Sidney:
- (Wed 26th evening flight DJ 1428 reached SYD around 10 PM.) All the books and websites recommended taking train from the airport to downtown. It works well in many cities (San Francisco, for example.) It is great for one person, and during the day. For two people, cab or airport shuttle works just as well. Since we were staying at a hotel south of the city, closer to airport, taking city streets was definitely the shortest way.
- The place we stayed in Cairns was Rydges. This chain owns several locations in each city. There were other Rydges locations that were more centrally located - had I known BEFORE I made that reservation. However, based on the description of the Cairns Rydges, I figured staying with one chain - if location, price, etc. was comparable - would be convenient. So I selected Capitol Square Hotel (managed by Rydges.) The only trouble was that it is not known as Rydges.
- So the cabbie took us to the other Rydges and then brought us back the correct one. I was certain that the cabbie was taking us for a ride (he wasn't.) I was afraid of being dropped off at the wrong place and then having to walk around to find the hotel - in a new place, late at night.
- As it turns out, Sydney is buzzing with activity even late at night. Restaurants and bars - as well as sidewalks/footpaths full with people. Just like San Francisco. I loved it.
Thu August 27:
- Purchased a bus pass at a convenience store.
- First stop, closeups of the Opera House (skipped the tour A$35). That building is impressive no matter which direction you are viewing it from, or how close you get.
- Walked to the far end of Royal Botanical Garden for nice panoramas of the Sydney Bridge, Opera House and CBD skyline.
- Walked the Bridge on the Eastside with views of the Opera House from the other side. For mere A$180 per person, you could climb up the arch of Sydney Harbour Bridge. We saw a group of people half way up the arch. It is a steep price to pay where YOU are doing all the work!
- Next was Bondi beach. We took Bus 380/382/L82 from Circular Quay, and reached around 2 PM. Bondi Beach is famous for surfing, but it was fairly quiet today. We later heard that half the Hollywood was here that week. We didn't see anyone.
- Hiking path on the right goes a few kms from beach to beach to the cemetery. We didn't go that far.
- Walked around Darling Harbour/ Chinatown on the way back to the hotel.
Fri August 28:
- OZTRAILS.COM.AU offered a special day tour for A$68 which included a river cruise back to Circular Quay. It covered all highlights of the Blue Mountains including the three sisters, scenic Skyway through rainforest, hike to Wentworth Falls, and return trip on a cruise on Parramatta river. It was getting dark when we returned so we got some (fuzzy) pictures of the Opera House.
- Early morning 7:45 am flight (Virgin Blue DJ810) brought us back to MEL by 8:45 am.
- Airport Connect ($12 pp)
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