Sydney

We didn’t intend spending very long in Sydney as we had been there when we came out two years ago but as usual our plans were changed due to circumstances beyond our control although this time for good reasons and not because we had broken down. We found a reasonably priced campsite within easy commuting on public transport into the city. We decided to spare no expense and bought a weeks bus, train and ferry ticket.
Determined to get our monies worth the first day we went to Parramatta on the rivercat. A lovely suburb to the west of Sydney and as difficult as it may be to believe now one of the first farm settlements in Australia. There are still several original buildings to be seen. The following day we took the ferry over to Manley. A lovely suburb to the north of the city with a great beach. We walked along the beach to North Head and through some of the Sydney Harbour Nation Park. It was then down to the wharf and a walk around the bay. Day three we went to Government House and went on all of the public transport ferries around the harbour. It was then on to the local ‘Fishos’ club of the evening where it turned out to be presentation night. After a meal of lobster, oysters and prawns with various salads there were presentations of trophies for all types of fishing from youngsters to seniors and then it was time for a dance or two. A good time was had by all (or so they all said the next day after a few painkillers and the hair of the dog). Day four started a bit late due to the fact that we aren’t used to going to bed much after 9.00pm. We decided to do a quick trip to Bondi beach which as it was Sunday was packed! Day five it was off to Olympic park and the Telstra Stadium. We walked all round the various venues for the 2000 games and then went on a tour of the Telstra Stadium where St Jonny won us the rugby World Cup. While we were there it was mentioned that there was going to be an AFL match on Friday between the Sydney Swans and ‘some team from Adelaide’ and best of all it was free. We had to stay for it. Day six was off into the city and a long walk round the sights and pubs. Day seven we had chores to do.
We then had to decide whether we would leave or stay for the footie. We then realised that the Harbour Bridge was celebrating its 75th birthday on the Sunday so we decided to stay for that too.
We spent day eight driving down the coast to Bulli via Sublime Point and Bulli Point. We then drove back through the Royal National Park and then to Botany Bay and Cronulla where Capt Cook first landed in 1770. Day nine was spent resting our feet and saying good-bye to the folks in the Fisho’s Club. Our last day we spent in the city again. We started at the Australian Museum, went to the pub to watch the Australian Grand Prix and then on to the bridge walk to say ‘Happy Birthday’ to the Coathanger as the bridge is known here. It was then a quick walk round the Rocks which is the area just under the bridge and then up George Street to get some food. We then jumped on the train to Circular Quay to get a few photos of the Bridge all lit up. We were exhausted.