Day 5: Sydney Harbour

For the third day running we made the 30 minute train journey from Noz’s house in Kingsgrove to Circular Quay, which is the right in the middle of Sydney Harbour, and close to both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. From there you can catch ferries to various places around the vast harbour.

We took a ferry over to Manly, cialis online ordering which is a seaside resort near the main entrance to the harbour, and just slightly down the coast from Bondi Beach. The 30 minute ferry ride offers excellent panoramic views of the harbour, which was the perfect opportunity for me to try out the panorama feature on my new camera! The journey was eventful in itself though when we seemed to be heading more towards the South Pacific Ocean than Manly, but after a short stop while they resolved the ‘technical difficulties’ we were on our way again.

dosage for flagyl

Once in Manly we walked along the waterfront and found Hugo’s Pizza Bar. Having had the best milkshakes and cocktails in the world yesterday, this was undoubtedly the best pizza! The selection was very good (even for vegetarians!) but we finally settled on “Roasted pumpkin, zucchini, sweet and sour onions, gorgonzola, pine nuts” and “Asparagus, goats curd, walnuts, garlic, egg, parmesan and truffle oil”. The view wasn’t bad either!

Having caught the ferry back to Circular Quay we headed over to the south end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where we had a bridge climb booked. This 3 hour experience allows you to climb right to the top of the upper arch on the bridge on the east side, and then back down on the west. It took around 30 minutes or so for our group to prepare for the climb – putting on grey jumpsuits (so we would blend into the bridge and not distract traffic), harnesses, and radios so we could hear our guide. They also provided special clips so we could secure sunglasses, hats etc in case it was a little windy! The first part of the climb was inside the structure of the bridge, where you really get an idea of the scale and complexity of the construction. Although the design itself is not unique, it is the largest and widest single span bridge in the world, catering for 8 lanes of traffic, 2 railway lines and a footpath. The climb then took us up through the road onto the upper arch of the bridge, and as we continued to climb we could see across the whole of Sydney – from the Blue Mountains to Bondi Beach. Our guide was very knowledgeable – not just about the bridge itself, but Sydney as a whole and how it grew from the time the first convicts arrived. As we climbed down the east side of the bridge the sun was just starting to set over the city.

After a quick recovery drink in the Harbour View Hotel (which itself was relocated by about 100 metres so that the bridge could be built) we walked to Hyde Park where the first night of the Sydney Festival was in full swing. Most of the city seemed to be out for the free street entertainment.

Tomorrow we’re planning to drive inland slightly, and up to the Blue Mountains.

7 thoughts on “Day 5: Sydney Harbour

  1. Debs Maycraft

    Hi Howie,
    Ahhh ur having a brill time! I loved the Bridge Climb – totally worth the money :) U will love the Blue Mountains too – spectacular views to test out your camera and so peaceful :)
    Dx

  2. Carmelita Bennett

    Enjoying your updates, Howie. Keep having a fabulous time. Send my love to all. xxx

  3. Mary Vaughan

    Hi Howie from HMR! I have been admitted and now have free time until later this evening. It all sounds wonderful and you are describing everything beautifully. Did you suffer from any vertigo at the top of the bridge? I am sure that I would! You have only been away for a week and have done so much already. Enjoy the Blue Mountains. I will catch up with you tomorrow. Please say “Hi” to Noz.
    Love, Mum xx

  4. Alice Renaud

    Lovely pictures! Thank you so much for the gorgeous clothes and lovely wooden alphabet, Lucy brought them today – John already loves me “reading” the pictures to him!