Hop Aboard The Boomerang Line At The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo For An Australian Adventure
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 19, 2020
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Do you find yourself often considering awesome locations around Cleveland for future field trips? You’re not alone! Locals love to get out of the house, and there is so much to do around Northeast Ohio that the possibilities seem endless.
There are even opportunities to experience international culture without leaving The Land, as is the case of cultural hubs like Little Italy, assemblages like the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, and landscapes like the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Did you know you can ride a train at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo? On pleasant days, you’ll feel like you’re on an exotic tour of the untamed Australian Outback. This is one excursion you’ll want to keep in mind for your next adventure!
All aboard! Today we're going to embark on an excursion through the Australian Outback without ever leaving Cleveland.
Way back in 1882, Cleveland's zoo was founded in what is now Wade Park. It featured mostly local animals, like deer, until monkeys, sea lions, and other exotic animals were introduced decades later. Eventually, the Cleveland Metroparks assumed management of the zoo in 1975 and things have been smooth sailing ever since.
Your adventure starts in the Australian Adventure portion of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
As you arrive in this eclectic portion of the park, you'll feel miles away from home. The Australian Adventure encompasses features like the Reinberger Homestead and a Yagga Tree with a snake slide.
As you embark on your journey, you'll see that kangaroos and wallabies are commonplace in the Australian Adventure. And, thanks to these cool ears, you can pose for a picture that you will always cherish.
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And you can also hop on the Boomerang Line for a bit of relaxation.
Assuming the weather is cooperative, you'll enjoy a trip through the Australian Outback on this train. All the while, you'll pass critters that you wouldn't typically encounter on a traditional train ride in Ohio.
Aside from size, do you know what makes a kangaroo and a wallaby different? Both are marsupials with pouches, but wallabies tend to have splotchier coats (with shades of red, gray, and blonde mixed in) whereas kangaroos have a more even coat.
Oh, and sit back, relax, and enjoy a view of the Northeast Ohio greenery.
Though you'll feel like you are on a tropical excursion a million miles away from home, you'll appreciate the opportunity to admire the vibrant trees and flowers along the way. As October approaches, this ride only grows more beautiful.
After you've rested your legs on the train, you might enjoy a visit to indoor attractions like Gumleaf Hideout.
