My visit in Sydney was short, only a full day and a half since I would leave for New Zealand and join another tour. I did see Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair made of rock. Her husband was the Governor at the time and she wanted to be in London, not here in Sydney. She asked that a chair be built and once done she sat there always looking toward London. Does that not look uncomfortable?!
There is much history here as Sydney is the birthplace of Australia. Our tour of the city included Hyde Park, Bondi Beach and The Gap with a ferry ride around Sydney Harbor. Most major cities look the same to me; however, not Sydney. I absolutely loved the Sydney Opera House; it is iconic. It is an architectural masterpiece and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. No indoor photos could be taken. I understand now that even if they are only arranging new stage set, photos cannot be taken because set designs are copyrighted. The “sails”, the history, the beauty of the concert hall and the light that flows into this building is amazing. The exterior tiles were Swedish-made and the glass French-made. If I return to Sydney someday, I definitely will get a ticket for a performance in the concert hall. Unfortunately all were booked 2 months on. The photo below also shows the Sydney Bridge. Future New Year celebrations seen on my television, when fireworks are displayed here in Australia, will bring wonderful memories of being here! Wow!
I was in NZ so missed the night viewing of the Sydney Opera House.
We spent the entire day wandering the city, including Watson Bay Area, and walked the entire Sydney Bridge while others climbed it overhead for $350 plus. We enjoyed a beer (mine a dark ale) and then headed back by ferry. “Tap on, tap off” with our pre-loaded money cards made travel around Sydney very easy on the light rail, ferries and buses. One night we had dinner in Spice Alley and the next night some of us went to a Japanese restaurant. All food was delicious!
My last bird in Australia was an Australian Brush Turkey … #70 of all I saw in Australia. Of course, there are hundreds more birds, but for it not being a birding trip I think I did okay on my own.
Farewell to my fellow travelers and Australia! It was wonderful creating memories! I do not doubt, someday our paths will cross again. Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey with me; however, now I leave you 14 to meet new travelers in New Zealand. Here is an overview map of my travel in the country:
I’m glad you had a good time in Australia. You’ll probably have a great time in New Zealand. Hope you were able to get the Seabands for your water travels. Those are the things that stop sickness. They go on your wrist and can go in the water too. Sure if you had received the last post as I have troubles sending them but enjoying reading them have a great time. Good thing you got a lot of birds I’m sure you’ll see plenty in New Zealand, Catherine always talk about different ones especially The flightless One called the kiwi
The sea bands don’t work for me; however, I did get a patch for behind ear and that med seems to work. Saw Kiwi at egg nest facility. Saw southern cross but no aurora.
Mary. This blog is great. I’m reliving our trip with more insight
Super … and thanks! Travel allows us to learn so much about our world. I hope to travel the world as long as I can! I wish you the same; keep going!