Sydney

New South Wales

13.08.2006

As we moved up from Victoria, to New South Wales, we came to the place first set foot by Captain Cook in 1770, who decided to compare the area to Wales, hence the name. The UK then began to ship its convicts to Circular Quay in Sydney to establish the first European settlement in 1778. There, that’s the history lesson over.

We made it to our hotel with no dramas this time, probably due to the fact we took two toll roads to take us straight into the heart of the city and where we were staying, Kings Cross, another place renowned for its seedier side.

We made it to the most recognisable area of the city, the harbour which consists of the Oprah House, bridge, Circular Quays and The Rocks. After taking a few pictures, we had a guided tour of the Opera House. A place where 3000 performances ranging from ballet, opera, plays, concerts, even sumo and boxing on rare occasions. Not without its problems though, the building and designing of the place took 10 years longer than expected and 95 million over budget, the chief designer walked off the job and has never seen it completed. A worthwhile visit that looks pretty stunning close up.

We spent my birthday in style, staying in a 5 star hotel and getting complimentary champagne and chocolates in our room. In retrospect probably a bit too posh for us, especially when we got the valet to park our big blue van behind the Mercs and Porches in the car park, highly amusing.

We experienced some of the nightlife in Kings Cross and also went to Darling Harbour, the following day, which is basically a huge waterfront leisure park. On the day we were due to leave we spent the day at the Rocks, enjoying the weather and the attractions that the coffee festival brought.