No Worries!

One thing I've learnt from just a brief stay in Sydney is that Aussies really do say 'no worries' and this epitomises the chilled vibe we've encountered during our stay. After a long flight we made our way to our apartment in Birchgrove..just outside of the centre of Sydney to be met by the owners, Cedric and Caroline who were as friendly and welcoming as anyone could wish for. Cedric even drove us around and dropped us off in the main shopping street so we could grab a coffee and get our bearings. So, overlooking Mort Bay, we found ourself in a peaceful setting for our five days in Sydney. Getting to the centre was achieved by way of a short walk through a park...(called a reserve in Australia) by the side of the bay and then on a Sydney Harbour Ferry under the Harbour Bridge and to Circular Quay...all in 10 minutes. These ferries are like buses for Sydneysiders and an essential form of transport for a city that has spread itself far and wide.

Our 'local' ferry...our apartment is the building in the trees in the background.

Our first full day was spent seeing some of the best known landmarks of Sydney...starting with the Opera House. 

Now whilst the Opera House makes for an impressive spectacle from a distance, to be frank when getting up close its a little shabby. Next to the Opera House are the far from shabby Botanic Gardens. A large green oasis of tropical trees, a haven for the ubiquitous ibis and host to a continuous chorus from cicadas, the gardens are relaxing and offer beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. 

The ibis...a comical looking bird!

Towering over the harbour and the Botanic Gardens is the Central Business District (CBD) which comprises steel and glass skyscrapers which dwarf the few remaining colonial buildings.

Our route however took us to The Rocks..the oldest part of Sydney which had some pleasant looking older buildings and then on to Darling Harbour where we encountered a koala...outside a wild life attraction. Mrs B was happy to have seen a koala up close...although most of the time it had its back to us!

After what seemed like an epic walking tour of Sydney we finished the day on a roof top bar enjoying live music and a cold beer (or two). 

One of the decisions we made on arriving in Sydney was to purchase a multi ticket giving a weeks unlimited use of all buses, ferries and trains. An early start the following morning saw us on a train to Katoomba, heading to the Blue Mountains.  After a short bus trip we purchased tickets for Scenic World..which meant we could ride the world's steepest funicular railway down to the floor of the Jamieson Valley. The walks through the rain forest were wonderful, so many species of trees and we even saw an Eastern Water Dragon.

I persuaded Mrs B. to walk back up to the top of the valley...using a steep cliff side path which includes the Furber Steps..about 900 of them.after about 45 minutes of lung bursting effort we arrived gasping at the top and thankfully saw a kiosk selling chilled water. I couldn't persuade Mrs B. to walk to Echo Point from here ( a mutiny was brewing) so we hopped on a bus and went to take photos of the majestic Three Sisters rock formation.

After another 2 hour return journey on the top deck of a double decker train we arrived tired but happy back in Sydney. 

A resolution to take it a bit easier the next day mindful that a) we'd been cramming a lot into a short space of time and b) it was getting hotter, (30 degrees or more) led to a decision to take a ferry to Manly. After a lovely half hour crossing of Sydney Harbour we arrived to find a typical sea side resort. Ignoring the surfing shops,  a unexpectedly high number of pharmacists and the tacky souvenirs...although Mrs B. was sidetracked a bit, we arrived at the main beach. It was stereotypically Aussie - volley ball nets, surfers and life guards. We settled in the shade to chill and read before having a picnic.

In the afternoon we started a stretch of the Manly Scenic Walkway which gave some stunning views of the coast...

but it was hot and sticky so we only walked a couple of miles before diverting for some cold drinks and a return ferry.

Our last day was spent mooching around Sydney and coffee courtesty of Pie Face. (this is not I hasten to add a new affectionate name for Mrs B...its a chain of Australian coffee shops) before we arrived more by luck than judgement at the Sydney Festival Village..which had an inflatable bouncy stone circle. Sadly only children were allowed on.

Deciding we should seek some shade, another walk through a different part of the Botanic Gardens took us to the entrance to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This was an unexpected treat. There was marvellous aboriginal art, works by European artists as diverse as Rubens, Picasso and Tracy Emin and all presented in spacious galleries.

Aboriginal art and a piece by Tracy Emin at Art Gallery NSW

This concluded a whistle stop tour of Sydney and the surrounding area. We had a flight to catch the following morning so needed time for packing our rucksacks in preparation for our next  destination: New Zealand. Hong Kong and Sydney had been short stop overs en route to NZ, but both cities had left us wishing we had a bit more time in each. We may have to return! For now though Middle Earth was beckoning and the next posting will report on hobbit sightings,  wizards and any rings we might find lying about.