Sydney

We left the caravan park about 9:30 and walked to the train station of Miranda, right next to the shops. We sorted out the tickets and waited for the train.  The train ride into Sydney was exciting for the kids with lots to see.  We were told that one of the stations was closed for train-line works. So we got off a few stops too early and took the escalators up to the street.  Sydney has an Opal card system which is a lot cheaper than Melbournes system. So we organised a card for each of us - which ended up being a great source of amusement because 'everyone' wants to tap on and tap off!

As we had no idea where to start in Sydney we decided to head to Darling Harbour.  First stop we came across was the Markets - so we spent some time there and then continued walking towards the Harbour.  Next stop was the Darling Quarter Kids Playground.  Here the kids could direct the flow of water by changing different water gates and switches.  The kids really enjoyed playing here until the rain came and we had to find some cover in the Information shop.

From there we did manage to find Darling Harbour.  By now it was time for lunch so we ordered some Fish n Chips and sat on some sheltered steps while we ate our lunch.  There was a constant drizzle as we headed over to the other side of the Harbour to go to Town Hall Square which is where we had to meet to join a Walking Tour.

At 2:15 we arrived at the designated spot and right on cue, the rain came bucketing down! So we dashed for cover and waited for 2:30 where we reconvened in somewhat drier conditions. We had stocked up on some treats for the kids as we knew that the tour would take up to 3 hours.  The tour is a free walking tour - payment is by a 'tip' at the end of the tour, based on what you think it was worth.

Our Tour Guide was very knowledgeable and did a fantastic job, leading us first to the QVB - Queen Victoria Building and explaining the history of the building and it's interior - now used for high end shops (with prices that didn't suit our budget!!).

 We continued on through Hyde Park and then wandered all through Sydney; receiving information on every location including; Sydney Opera House, The Harbour Bridge, The Rock’s District, Cadman’s Cottage, Hyde Park Barracks, The ‘Rum’ Hospital, St Mary’s Cathedral, Customs House, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Hidden Bar culture, Laneways & Art, Pitt St Shopping Mall, Martin Place, Sydney Tower, Circular Quay, Town Hall, Sydney’s Oldest Cemetery, Hilton Bombing, Underground Tunnels, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Museum of Currency and Notes and Australia Square.

Going through Martin Place (where the Lindt café is located) was quite an experience.  Even Chad recognised the doors that he had seen footage of people running out of during the siege. As we headed down to Australia Square we saw at least 5 bridal couples having their photos taken. Being a Saturday and with beautiful old buildings, this is obviously the place to have photos!

Our walk finished with a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House - at about 5:30/6:00pm!  The kids had done very well in keeping up with the tour guide and while they may not have absorbed all of the information I'm sure they managed to take some of it on board!

We headed to a nearby burger place for dinner then took the bus back to Central Station.  The kids made a bee-line for the back seat so we sat there.  As the bus took off, Rowan lost his balance and dived head first in front of the seat (which thankfully stopped him from falling further!) I had to retrieve him by pulling him up by his legs - we all found it more amusing than Rowan did though!

We boarded the train at Central Station and headed back to Miranda.  It felt like a long ride back and then a big walk back to the Caravan Park. We arrived there about 9:30pm, had quick showers then dived into bed!