Sydney - Day 3 Part 1: Koala Sanctuary Park & Lisgar Gardens

Time for a longer journey, to the outer skirts of the city.  It's time to see the koalas!

Pennant Hills is a quieter town as compared to inner Syndey.  The local buses take a little longer than expected as most people who commute here drive their own vehicles.

It has a little feel of countryside life as it's much less busier here.

Alight at Pennant Hills stations and take Bus 651 to get to Koala Park. The bus journey is about 10mins which will bring you directly to the Park.

Here I am!  The long awaited close proximity to see koalas at close proximity.  I learnt from a friend who has been living here that koalas are all over the Sydney bridge and they get moved over here by "batters" who bring them down from the bridge.

 Entrance fee is A$26 and there's quite a fair bit of things to see though it's a pretty small park.  I love the koalas who sleep 20 hours a day.  In winter, the eucalyptus leaves are scarce, which are their primary source of food.  See how cosily they sleep; at least I got a shot with the koala here so it's one of those shots of myself.  They've even got a minty smell and their fur has a unique feel of softness.

 

There's a kangaroo enclosure which allows one to get upclose and personal with them.  They're pretty tame and adorable too.  Other animals that can be seen here are the mini penguins, bats, and wallaroos.

Next place to visit will be Lisgar Gardens, tucked in the quiet town of Hornsby.  The train station here is a little like an interchange.  In any case, it's still within walkable distance for me to get to this small garden.

About 15mins' walk and I am here.  It's nicely managed by those living in the county.  Beautiful fauna and flora is set in this place; probably the climate allows these temperate plants to grow well.

 The place closes at 3:30pm so I can't hang out here too long.  Good idea to stop over for lunch nearby, since the town centre is nearby and there's quite a few places for me to pick something to eat.  After looking through, I decided on a burger which should give me enough energy for the next place.

More updates in the next part.  Stay tuned!