1. Taking the water taxi

We tried out the water taxi that went from Darling Harbour to Taronga Zoo. The water taxi goes to many other destinations, of course, as u can see from my picture. It's basically a speeder boat which can take up to 16 passengers. Beautiful thing about this mode of transport is of course the feeling that you have the whole boat to yourself. Haha. At A$15 per person, it's not exactly cheap. But worth the experience of sailing the seas with the salty wind blowing in your face while your eyes are treated to the magnificant view of the coastline.



View from inside the water taxi.

Water taxi counter at Darling Harbour. 

2. The Blue Mountains

The first attraction we visited upon arrival to Sydney. According to its description on http://www.sydney.com.au/, the Blue Mountains was declared a World Heritage park in November 2000. It was nominated for its outstanding natural values, including the biodiversity of its plant and animal communities, its vegetation, which is dominated by Australia's unique eucalypts, and for the beauty of its natural landscapes.

More info: http://www.sydney.com.au/blue-mountains.htm

We didn't actually do all the things listed out in the website, we, however, did some bush walking which had paths that led to the row of cliffs known as the Three Sisters. The path was easy at first, mainly consisting of well laid routes through the forest. However, as we approached the cliffs, the path became increasingly difficult. We had to go down some flights of steep steps that were badly corroded by natural elements, supported only by 2 railings which beyond that, was a sharp fall. Ain't no easy task, for me that is, especially with the strong wind that felt like it was gonna blow u off the cliff any moment. But eventually made it to the first 'Sister', took a few photo and we headed back.


Yes, I was freaked out.

Posing in front of the Three Sisters. Notice the strong winds.


3. Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is located on an off-shore island, situated on elevated land along the waterfront, in one of the most beautiful vantage points on Sydney Harbour overlooking Sydney Cove, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. What differentiates the Singapore Zoo from this one is not only the weather, but also the way exhibits are being presented. Facts of the animals are presented as ‘fun facts’, which makes the learning process interesting yet informative at the same time. And, as touted on the website, it is the nation’s leading zoological garden, so it houses a wide variety of local and other species of animals.

There are many volunteers who work in the zoo, most of whom are retired individuals, like the friendly elderly man manning the enclosure for koala photo-taking sessions. As we were walking along the paths, we saw 2 of such volunteers basking in the sun, one cradling a reptile in her arms and another holding up a branch with an insect on it (sorry, can’t remember the names of these creatures). We walked over to take a look, and these nice elderly ladies started to explain to us certain facts about the animals they were holding. Gives one a warm and welcomed feeling. Qin1 Qie4 is what they call it in Mandarin.


4. IMAX Theatre

Located in Darling Harbour, Sydney’s IMAX theatre dome shaped screen is the largest of its kind. We watched a 3D documentary one night there, called Aliens of the Deep. An exhilarating experience indeed. Who would have thought that there was an entire eco system thriving on the deep sea beds, relying only on the heat that spurts out from the earth’s core to survive. Remember what textbooks told u about how all living things depend on the sun? Well, think again.


More travellers’ tips:

Oh yes, that reminds me. When visiting Sydney (in fact, I think all major cities do this), be sure to pick up an ‘official guide’ booklet on your way out of the airport. They not only provide u with information on just about anything about the city, but also lots of discount coupons to various attractions. Can be quite a bargain.

And should u be unsure of where to go or what to visit, visitor information centres are located in many tourist attractions around Sydney. Just look out for the huge blue ‘i’ logo. There are some very friendly staff who will help you over there. In fact, this is a useful establishment not only in Australia but I suppose in many large cities as well. We relied heavily from information provided by these information centres while getting around in New Zealand and Melbourne (we travelled to the Great Ocean Road)

Up-close and personal with Australia's national treasure at Taronga Zoo! Pity they didn't allow visitors to touch the koalas...

View from our room at the Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments.  

Part of the interior in the Queen Victorial Building (QVB), yet another historical monument in the city centre. Houses replicas of Queen Victoria's possessions and exhibitions telling the story of England's monarchy. The entire building, however, is real, solid history. This huge clock u see here is one of 2 clocks that contain mechanical puppets that 'perform' at every hour to re-enact scenes from important historical events.
 

Historical site in the heart of Sydney - The Rocks. It's now not only a heritage centre but also a place to find quirky souveniors ranging from crafts to real antiques. The Rocks also has a bazzar selling mainly crafts and other uiniquely Australian products every weekend which unfortunately we unable to visit.  

Another view from Darling Harbour - waiting for a ferry to Circular Quay 

Part of Darling Harbour, Sydney. The Sydney Convention Centre is just at the back.  

Sydney Opera House up-close 

The quintessential 'proof-that-I've-been-to-Sydney' photo.  

Back from Sydney! Am fatter with the rich food and having peeling skin from the dry weather over there. But Sydney is beautiful, a vibrant city with a rich history and some very pleasant scenery.

We stayed near the Darling Harbour during the 4 days we were there. A great place to stay, if u ask me. Our accomodation was at the Oaks Goldsbourgh Apartments, which was a mere 5 minute walk to the Harbour where u are greeted with a magnificant harbour view teeming with seagulls and boats and restaraunts and places to shop. Darling Harbour is also a place of central location, where one could easily explore the city on foot - Chinatown, the city centre and major attractions such as the Harbour Bridge and the Sudney Opera House.

Winter in Sydney is wonderful. You have cold winds blowing in your face while the sun shines brightly above you. Not too hot, not too cold.

We didn't manage to visit many places due to time constraints (only 3 1/2 days). However, I believe we have covered enough to give us a pretty good idea of this city.


Traveller's tips:

1. Be sure to bring a pair of sunglasses and probably a cap to protect yourself from the Australian sun. Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer.

2. In winter, it's advisable to bring along a wind-breaker.

3. I'd recommend travelling on foot, especially during winter, cos as I said, the major attractions are accessible on foot, esp if u're not rushing for time. Living expenses in Sydney can be high, for example, one simple meal outside costs about A$7.50. Hence, as expected, travelling expenses can cost quite a lot. There's a 'Sydney Explorer' bus that makes circles around the major attractions so for a flat rate, tourists can hop onto this bus at any stop and alight at any destinition for a day. However, this costs A$36 per adult, probably not such a good idea for budget travellers. But do try the ferry ride if u do not feel like walking, costs A$4.30 per person. If u're feeling richer, however, try the Water Taxi services for $15 per person, which we took to visit the Taronga Zoo which is located in an offshore island. It's basically faster cos u dun have to stop at the central ferry station (Circular Quay) and change to another ferry.


Watch this space for pictures of my trip to Sydney and other related stuff!

Meanwhile, take a look at this site for more information: http://www.sydney.com.au/

Dory: P. Sherman, 42, Wallaby Way Sydney! You asked me where I'm going? OK, I'll tell you: P. Sherman, 42, Wallaby Way, Sydney! That's where I'm going!



Not exactly, but close enough. Yep, I'll be on my way to Sydney with my parents, leaving on Sat night and will be back only on Thurs.

Anything fun to do in Sydney, apart from the usual tourist attractions? Throw in some suggestions! Oooo... this is exciting!

Anyway, my brother just watched Batman Begins last night and he came home raving about it. But not too excited about watching it yet cos I was never really into the Batman franchise. Would like to watch In My Father's Den though. Probably after I come back from Sydney. Anyone wanna go watch with me?

In the meantime, Paw has agreed to help me get a job as a part-time tele-surveyor! Yup, it's basically those irritating pests u get on the telephone every now and then. But whatever... Finally get some income!