NSW: Taronga tops Sydney's favourite attraction list

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2009
NSW: Taronga tops Sydney's favourite attraction list

By Lisa Martin

SYDNEY, Aug 26 AAP - The loud pitter patter of baby elephant feet has helped Taronga
Zoo claim the title of Sydney's favourite attraction.

The zoo won 24 per cent of votes in the Sydney Chamber of Commerce's annual favourite
things survey of the city's inhabitants.

The birth of Asian elephant calf Luk Chai in July has also boosted zoo visitor numbers,
with Sydneysiders and tourists flocking to Taronga since his arrival.

Sydney Opera House came second in the survey of most popular attractions, with 22 per
cent of votes, followed by the Sydney Harbour Bridge/ Bridge Climb on 18 per cent.

And it seems visitors prefer trees to waves, with the Royal National Park securing
12 per cent of votes ahead of Bondi Beach on eight per cent.

But Taronga is set to retain its top status for some time due to a pachyderm baby boom,
with two other elephants at the zoo expected to give birth in 2010 and 2011.

Zoo spokesman Mark Williams said the zoo's profile also increased due to its participation
in a behind-the-scenes documentary on the Seven Network called The Zoo.

"The zoo can be like an iceberg. You see the top but you don't know about the remarkable
things going on underneath," he said.

"We've been part of a national television documentary ... and that's been very motivating
for people."

Meanwhile Circular Quay and The Rocks came up trumps as a favourite part of the city
with 49 per cent of votes.

Palm Beach and Manly are joint holders of Sydney's favourite beach title, sharing 17
per cent of the vote. Bondi had 15 per cent.

New Year's Eve and Australia Day were voted Sydney's favourite annual events, both
receiving 25 per cent of votes.

Sydney Chamber executive director Patricia Forsythe said the survey results were not surprising.

"The results show that Sydney's heart and soul continues to be based around the harbour
with the zoo, harbour bridge, opera house, Circular Quay and The Rocks continuing to dominate
the survey," she said.

AAP lpm/evt/mmr

KEYWORD: FAVOURITE (WITH FACTBOX)

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