Sydney May 2010 Diary

Monday 24th of May

Left Melbourne on Virgin flight 835 leaving at 1045. Left five minutes late due to delays refuelling but made up time to land in Sydney with a tail wind. From Sydney airport caught the train to Town Hall and walked to the Meriton to drop off our bags. We expected to leave our bags and check inlater but they let us check in early. Walked to Darling Harbour and had Subway for lunch. After lunch we walked around the harbour, then across the Pyrmont Bridge and down George Street to buy our weekly rail tickets at Town Hall. Our feet were starting to hurt so we headed back to the
apartment to change our shoes. Later in the afternoon we took a ride on the monorail and then did some shopping in Chinatown. After a short rest in our room, we went out for tea at the hotel over the road. Food was cheap but pretty ordinary. We then made a spur of the moment decision and caught the bus to Circular Quay and then the ferry across to Milsons Point, then Balmain East on to
Darling Harbour. Very pretty seeing all the high rise buildings with their lights on. We then walked back to our room for a quiet evening. We were surprised by how early the sun sets here – we think it is because we are further east than Melbourne. Quite a mild day- about 19 degrees and overcast.

Tuesday 25/5/2010

We slept quite well considering it was the first night. Our bed was comfortable and the room pretty quiet. Had breakfast in our room then found an undercover route to Town Hall station - which was handy as it was spitting rain. Took the train to Bondi Junction, then the bus to Bondi Beach.Walked along the beach end to end and recognised scenes from Bondi Rescue. Didn't see Hoppo or any of the boys today. Had coffee and vanilla slice then on the bus again to Watsons Bay. Dined on excellent fish and chips at Doyles Wharf Restaurant. Had a little walk around the area before taking
the ferry to Circular Quay. What the heck, let's take the ferry to Manly – so we did. Manly reminds me a lot of Coolangatta. The surf beach is similar to Bondi but longer. We did intend to take the bus back to the city but couldn't find the right bus stop for that so we took the ferry back to Circular Quay and then the train to Town Hall. Had a little rest in our room then had left over potato wedges from Doyles for tea. Later on we walked back to Town Hall station and went to Kings Cross for alook around. Pretty quiet tonight.

Wednesday 26/5/2010

Met up with Murray Harding this morning for a little tour around The Rocks and the CBD beforehaving morning tea at QVB. Pouring rain. Back to our room for lunch via the 555 free bus. The afternoon was spent taking the train to Wolstrain to Wolstoncraft to see the Sherrars in Greenwich. Bob didn't look too well. Had afternoon tea there before taking the train back. Anna didoncraft to see the Sherrars in Greenwich. Still pouring raing. Anna did a little shopping while Brad had a look around Central and Strathfield stations. For tea we went to Darling Harbour to Nick's Seafood Restaurant and had the seafood special which included crayfish, crab, prawns, oysters, mussels, calamari,chips and salad. Delicious! Strolled back to our room tolet our meal settle a bit before returning to our room. A pretty wet day but not too cold. Weather report says rain is supposed to clear tomorrow. We'll see.

Thursday 27/5/2010

Raining just a little this morning. Left our apartment and took the train from Museum to Central. From there we took the train to Gosford via Strathfield. The scenery through the hills north of the) city to the Hawkesbury River was spectacular, as was the run next to the river and Brisbane Waters.We had lunch at Gosford which is prettier than we expected. Returned by Intercity to Hornsby where we changed to the North Shore line to travel to Milsons Point. From there we walked acrossthe bridge, through The Rocks, Circular Quay then had afternoon tea at the Opera House. Then we walked through the Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park past St. Mary's Cathedral, then through the cityback to our apartment. Phew, that was a big day. Had tea at a local Spanish restaurant and tried the
tappas. Very nice. We were quite tired after a big day and slept well.

Friday 28/5/2010

A later start today. Anna went shopping around Martin Place while Brad went to the Power House Museum. We met back at the apartment and decided to have lunch at Centrepoint Tower. Took the bus to Market Street. Up the tower to the 360 Restaurant – what a view! The restaurant revolves a full circle about once per hour. They had a special lunch deal which turned out to be very good value and excellent quality. We made the lunch last a full two revolutions. Took the bus from there to Circular Quay and then a ferry ride to Woolcroft and return. Then took another ferry to Darling Harbour and walked back to the apartment. While there, Anna thought she should ring Bob Sherrar to see how he was because he didn't seem too good on Wednesday. We got a shock – he passed away last night. After a little rest in our apartment we took the bus to Circular Quay then walked past the overseas passenger terminal through to The Rocks then back around to the other side of Circular Quay where we had tea at a café next to the Opera House. Tonight was the second night of “Vivid Sydney” which had light shows where well known and historic buildings were illuminated along with art works and stories of early settlement in the area. We walked back along Macquarie Street to see The Conservatory, the library and the fountain outside St. Mary's in Hyde Park. Walked back to our apartment and couldn't wait to rest our weary feet. Today was the best day weather wise – about 19 degrees with periods of sunshine and only a slight breeze.

Saturday 26/5/2010

Sadly, our last day. Woke up to light rain and cool morning. Packed our bags and had breakfast before checking out and leaving our luggage with the concierge. Walked to Circular Quay via QVB, The Strand arcade (1891), Martin Place and Pitt Street. Still light rain. Decided we would get a ferry to get out of the rain so went to Manly and return for our last day on the harbour. When we got back we went back to the Opera House to see if we could get a peek inside by looking in the foyer. That was not to be. All the entrances are roped off not far beyond the entrance. Took the 555 free bus back down George Street to get our luggage from The Meriton. Walked back through Town Hall Square to the station and took the Macarthur train to the airport. Timed it well and before we knew it we were on VH-VOS flying back to Melbourne.

Best Parts Manly Ferry, eating next to the Opera House drinking in the view, the My Multi 3 pass and the – Dinner at Nick's (Darling Harbour), Centerpoint Tower lunch, Watson's Bay, the Meriton apartment.