WILD LIFE Sydney

Meet Rex, a 4.8-metre saltwater crocodile. Once upon a time, Rex lived happily in the Northern Territory feeding on local pet dogs. He was captured and placed into a crocodile farm near Darwin but fortunately for us, he had a habit of feasting on his co-inhabitants (he ate two other crocs), and was moved to his new home as the main attraction at Sydney Wildlife World in Darling Harbour.

Sydney Wildlife World is home to more than 130 different species of Australian land animals displayed over three levels. As you walk in the main entrance, the first stop is the butterfly habitat, but before you know it you're surrounded by the world's most venomous ants, spiders and scorpions. When you feel your skin start to crawl, don't exhale yet, because next up it's reptiles. The Scrub Python is the largest snake in Australia and the Inland Taipan is the most venomous, producing enough venom in one bite to kill 100 humans. 

Let your eyes adjust and spend some time in the Nocturnal habitat before venturing through the Kakadu Gorge habitat. Watch the growth cycle of an unhatched crocodile on screen before stepping down to see one of the world's largest crocs in The Last Living Dinosaur exhibit. The water is chest level and the only thing separating you from Rex's ravening jaws is a pane of glass. This animal is truly incredible and most likely the biggest living croc you will ever see.

The Rainforest habitat houses the Cassowary, the world's second largest bird that stands 1.8 metres; they have been known to fatally lash out at humans when provoked. Around the corner are the Wallaby Cliffs followed by the Semi-Arid Grasslands habitat where the kangaroos laze around. Before you walk outside to inhale the nectar of the koala's eucalyptus trees, stop and see if one of Wildlife World's specialists has a live snake displayed for you to pat.

In a town of skin lattes, small bars and MasterChef, it's easy to forget we inhabit a mere fingernail of the entire continent we've taken over, and what's out there is ancient, wild and untamed. A visit to this CBD bestiary will put things into perspective in short order. Julia Ivins