Sydney

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We arrived at 7 am after another overnight flight ( nine hours) on Saturday. We decided to go on the city tour to get our bearings around Sydney which took us to see all the main sites and down to Bondi beach.as well. It was really blowing a gale there and the waves were huge. Of course the place was full of young surfers doing their thing, but after serious thought we decided not to join in!!! We had some fantastic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge but we decided not to climb it. We saw the Opera House, the Rocks and Darling Harbour which we intend to explore tomorrow.

Today (Sunday) is Australia Day and there are lots of events going on in the city and out in the harbour. Many streets have been closed and displays and events are taking place in a lovely carefree atmosphere . We have had a great day walking around taking in all the sites. We walked through the Botanical Gardens which are beautiful , visited the Hyde Park Barracks Museum which told the story of the first convicts and the development of Sydney. We are sitting in the Opera House having just had a fantastic guided tour of this truly remarkable building. The waterfront is full of a bustling crowd all celebrating Australia Day and the harbour is full of boats of all sizes , fly pasts of jets even the Australian Prime Minister all here as part of this special day.......aren't we lucky to be here for this?

We are now 11 hours ahead of Uk time.

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Photos

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Opera House

Bondi Beach

Comments

[Jo]

Australia Day
Hi Penny and Chad So pleased to hear you have arrived safely and are taking in the sights. Great photos! Enjoy! Love Jo and Graham x

[Anthony Jevons]

Sydney
Your pics and comments are brilliant! I stayed in the Holiday Inn at The Rocks, with the Bridge behind and the harbour and Opera House in front! I loved my stay it was so friendly and welcoming,hope you continue enjoying yours! Tony.

[Helen & Dave]

Wow!!
Iconic photos!!! Brought back fabulous memories for us.You are seeing all the best bits of Sydney. I hope you manage to get the ferry over to Manly. Can't wait to see you and compare notes :o) xxx PS. Looking at these I think what the hell are we doing in rainy England. Must be mad!!!!

[Helen & Dave]

Bondi
Chad, we were hoping to see a photo of you in your budgie smugglers at Bondi !!!

[Joyce]

Hiya from cold Uk
Hi Penny and Chad You certainly are having a great time love the photos. Fancy catching Australia Day ...what a bonus...love the blog. Have you seen that koala yet Pen? xxxxx

[Janine Jones]

Great beaches
G'day! Looks and sounds like you are having a wonderful trip. Try heading to Balmoral beach for great views, beautiful scenary and lovely cafes. A trip to the Blue Mountains is a must. Enjoying reading your news, take care, love Janine&Stephen.

[Brian and Ann]

Holidaying down under
Sounds and looks like you\'re having a wonderful time.

[Ken]

up the villa
Looks like you are having a fantastic holiday, villa won 4-3 after going down 2 goals after 6 mins but i suppose you already know, roll on New Zealand