Hello Sydney, its great to be back – we were here last year after our train trip that didn’t happen. And now we are back again, fresh from our glorious time aboard the Indian Pacific train ride. We left the Indian Pacific at Mt Victoria station to do our Blue Mountains excursion, and the train travelled on without us, carrying our baggage to Sydney Central station. We eventually arrived on a charter train several hours later to collect our bags and be on our way. I must admit that I was a little concerned about the luggage arriving before us, but it worked out fine, and this seems to be a regular thing so the staff know what they are doing. Central Station is big and bustling, and more importantly, our hotel is just across the road.
Central Station, Sydney
Oh look, they’re expecting us. We were looking forward to a good nights sleep, the bed on the train shook and jiggled about as we bounced along the rail track. Robin was pleased that he was not expected to climb the ladder any more.
Our room for the next few nights
We spent the first couple of days using our pre-loaded Opal Card exploring the city. Sydney has a brilliant public transport system and we could travel on buses, trains and ferries using our card. Circular Quay is where the ferries depart and we decided to take trip out to Manley on one of the iconic yellow ferries. We can never think of the Manly Ferries without remembering the Manly Ferry blog written by Paul and Elaine who have both sadly passed away, much too young.
Manly Ferry
And look at the sights we passed long the way.
Selfie on the Manly Ferry
Disembarking the ferry we walked along the famous Manly Corso. This was laid out in 1854-55 by Henry Gilbert Smith, originally built as a boardwalk for early tourists across Manly’s sand spit between the harbour pier and the beach.
Manly Wharf and Ferry Terminal
The Corso
We soon arrived at the sandy golden beach. Beach goers were relaxing in the sand, family groups and bikini clad beauties as well. This is a gorgeous beach, and it was great to be back for a visit again, sitting in the sunshine and enjoying the atmosphere.
Manly Beach
The following day we decided to go to another famous Sydney beach, Bondi Beach. We discovered we could get there on the Bondi Bendy Bus which took us through suburbs chock full of heavy traffic. Goodness knows how the driver maneuvered the long bus in and out of traffic and around corners. And there’s the famous beach. We met up with an older surfer who stopped to chat and helped us with directions for our return journey. Did you know that Robin did surf lifesaving in his younger days? Some kites were bobbing about in the sea breeze, keeping the children amused.
There were lots of surfers waiting for that perfect wave, and even more bikini clad beauties sun bathing on the beach. We were sitting on the steps looking over the beach and a steady stream of people walked down beside us, taking off their shoes to wiggle their toes in the golden sand. Wet suited surfers carrying boards under their arms ran into the surf, paddling out to join the others. And keen joggers ran along in the hot midday sun.
Bondi Beach
Oh, this looks familiar. Its the Bondi Life Guard Tower which we have seen in the TV programme about the Bondi life savers as they patrol the beach and rush out to rescue swimmers. There was a group down at the water’s edge and they appeared to be doing some training. It is Spring here in this part of the world at the moment, but come summer, Bondi Beach will be absolutely crowded with people and these life guards do a wonderful job of keeping everyone safe.
Life guard tower
The friendly surfer dude had told us about some old photos displayed in the Bondi Pavilion so we had a peek inside. My goodness, check out all those beach goers and the old vehicles.
Old times and present day
We had decided to go back to Sydney a different way, so that we could get a good overview of this large city. Catching another local bus, we got off at Watsons Bay, and walked down to the ferry pier. Great timing, one had just arrived and was almost ready to depart. We love the ferry rides, so convenient, and a great way to get about.
Before too long we were almost at Circular Quay, home to all the ferries. And here’s the famous Harbour Bridge.
Arriving back
There is plenty to see and do here, and we have only scratched the surface. Wonder where we will end up tomorrow?
5 comments:
One hopes you weren't thrown out of bed by the state of the track!
You were right Tom, the track was terrible! Or maybe it was the age of the rolling stock, who knows. The last night was by far the worse for shaking.
Jenny it's the condition of the track that causes the rough ride. For years the NSW government has refused to spend the necessary money to fix the problem. It doesn't particularly affect freight trains and the State passenger trains only operate by day so it's really only the Indian Pacific which is seriously affected. The IP crew also has to slow the train down during breakfast our else the passengers have to chase their sausages around the table and drink their tea up their noses :-)
You should have tried the delicious fish and chips at Doyles in Watsons Bay, you missed a treat! We loved Manley too.
Thanks for that info Tom, we're pleased to finally be in a hotel bed which isn't trying to shake us onto the floor!
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