Hubby and I took the kids away for the weekend. Well it was mainly due to winning a competition from BoundRound, but I am claiming it was all me to the kids.

So what did I win? 

Well I was lucky to get a family pass to Taronga Zoo and two night’s accommodation at The Cremorne Point Manor. What an amazing prize and how lovely that we were able to stay close by when visiting the zoo.

What was it like?

Hubby took Friday off to make it a long weekend, and after kids finished school that day we continued onto the city to check into the hotel. As we drew nearer to the Cremorne Point Manor the houses got more stately and larger.

 

I would say they were not houses, more like mansions. Some were just amazing and I was drooling all the way to our destination. When I make it rich, I know where I want to buy some real estate. Pity that my starting bid would never be close enough! I suppose I need to keep on dreaming.

On arrival the staff at The Cremorne Point Manor were lovely and the place, room and everything was just wonderful. The room was amazing and just right for us and the twins.

We stayed in the family suite and it was just perfect. It gave the kids space and us as well. It was so nice to have our room separate from the kids. The blurb below is from the Cremorne Point Manor’s website:

“The family suite consists of a Queen Bed in one room, and a bunk bed and single bed in the other room. With an ensuite bathroom. This is a perfect room for a family or group of friends. The doors can be closed to allow Parents some peace or left open if you have small children.”

 

Dinner on Valentines

After we settled into our room we rested and then changed to go out to dinner. We decided to have dinner at Mosman Rowers as it was close and caught the ferry one stop and walked the rest of the way.

While we were waiting for the ferry we spied a possum that was not shy about people and daylight. He was busy munching on leaves and other plants and was not bothered by people passing or the kids running around. This possum allowed us to take some pictures of it and seemed to be posing for the camera.

 

The twins had never been on a ferry before so this was a great experience. It was a shame we were only going one stop but they had fun none the less. Dinner was very tasty at Mosman Rowers and the mains came out fast.

However there was a big mix up with dessert for hubby and I and we waited a while and he finally got his and they forgot about mine. We could not wait as it was very late at this stage. When you have kids that are tired and over it, you have to call it a night. On the whole it was good but was upset about missing out on my much waited for dessert. The lady that served us at the bar, gave us a free wine each while we waited, and we thanked her, although we had to leave due to the kids.

We decided to walk back to the hotel and as it was not that far was a good idea. It was a balmy and nice night to have an evening walk. Although kids were tired and whingey they did well to get back to the hotel on foot. I think they loved the adventure.

 

Our day at Taronga Zoo

The kids were taken with the ferry from yesterday but to get one to the zoo we would need to get it from Circular Quay. As we were only a 10 minute drive and the weather was rainy the decision was to drive. Driving also allowed us to be relaxed at the end of the day knowing that we could get in the car and drive quickly back to the hotel.

The twins were very excited about going to the zoo and have told everyone at Kindy that they were going. I also have a song in the car called, “Daddies taking us to the Zoo tomorrow” then it says, “Mummies taking us to the zoo tomorrow” So of course they were singing it all the time. So yes they were very happy to go and see all the animals.

What animals did the kids want to see?

One animal that was on the list to see was a unicorn. I did mention that this might not be there. Yes I know it would not be there, rather than might. I was trying to break it to them gently. So as you probably guessed, we did not see a unicorn. However others that were on the list that we did see were: Zebra, Elephant, Hippo, Monkeys and Crocodiles, and so on.

What was it like when we got to the zoo?

As it was a day of rain and very overcast, I borrowed some umbrellas from the hotel. The morning is when it rained the most but it was mostly heavier drizzle and not that bad. Just enough to get you wet. After a while it passed and most of the day it was not raining so not too bad considering. Hubby purchased a rain coat from the Zoo shop and we were right to go about seeing all the animals.

When we first arrived we went on the sky safari which is the cable car that gives you a bird’s eye view of the zoo and all the animals. The kids loved it and we did a round trip.

 

What shows/talks did we see?

We went to the elephant talk, the seal show and the penguin talk.

How did the kids go walking everywhere?

The kids were very good. I was wearing my fitbit for both days and the day at the zoo I walked well over 10,000 steps so that must have been for hubby and the twins also. Although they were very good they did whinge about their feet and how tired they were. These are the things that were said!

“My feet are sore!”

“My feet are on fire!”

“When are we going back to the hotel mummy?” All while saying what animal they want to see next.

 

What was the food like?

I did think that it would all be deep fried and little choice of what to get. Mostly my experience with these types of outings I am annoyed at the lack of healthy choices.

Taronga Zoo had plenty of fresh and healthy options. They had yummy and tasty food that hubby and I were raving about how great it was and a pleasant change.

My only disappointment was due to the kids complaining that they were hungry and then not eating anything that was given to them.

We ate at The Taronga Food Market. Hubby and I had the pulled beef chipotle burritos and they were so yummy I could have had another. Kids had a salad and an apple with fruit juice.

There was fruit to pack so you can go and see the rest of the zoo, or you can sit and have lunch if you wish, they have thought of everyone.

 

Zoo Shop

A word of warning. Make sure to keep an eye on your kids. Mine were so taken with the moving toy animals (tigers) in the window that they fell. One of my girls had to pat them and this made it fall! Yes they are life sized and we had to get two staff members to help us put them back where they should be. Great shop but such a joy for kids. I only took my eyes of them for a second. You have been warned! Staff were great about it, and I’m sure this happens all the time from their reaction.

Dinner after the zoo

After the zoo we were very tired as you can imagine. We walked all of the zoo and kids were very good although at times annoying due to them whinging but very good considering they are not used to walking great distances.

We got to the car and then made our way back to the hotel. After such a big day, we had a rest and then showered and got ready to go to dinner.

Our dinner destination was The Oaks. It was lovely and although they said they were not very busy they looked hectic. I suppose since there were still tables available in the courtyard and elsewhere that might be the case.

Kids had a cheese pizza, hubby had a steak and I had a burger. I think after such a big day out exploring we were all very hungry. Service was great, and there was nothing to complain about. We had a great time and it was a good place to get a quick meal.

 

Thanks to everyone for making our weekend getaway possible

I would like to thank BoundRound,  The Cremorne Point Manor and Taronga Zoo for making this weekend possible. It was amazing that I won, and could take the kids to the zoo and staying so close made it much easier, especially when we live away from the city. It was a lovely to give the kids this experience and I would love to do it again one day soon.