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…

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The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is currently offering some wonderful Disney experiences for the family.

A magical Disney Beauty and the Beast experience

The Sofitel Sydney Beauty and the Beast High Tea is a dreamy Disney delight! This special Disney-Sofitel collaboration has resulted in the transformation of the entire hotel lobby into a magical Beauty and the Beast world.

Bunches of red roses are everywhere. TV screens feature Beauty and the Beast scenes. A stunning Belle gown replica is on display in a giant glass case, and there is even a “Belle’s Reading Corner” – a cosy area to sit in a comfy arm chair and read your favourite Disney story book.

The Beauty and the Beast High Tea

The High Tea itself is held in the Soiree, located just inside the hotel, next to the main front entrance. We were warmly welcomed upon arrival, and shown to our elegant table.

Our table was situated next to floor-to-ceiling windows, which gave us a fascinating view of the bustling city outside. Nearby another mother and daughter were also enjoying some special time together, sharing a Beauty and the Beast High Tea.

The beautifully set table was completely charming – a delicate gold runner stretched the length of the table. Red napkins rolled into the shape of roses were tucked into gold-gilt, whimsical tea cups and saucers.  A red rose encapsulated within a glass dome rested on a pile of leather-bound books – inspired by the Beauty and the Beast movie. We almost expected Belle to appear and pull up an arm chair!

The service was indulgently attentive – orders were taken for our choice of beverage. The girls chose hot chocolates and soon these, and a coffee for mum, were on the way. We were being thoroughly spoiled – and we loved it!

The drinks arrived, and then a three-tiered cake plate was presented, loaded with an abundance of scrumptious delicacies. The girls could hardly believe their eyes – was all this truly for us?! They were thrilled!

A very helpful wait-staff attendant described each delectable treat to us, and then we tucked-in. All of them tasted just as gorgeous as they looked.

Here is a short video to show you what our Beauty and the Beast High Tea was like…

There were warm scones, savoury tarts, and Angus beef and salmon sandwiches to start with. Then we moved up a tier into the sweetest of yummy treats. Cheese cake morsels, cream-puffs, strawberry tarts and macaroons. Pink and red, some even topped with gold flake, soon disappeared – popped into the mouths of little girls.

There was so much variety and number of savouries and cakes. We all summarily disposed of such a lot, yet somehow there was still a respectable amount left over!

We chatted, giggled, nibbled and sipped, watching the world go by. It was a lovely, pleasant time to share together as a family.

What a magical Beauty and the Beast High Tea experience we had with Sofitel Sydney!

You don’t need to end your Disney adventure here – why not delight your family and make a weekend of it? Read about our next fun Sofitel Sydney Disney experience – the Disney Family Fun Package here.

Sofitel Sydney Beauty and the Beast High Tea useful info

We experienced a Beauty and the Beast High Tea
Priced at *$69 per adult and *$29 per child, including a Beauty and the Beast activity set.

*All prices are correct as at April 2017

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
61-101 Phillip Street Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000
Tel: +61 (02) 9228 9188
Fax: +61 (02) 9228 9133

Parking is available beneath the hotel at an additional cost.

You’ll find more information at the official Sofitel Sydney Wentworth website here

The Let’s Go Mum family were hosted as invited guests of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. As always, all opinions are our own.

Do you have any little Disney fans at your house? Tell us in the comments below…

The post Sofitel Sydney Beauty and the Beast High Tea appeared first on Let's go Mum.

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a five-star hotel located right in the centre of the Sydney CBD. Heritage-Listed, this deluxe hotel is offering some very special family packages right now!

“Be Our Guest!”

From the moment you enter the Sofitel Sydney hotel lobby, you can’t help but notice that the hotel has been transformed into an elegant Disney wonderland.

A decorative, beautifully set tea-table complete with romantic roses, fine china and gold embellishment, features in the centre of the lobby – a reminder that the Sydney Sofitel is currently featuring yet another Disney treat for families – the Beauty and the Beast High Tea.

Next to the reception desk, a mystical red rose housed in a glass dome – just like the one in the Beauty and the Beast movie – takes pride of place. The children were drawn to it like moths to a flame.

A beautiful Belle ball gown dress replica can be found on display in one corner of the lobby, and Belle’s Reading Corner, complete with comfy arm-chairs, dress-ups and story books in another.

The Sofitel Wentworth Sydney has really gone all-out with its amazing Beauty and the Beast theme – and it’s just fabulous.

The Disney Family Fun Package

More delights awaited us in our luxurious Disney Family Fun Package room – an accommodation package inspired by the classic Beauty and the Beast tale. This was a fairy tale family getaway indeed.

The girls were excited to discover gorgeous pink cup cakes, topped with red sugar-roses. Beauty and the Beast story books and colouring book gifts were laid out on one of the tables. More surprises were to come – the most enchanting Bluetooth speaker-come-night-light was part of the room decoration – here is a video to show it to you!

You can connect to the speaker with your smart phone via Bluetooth, or just play the built-in Beauty and the Beast theme music. (This high-tech Disney marvel was available for purchase from the front desk for $249).

The extra fun of the Disney-Sofitel family package is a real delight for any little Disney princess or prince – and even us big Disney fans!

Our Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Superior hotel room

Take a walk around our Superior hotel room by watching the video below

Our room itself was beautifully decadent. The twin double beds were plush and comfortable, and the furniture was modern and elegant. There was a large flat-screen TV, a desk and a lounge situated by the window.

The view from the 9th floor window was a sky-scraper city-scape leading down to the hotel roof-top gardens. Even though you are staying in the Sydney CBD, the rooms are well sound-proofed – we couldn’t hear any street noise at all.

Tea and coffee items were supplied in a fold-away cabinet, and a mini bar-stocked fridge was located beneath it. A large cupboard offered hanging space for clothes, and contained luxury bathrobes, a safe and an iron.

The Superior Room ensuite bathroom

The bathroom ensuite was perfect for our needs. Ultra-modern and clean with a good shower, bath and plenty of vanity space.

There were fluffy towels, a hairdryer and complimentary luxury toiletries provided.

Belle’s Reading Corner

We had been so charmed by Belle’s reading corner (the historic Wentworth library) when we first arrived that we decided to head back downstairs and spend some time there.

The girls enjoyed getting into the Beauty and the Beast spirit by dressing up in the supplied Disney Belle dresses and reading the Beauty and the Beast story books there.

Belles Reading Corner is also a great place for parents to relax with a tea or coffee – you can order café items via an elaborate antique telephone on one of the tables there – perfect!

Eventually we headed back up to our room where we all had a very sound sleep (beautifully comfortable hotel beds – bliss!) until we had to be up at 5am for an early spot on the Today Show (watch it here). After the show, we headed straight back to the hotel for breakfast.

Superior Service

The staff at the Sofitel really are a cut above. From the warm welcome from hotel reception to the breakfast room staff, we were so well looked after by polite, caring and attentive staff – we wanted for nothing our entire stay. The children were even given a gorgeous teddy-bear each by the breakfast manager as a cheer-me-up when one of the girls took a tumble on the way in to breakfast – they were very thoughtful and kind.

Breakfast in the Garden Court Restaurant

The Garden Court Restaurant was a very pleasant place to eat Breakfast. Staff welcomed and seated us straight away, and before I knew it I had been furnished with a hot cup of barista coffee.

We were all well-provided for with a great range of breakfast food choices. Cereals (including Cocoa Pops for the kids), juices, fruit, cheese, yoghurt and a hot buffet – complete with Chef! (Don’t miss the honeycomb honey collector too!)

The outdoor courtyard gardens

Immediately outside of the breakfast room we found access to the courtyard rooftop gardens. This was such a unique feature of this historic hotel. Geometrically laid-out, we had been able to see it from our room, and now the gardens served as a place for the children to explore while I got to finish my coffee and catch-up on some news.

After we had all re-charged and relaxed at breakfast, we were able to return to our room to unwind for half an hour, thanks to requesting a late check-out at 12pm – again, Sofitel staff couldn’t be more facilitating.

The Sofitel Disney Family Fun Package had been a wonderful experience for the whole family. What a magical Disney stay we had had with Sofitel Sydney!

You don’t need to end your Disney adventure here – read about our next fun Sofitel Disney experience – the Beauty and the Beast High Tea here.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth useful info

We stayed with Sofitel on a Disney Family Fun Package
Priced *from $379 per room, per night
Includes Superior class accommodation, welcome gifts, buffet breakfast and free dinner for one child per room under 12

*All prices are correct as at April 2017

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
61-101 Phillip Street Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000
Tel: +61 (02) 9228 9188
Fax: +61 (02) 9228 9133

Parking is available in a parking station underneath the hotel at an additional cost.

You’ll find more information at the official Sofitel Sydney Wentworth website here

The Let’s Go Mum family stayed as invited guests of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. As always, all opinions are our own.

Haveyou ever visited Sydney on a family holiday? What did you enjoy doing there? Tell us in the comments below…

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Win have 3 x family passes to different Spot On Children’s Festival shows and films to give away!

The school holidays are coming around again, and there’s so much going on in Sydney at the Spot On Children’s Festival!

Single parent discounts

Riverside Theatres in Parramatta is offering special reduced prices to single parent families to their Spot On Children’s Festival shows and films.

Circus Oz’s spectacular fun show- But Wait…There’s More is suitable for people aged 8 to 80. Tickets to this show are available for single parent families at $20 (both kids and adults).

Ali McGregor’s Jazzamattaz is an hour of jazzy beats and pop classics that gets children singing, prancing, twisting and dancing. Tickets available to single parent families for $15.

Curious Jac is a show for kids 4-9 years old, especially those with lots of questions about the world. Tickets available to single parent families for $12.

The Sydney Symphony Fellows are inviting everyone to come to their show Sorcerers and Wizards dressed as a sorcerer, a wizard or your favourite magical character. All tickets to this show are available to single parent families for $10.

In order to access these prices, a code word is required when booking tickets. The code word is:

FAMILY

The code word can be used for bookings online, over the phone or in person. Please note that when booking online, the discount is calculated after the code word has been entered- these prices are not visible to the general public.

We hope Spot On Festival can provide a little magic, fun and time for memory making for your families.

Read more at the website here: https://riversideparramatta.com.au/category/whats-on/family/spoton2015/

Enter our competition to win 1 of 3 family passes to see shows and films at the Children’s Festival!

We’ve teamed up with the Riverside Theatre to give away three family passes of four tickets each to see three great shows and films showing during the Spot On Children’s Festival!

Curious Jac – 1 x family pass – 4 tickets to the Curious Jac show on Sat 3 August at 10.30am. Valued at $58 – read more here… https://riversideparramatta.com.au/show/curious-jac/

Big Hero 6 – 1 x family pass – 4 tickets to our screening of the film Big Hero 6 on the big screen  Tuesday 29^th of September at 10am. Valued at $48.00 – read more here… https://riversideparramatta.com.au/show/big-hero-6/

Jazzamattaz – 1 x family pass – 4 tickets to Ali McGregor’s Jazzamattaz to the Thursday 1 October 10am show- valued at $66.00 – read more here… https://riversideparramatta.com.au/show/ali-mcgregors-jazzamatazz/

Enter our competition here!
Win a family passes to the Children’s Festival

For more information about Spot On Children’s Festival shows, go to the Riverside Theatre Parramatta Website here

Would you like to go to the Children’s Festival? Tell us in the comments below!

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