Taronga Zoo -- also one of the most unique places to stay in Sydney.

We rarely visit zoos.  Much less sleep at them.  

But in the case of Sydney's Taronga Zoo, we're willing to make an exception.

First of all, getting there is one of the most memorable travel experiences in the world.  You take a 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay across Sydney Harbour, passing the spectacular Opera House en route.  

Then you take the Sky Safari cable car from the ferry dock up to the zoo entrance.   On a pretty day, the views are absolutely breathtaking.  Surely, Taronga can claim the best real estate of any zoo in the world.

Of the nearly 400 species at the zoo, many are indigenous to Australia and found only here.  You'll see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, little penguins, bilbies, red pandas, snow leopards, plus birds, reptiles, and other critters you‘ll see nowhere else.  

You can even have your picture taken with a koala.  If you're lucky, you'll spot a platypus in their pool.  Don't miss the chimpanzees, the orangutan forest, the nocturnal house, and the elephant born July 4, 2009 -- the first ever born in Australia.

For a once-in-a-lifetime sleepover, spend the night in Taronga's deluxe tented camp -- Roar and Snore.   The experience includes a tricked-out safari tent with views of Sydney Harbour, drinks in the main tent, a buffet supper, a two-hour zoo hike with guide, and up-close and personal animal encounters.  

This next morning, you'll likely awaken to all sorts of roars, grunts, and growls.  Your morning shower comes with unbelievable views of the Harbour Bridge.  Then, after breakfast, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at zoo life.  

Roar and Snore is available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights and nightly during school holiday periods.  Advanced reservations are essential.  Visit http://www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo/education/sleep-@-the-zoo/roar--snore.aspx for more information.

And for more great things to do in Sydney, check out our itinerary.

Find more Sydney accommodations here.

Images Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennifrog