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Published: March 13th 2008
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The giant sheep!
on the way to Sydney G'day mate,
It took us about 4 hours to drive the stretch from Canberra to Sydney. We were so excited that we were actually going to be in Sydney! We drove through the outer suburbs to get to a place called Rydalmere, which is where there is a Big4 campsite. We checked in OK and we were really surprised at the quality of the site, it was really luxurious, with a really nice swimming pool, jacuzzi and cooking facilities. It had its very own bird aviary, that had parrots in too! I forgot to mention in the previous blogthat the wild birds are not just any old seagull, they have flying foxes and macaus and lovebirds, sat on the pileons instead of pigeons or something. Classy!
The next day we wanted to get into the city, so with directions that the camp had supplied, we drove to catch the ferry, 15 mins away. You can park your car for free all day which is pretty good. We then jumped onto the ferry to central quay, right between the Sydney bridge and opera house. Its definately the best way to come into the city as the views are amazing! We
didnt know where to start as there was so much to see, so we started at the rocks! The rocks is really pretty with little old shops and cobbled streets with a bustling market, where you can get all kind of cool stuff. Han got some proper Italian hot chocolate as well. The weather was beautiful sunshine, which made everything seem much nicer.
Near to the rocks is the entrance to the sydney harbour bridge climb. As it was so nice, Han convinced me to do the climb that day as the weather was so good. It also didnt give Han to much time to think about what she was about to do so everyone was a winner! We got paid up and got taken through to join the group immediately, which was pretty good. We got given grey jumpsuits, trainers, hats, fleeces, headsets and a harness, it was so well equiped for it! We were shown how to use everything and practices using the harness on a simulator staircase, they made up. Unfortunately you cant take your own camera up, as everything has to be clipped on.
We started out on the bridge just walking along the
the river on the way in on the ferry..
..it was a nice way to get to the city! steel frame to get to some ladders. Hans legs were shaking at the height of just this bit but the excitement far outweighs your nerves. Going up your on your own, I voluntered to go first as their didnt seem to be any takers, Han wasnt too impressed cause that meant she had to go second. Haha! You climb up to the road and actually climb past the traffic on the bridge which was weird but also pretty cool. Eventually we got to the top of the ladders, then you climb the gradual steps, taking breaks with the leader. They take lots of pics with their camera which is good, but it then means you have to buy them. The view when all the up was breathtaking of the opera house and the city, (but you will have to wait to see thouse pics when we get home!). Everyone fell silent because their mouths were open with amazement, it was incredible!
Steph our guide had told us so much information, about the bridge and what you could see from the top, is was really interesting. The decent was fine and the only bad bit for Han was climbing down
the spectacular harbour bridge..
..there was a huge liner in aswel. the ladder, her legs were like jelly but she really enjoyed it! As it was such a nice day, it wasnt too cold from the top just very windy, we were both buzzing afterwards, it felt like an amazing achievement. We brought some phots as a memrobilia as we will probably never do it again.
As we had finished from the bridge climb quite late (It takes 3 1/2 hours to do), and on the weekends the transport is rubbish, we had missed our ferry. So we got one that went to quite near our stop and had to get a cab the rest of the way, to pick up our life (Camper!).
The second day we went back into the city to do some more of the big sights so we got the ferry to circular quay again. We first walked around to one of the most photographed buildings in the world - The opera house! Its huge and with thousands of Swedish tiles sparkiling in the light. It actually weighs more than the bridge, which is quite amazing! Underneath the opera house it dozens of cafes and bars and restaurants, all enjoying the spectacular views and
the buzzing atmosphere! Everyone seems to walk around with an ice cream in their hand, alot of Gelattisimos!
After taking in the views and walking around, we got on the ferry to Darling harbour. Well, this beats expectations also, its just so pretty, momdern and clean. Everyone is just enjoying themselves, it was really nice to be a part of it! The maritime musuem is also located here and free, but it was such a nice day again, we wanted to be out enjoying the rays. We went for another wander up into the city and found the botanical gardens. They were absolutely beautiful, just so green and well kept. The signs in the park read 'Please walk on the grass','Please hug trees' as they really want people to enjoy themselves here!
In the gardens there are ponds, lakes, fountains with statues, parrots, stalks and flying foxes all hung in the trees. The most amazing thing about it is that it was so quiet and the city is 10 mins away! Its kept as neat and tidy as a zoo, just more beautiful. We walked to the bottom to the sea and you can see the amazing views
the Opera house...
like you need to be told what it is! of the harbour, bridge and opera house. There were people running, skating, biking, drinking on the grass, just enjoying themselves, it really is something else. We walked back along the path to the harbour to catch our ferry, we had both causght the sun since being here which is really good seens as though, their winter is just round the corner. When we got back we had a BBQ and got some sleep, after a very full but worthwhile day in Sydney!
Next day we headed to circular quay to get the connecting bus to Bondi beach, which took about 30 mins. Coming down the road towards it, it wasnt quite as impressive as we thought it was going to be. There were lots of people, with shops and cafes lining the top of the beach. The beach itself had soft white sand and some huge clear blue waves, which was awesome. We spent the day topping up our tans and was nice to chillax after a hectict couple of days. When we got back we both jumped straight in the shower ready for tea.
The following day, which was even hotter than the last, we enjoyed the
amenities of our site using the pool and jacuzzi, which was really nice. We didnt get many pool days in Bali so this was one of them, so it was good to enjoy the sun and pool. Very nice! We had both really enjoyed Sydney and definately a place we will try to get back to.
Party on dudes
Rob and Han x x x x x x x
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