Sydney

Our first full day dawned in Sydney and we decided to take it ice and slow and easy. This meant a welcome sleep in followed by lazy paced breakfast before finally making our way into the city itself.
Our location meant that a quick walk up to North Ryde station took us straight into Sydney. This included traversing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Another (slower) walk got us to Circular Quay, with the kids being fascinated by the ferries and the boat with the shark painted on it (a Sea Shepherd vessel was in port).

We wandered around looking at the world going by before heading towards the Opera House. After several stops to witness performances by buskers and street performers we finally got to the steps of the Opera House. At this point in time the kids decided it was appropriate to put on their own singing and dancing show in response.

For all that I had heard about the Opera House (and witnessed last time I was here (about 25 odd years ago) I was still staggered by the feeling of lightness achieved with a building constructed of huge columns of concrete – a very impressive architectural feat.

On our way back, we came across a fantastic dance and acrobat troupe performing under the Circular Quay train station. Their performance was probably the highlight of the day. We finished the day with Harry making friends with a young girl on the train home – who like all women seemed to think he was the best thing since sliced bread. If he continues to win the heart of every girl over the age of 15 he meets, in 10 years time he could be in for a very interesting (and possibly enjoyable) time!
Next day we headed off for the city again. This time with the intention to play on the ferries as this is something the kids don't get to experience in Bunbury. When we had gone in the day before Liz had found an add for ‘Sunday Family Day’, which meant each family member could ride the public transport system for just $2.50 a day. We had priced the equivalent ticket the day before and found it was $50 for our family as against $10 on the Sunday, so obviously decided this was the right day for travelling around.

We started with a couple of train connections before ending up at Circular Quay again. we then caught the ferry across to Luna Park (really for Liz initially), with the kids having a fantastic time. They both went on a trampoline bungy thingy, with Max achieving a (sort of) backflip (more back climb using the bungy ropes – but impressive none the less).

We then went back to Circular Quay and caught the ferry out to Manly as I wanted the kids to also experience one of the ocean going ferries and see the Sydney Heads.

On return it was time to make our way back to the campsite as we were due out for afternoon tea.
In the end the kids and I went out without Liz as the two trips to Sydney had effectively done her in. Afternoon tea became dinner and we all had a lovely time. It was great to catch up with people who had been friends of the family for longer than I had been alive – and the welcome they provided was appreciated and enjoyed.

Following a late night, leaving Sydney ended up being a latish affair, but that doesn’t matter as we are only planning on heading a hour or so North and spending a few nights relaxing in the Watagan Forest.
The two highlights of the Sydney excursion for me without doubt were the campsite and the Sunday Family Funday.

The campsite is run by NSW Parks and Wildlife and the addition of the night walk was brilliant – especially considering we encountered a number of the animals we had been introduced too over our stay (including a brush turkey sticking its head in the caravan annexe to see what was on offer).
The $2.50 day appears to me to be an inspired idea to assist families to travel around Sydney. It is my guess that $50 for a family makes City travel out of reach for many families and using the quieter day of Sunday to promote seeing the City vial public transport is magnificent.