Note: click on photos to see full size
For the first time, I hired a travel company to plan the rest of my trip. It was expensive, but there are some advantages including drivers who meet you at the airport and transport you to the hotel (return trip as well), flight arrangements from Sydney to Melbourne to Adelaide taken care of and included in the price, most activities pre-arranged with a good amount of free time to chill or spend as I please. More than anything else, I found value in having them make a lot of the decisions I would otherwise have to make.
Day 14 – Saturday, January 31
My flight arrived on time, but where’s my driver? Dave showed up about 10 minutes late but made up for his tardiness with an apology, a friendly Aussie disposition, and some great recommendations
Dave delivered me to the Rydges Australia Square Hotel, about a 20 minute drive. It was quite nice with what turned out to be a very good breakfast buffet and free passes to a nearby Anytime Fitness.
Driver Dave suggested visiting Manley Beach, so I headed there after getting settled in the hotel. It was about a 15 minute walk to the ferry, located in the same harbor area as the Opera House. On the ferry I sat next to an Irishman who was visiting his son and his partner. He was a friendly chap and being Irish, I figured he wouldn’t turn down an invitation for a drink. He didn’t, so I joined all three for a Guinness and then explored the area by myself. It was a beautiful day and there were lots bikini-clad girls on the beach (oh, and some guys, too).
I ended the evening with a nightcap at a pub near the hotel. This nice, young lady is an Aussie named Lilly. She introduced herself to me and we had a very enjoyable chat.
Day 15 – Sunday, February 1
Sunday was a full day. I was up early for a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House, which started at 7:00 a.m. There were about 12 of us on the tour including a few Americans. Our tour guide was fantastic and we got to see all seven performance venues, the green room, some of the private dressing rooms, and had a light breakfast in the canteen where staff and performers eat.
After that, met up with a local resident I was in contact with through my Couchsurfing app. Jasmin is Malaysian and had moved to Sydney a few years ago to take care of her aging mother.
She invited me and another local named Aiden to join her for a little picnic on the grounds of the Government House where there is live music once a month. The weather and the grounds were beautiful, and as an added bonus, Jasmin introduced me to the Governor of New South Wales.
After the band stopped, we took a quick tour inside and then took a relaxing stroll through the nearby Botanical Gardens.
That evening, I was scheduled for a Sydney Harbour Cruise. I opted for the provided driver rather than walk because the skies were threatening. Sure enough, as I exited the vehicle, the skies opened up and completely soaked me as I made my way the final 400 meters to the boat.
I did my best to dry off using cloth napkins (no one had a towel). I was aggravated, the entertainment was a cheesy couple with marginal musical talent, the food was mediocre and the amazing sights of the harbor were obscured by fogged-up windows covered in raindrops. Not a great end to an otherwise wonderful day.
Day 16 – Monday, February 2
This was a free day for me with no activities planned by the tour company.
Driver Dave has suggested the famous Coogee to Bondi walk. I headed out about 8:30 a.m. wearing a light jacket in the 64 degree weather. I’m glad I had it as I was hammered by heavy winds throughout the 3.5 mile walk. The views are amazing.
I spent some time exploring the tourist shops near the beach in Bondi and had a fantastic lunch.
I ended the day back in Sydney with a stroll over the Pyrmont bridge.
Day 17 – Tuesday, February 3
Today was a full day trip to the Blue Mountains tour to see the Three Sisters . Unfortunately, one can’t control the weather and after driving over two hours, we found the entire area was shrouded in fog.
During the drive, our host/driver pointed out the cameras on the freeway. In Australia, the use of cameras for law enforcement is quite invasive. They issue tickets for using your phone while driving ($1000 AUS!) and even fine you if anyone in the vehicle isn’t using their seatbelt.
Our first stretch break was about halfway to the destination. We had enough time to grab something to eat. I had a kangaroo meat pie. I wouldn’t order it again.
Despite the fog, it was an interesting day that included a stop at the world’s steepest railway and a nice little zoo on the way back to Sydney.
I returned to Sydney late in the afternoon and headed back to the Opera House for a cabaret show called “Gatsby”. I splurged on a seat near the stage which included some appetizers and a cocktail. Quite the show!
Day 18 – Wednesday, February 4
Now it’s time to fly to Melbourne!
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