxury cruise ship, Spirit has lots of on-board entertainment.  Cinemas, live music bars and lounges, a restaurant and gift shop. You won’t get bored. Then when it’s time to turn-in for the night, head back to your comfy cabin for a good nights rest. We had a four berth port-hole ensuite cabin. With a full moon lighting the way through Bass Strait, we found ourselves just sitting together watching the ship make its way through the night. Memorable? Incredibly so.

Make no mistake – booking onto the Spirit of Tasmania is a fabulously exciting way to start your holiday to Tasmania.

Things to do on-board

Watch the ocean go by, go to the cinema, dine at the buffet restaurant, listen to live music, relax in the light-up lounges, watch TV, play in the games arcades, play on the free play-station centre, take the little ones to play in the play-gym or watch kid’s TV. Special school holidays entertainment is also available.

Pricing

Special school holiday prices start from $156 per night for 2 adults and 2 children one way without a vehicle, right up to around $1500 return for 2 adults & 2 children with a vehicle and cabin/s. Prices and availability vary according to dates, whether or not you take a vehicle and type of cabin selected. Sailings do book up quickly during school holidays, however there are still vacancies as I type – so book fast!

Take a look for yourself – watch a video of our Spirit of Tasmania cabin walk-through and what it’s like to drive onboard here

Learn more or book at the official website here

Have you ever visited Tasmania, or do you plan to go one day? Tell us in the comments below…

All driving times are approximate and do not include breaks. Pricing is based upon the September 2017 school holidays. All information is correct as at September 2017, but prices can fluctuate – check supplied website links for any price and availability changes.
Let’s go Mum were hosted guests at all of the above hotels and Gordon River Cruises, however all opinions remain firmly our own.

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