The last night in Sydney we went out to the aquarium. We were all rather tired at this point, but decided to do it anyway. There was a handy ferry from the circular quay to the aquarium and as we had all day rover tickets (funday sunday!) we went. There was quite a lot to see, but we were all rather tired, so didn't really give it the attention it deserved. Onwards now to New Zealand. ... read more

A tour of the inside of the opera house We had a guided tour of the opera house today. They do an hours tour inside,but unfortunately the two main stages were occupied so we couldn't see them. We did get to see two of the smaller stages, various parts around the inside and outside of it, and some of the special rooms. They have a clever system where everyone gets a headphone and receiver, and the guide has a microphone and radio transmitter, so you can hear her clearly in all locations. We also had our photos taken and made into a postcard, together with a DVD of the opera house. It is certainly an impressive building, and had its fair share of controversy during its construction. They didn't originally know how to build what was ... read more

Today we went to the Taronga zoo. To get to the zoo we had to go on a ferry across Sydney harbour. Our ferry was called Sirius. We sat outside on the top at the back and it took 12 minutes. When we got to the other side we went on a bus to the zoo. We went and saw lots of animals such as platypus (the plural of platypus is platypus not platypii according to the keeper), echidnas, kangaroos, wallabys, crocodiles, deer and lots of reptiles and nocturnal creatures. We also saw an elephant being trained. One of its tricks was to spray water around, which it did and got mum.... read more

We are finally here! The 14 hour flight from Dubai to Sydney was too long. They did have some good games and movies though. We had three meals on the plane and they came on trays sealed in plastic containers. When we got to Sydney we couldn't get off the plane because a passenger had to have an ambulance crew come and help them. We took a taxi to the Old Sydney hotel which is where we are now. They have a swimming pool and a jacuzzi on the roof from where you can see the opera house and Sydney harbour bridge... read more

Tommorow we start. It was my last day at school today. I said goodbye to all my friends. Simon went into his class and said goodbye to his friends as well. Tommorow we have a taxi coming to us to pick up our luggage and take us to the airport. We are flying from Birmingham and stopping at Dubai which will take 7 hours. Then we change planes on to an Airbus A380 (a double decker plane) for 14 hours before landing in Sydney(see map). Mum is dreading it!!... read more