April 5 2018
Arrived on time to Sydney and Jim and Jennifer were waiting in baggage claim. They whisked us off on our first adventure in the area.
Watson’s Bay. A beautiful upscale beach community on the South Head of entrance to Sydney Harbour with views across the harbour to Sydney downtown. We ate fish and chips at a place overlooking the golden sand beach, one of the recommendations from the Melbourne girls.
Then hiked up a short coastal walk to the Hornby Lighthouse and to The Gap, seaside cliffs and rock formations.
Sadly The Gap is known locally as a place for suicide jumpers. There are high fences, warning signs, memorial flowers and suicide hotline signs.
We checked out the famous Bondi Beach which was a much busier place than I had envisioned. A huge beach, lots of historic buildings, many restaurants and shops, backpacker hotels. Loved the street art and skate park along beach boardwalk.
And before heading home we drove to Coogee Beach and Kings Cross.
April 6 2018
A Sydney exploration day. Today is Orthodox Good Friday. But we haven’t been able to participate in any Holy Week services this year except for Resurrection Service on Saturday night.
Took train into the city. Walked through Darling Bay, a newish renovation. Through The Rocks, found our hotel for last two nights. Lunch in the Rocks.
Highlight of the day was climbing up a pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for 360 degree views of this famous harbor and then walking across the bridge to catch a train home.
Lots of people spend $300 AUD and many hours to climb to the very top of the bridge. We thought our $10 climb was just fine.
We had a home cooked dinner with our friends. A nice change from all those meals out. We met Jennifer and Jim on our river cruise last fall.
It was a British style meal of pork roast and vegetables. And an Australian desert called Pavlova – a meringue cake with fruit on top.
Two more days in the city where we are staying at the Primus Hotel.