SYDNEY TOWER

I have chosen the Skywalk experience as the most interesting part of the Sydney Tower Eye website, which It’s in the "Tickets & Passes" section, because it offers a unique and thrilling way to see the city. Unlike a regular observation deck, this experience allows visitors to step outside at 268 meters high, walking on a glass-floor platform with nothing but air beneath them. 

Normally, the Skywalk experience costs $95 for adults and $75 for children. However, for a limited time, they are offering a Private Valentine's Day Skywalk experience, priced at $400 per couple. This exclusive experience allows couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day alone with stunning views. 

https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/tickets-passes/tickets/skywalk/

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

At the Royal Botanic Gardens, you can dedicate a bench with a personalized plaque for 10 years, costs a minimum of £5,000.

As a Kew member, you’ll receive the award-winning Kew Magazine as part of your annual membership benefits. It is published three times a year and available to members for free in both print and digital formats.

I have chosen carnivorous plants because I find them fascinating because of their unique way of surviving. Instead of getting nutrients from the soil, they trap and digest insects to feed themselves. At Kew Gardens, you can see different types, like: Venus flytraps and Pitcher plants. You’ll find these amazing plants in the Princess of Wales Conservatory and other areas of the gardens.

THE ROCKS

The Rocks of Sydney, commonly referred to simply as The Rocks, is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in Sydney. It is located on the southern shore of Sydney Harbour and is easily accessible from hotels, hostels, and tourist areas. The Rocks Markets do not open on weekdays. They are only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm.

To reach The Rocks via public transportation, you can take buses that travel through the Central Business District along Elizabeth Street. This specific bus service runs periodically from 10am to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays. If you take this bus, get off at Bridge Street and walk north to reach The Rocks. There are also bus stops along Alfred Street.

I chose Rockhounds because I love stores that offer authentic, locally sourced products with a story behind them. The fact that the owners are so passionate that they even have their own black opal meaning operation makes it even more special. Their collection of black, white, and Queensland boulder opals is one of the finest, and I find the uniqueness of each piece fascinating. 

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour was a common industrial port in Sydney. In 1980, it was decided to transform it into a recreational and cultural center. Due to this amazing transformation, nowadays this place is known for its unique beauty and the thousands of activities it offers, such as visiting the Sydney Convention Center, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Lyric Theatre, going shopping, or exploring Barangaroo Reserve.

There are plenty of activities to choose from, but among them all, I believe the most exciting one is visiting the aquarium. This incredible destination offers a wide range of engaging experiences and expeditions for visitors. There, you can admire over 13,000 animals, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks, and even witness different species being fed throughout the day. One of the highlights is the glass tunnel, where you can walk beneath giant rays and sea turtles as they glide overhead. If you’re an animal lover, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to learn more about their behavior and ecosystems.

The Shark Dive Xtreme experience is the activity I loved most. It is an adrenaline-filled adventure where you dive into a giant tank alongside grey nurse sharks, stingrays, and other marine creatures. It’s thrilling to be just centimetres away from these  animals while feeling completely safe under expert supervision. I highly recommend this unique experience!

https://www.visitsealife.com/sydney/tickets-passes/experiences/shark-dive-xtreme/

Hyde Park Sydney Thinking Routine

 In the picture, I can see a beautiful park with big trees and green spaces. The sun is shining, and the park looks peaceful and relaxing. There is a large outdoor chessboard with oversized black and white pieces and several people are around. Some are focused on the game, while others seem to be enjoying watching it. There are also people in the background who are sitting and talking.

I think some of these people come to the park regularly to play chess. They might meet here every day or every weekend to enjoy the game and spend time together. Others could be visitors passing by.

Hyde Park in Sydney offers many activities such as walking, having a picnic, and visiting its gardens. There is a playground for children and sports areas. The park also features historical monuments like the Archibald Fountain.

In my city, I don’t have a giant chessboard like the one in the picture, but there are public spaces where people can meet to play games or do outdoor activities. Some parks have tables for table tennis, sports fields or children areas.

When I go for a walk with my friends, we usually go to a nearby park. Once we get there, we like to spend the evening just sitting on a bench. We talk about all kinds of things: like how our day went, funny stories, or plans for the weekend. I really enjoy being in the park with my friends. It makes me feel at peace.

I don't usually play sports in a park now, but when I was a child, I used to play basketball there with my friends. It was always so much fun, and we would spend hours playing until it got dark.

LISTENING

I got 16 out of 21 in the listening about Australia, and although it’s a good result, I feel I could have done better. With more practice, I’m confident I can achieve even better results next time. Mistakes are part of improving, and I’m determined to use this as an opportunity to get better.

Look, there’s a koala over there!

Taronga Zoo, located in Sydney, Australia, is one of the country's most famous zoos. It opened in 1916, it offers a chance to see a wide variety of animals from around the world. The zoo also plays an important role in wildlife conservation and education, with programs aimed at protecting endangered species. 

A group of eight teenagers of 14 years old can save $24.80 if they buy their tickets online. Because the online price for a child (ages 4-15) is $27.90, which is cheaper than the gate price of $31.00.

It is possible to spend a night at Taronga Zoo. The zoo offers two types of accommodation: Wildlife Retreat and Roar and Snore. Wildlife Retreat is a luxurious eco-retreat which offers an immersive experience surrounded by nature, where you can stay close to native animals like koalas and echidnas​. Roar and Snore is safari-style experience where guests can enjoy intimate animal encounters, fascinating talks, and stunning views of Sydney Harbour​. 

Wild Australia experience includes a small guided group led by a keeper, a chance to take photos with koalas in their enclosure using your phone or camera, and all-day access to the zoo.

Visitors can enjoy a unique experience while learning about animals and the environment, so I think it worths a visit, especially if you love animals. I would recommend it to my friend Alicia, who is the biggest nature lover I know.