Blogs from Sydney Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Oceania

After Cairns, it was back to Sydney. The flight from Cairns left us with half a day, so we decided to explore The Rocks. The Rocks is the area of Sydney that was originally inhabited by aboriginals then by convicts, and for many decades it was a favorite haunt of criminals, prostitutes, and sailors. It is named for the sandstone on which the buildings are built. More recently, it has undergone partial gentrification, and has tourist shops and eating places, as well as two pubs that each claim to be the oldest in Sydney. We chose the Lord Nelson for a wee pint, and then for dinner upstairs, which was surprisingly significantly more upscale. The Sydney Observatory is located here, but we did not have time to visit. This area was once being primed to be ... read more

We took our time getting up and moving today. After mulling over 3 different plans, we opted to going to Wooloomooloo wharf to have breakfast. We sat outside in the sun with blankets on our laps and a heater above our heads. The view was stunning. Walked along the Quay under the bridge next to Sydney Bay to The Rocks Market … under tents where artists and chefs sell their wares … where we proceeded to shop like crazy … buying jewelry, a jacket, Allie’s wedding present & greeting card, gifts and a blouse for Allie’s wedding. They sell kangaroo balls key chains and wine openers. All I could think was: “poor little guys.” Wendy bought a really cool short jacket that makes her look like a rock star. She rocked that jacket the rest of ... read more

Well this is a very unexpected little jaunt we are going on!!! While having breaky with a friend on Friday my beautiful husband booked this last minute cruise, so here we are three days later in Sydney getting ready to head out of the harbor at 4.00p.m. en route to New Caledonia (we haven't been before, so I guess why not??!!). Very cheap cruise can't believe the price but anyway we will see how it all goes, P&O Pacific Jewell - so much for that diet we were embarking on! Luke Mangan's restaurant Salt has a great name so cant wait to book into that. Sailed out of Sydney Harbour around 4.00p.m., such a spectacular harbour, sailing under the harbour bridge is so cool! Already met some really nice people, had the sail away party on ... read more

The Sydney Opera House and the famous bridge were amazing to see the first time. All my life I'd seen photos but now I was actually looking at these sights and I had to pinch myself, It was hard to believe I was actually there!!- Sydney is a lovely, quite modern city, situated on the harbor. For me, the Opera House was what impressed me the most, it's totally magnificent! I couldn't take my eyes off of it! Over the next few days while there, I did have the opportunity to take a tour and hear 'Schumann's 3 & 4 Symphony' in the main theatre. An experience I shall never forget. I also got to walk across the famous bridge crossing Sydney Harbour and walk miles around the city, night and day. Took a ferry around ... read more

Had an great day today - we walked from Coogee to Bondi Beach - took nearly two hours but it was well worth it. We saw some amazing waves. Loved the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks. Then this evening we climbed to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge. An amazing sight from the top. Tomorrow we are off to the Blue Mountains for the next stage of our venture.... read more