A Trip Down Under
Our check in at the Four Seasons went smoothly and the hotel is only a two minute walk to the Circular Quay waterfront and the Harbour Rocks area. My room had the most spectacular view of the Opera House directly in front of me and the Harbour Bridge to my left, you really wouldn’t want to have any other view from the hotel window.
We headed straight out for lunch at the Opera House Kitchen, a great outdoor eating area offering everything from Sushi to Italian. We then took a guided tour of the Opera House, learning about the history of the build, all the different performing concert halls and performers past and present. It’s not just one giant hall but made up of many, you need to go and see yourself!
The following day we headed for Bondi Beach, home of the lifeguards and surfers, and took the coastal route walk from Bondi to Bronte Beach. This is the best way to see the coastline and I recommend you do this and take a break in one of the cafes lining the streets overlooking the ocean. Later that afternoon we went onboard the Harbour Cruise as well which was lovely.
The next day we were off to the Gold Coast. The airport is only an hour’s flight from Sydney and when we landed we made our way to Byron Bay, which is found under the shadow of Mount Waring. Byron Bay is a great little town, with plenty to do if you’re more adventurous. We had a little adventure of our own when we went kayaking with the turtles and dolphins. The dolphins playing around alongside the kayaks was just brilliant.
The next day we were up early for the sunrise and went for a walk along the beach, up the coastal walk to the Lighthouse, which is set on the most Easterly point of Western Australia and gives the most amazing views down to Byron and Watergos beach. From here it was more exercise as we headed off towards Lennox Head for our surfing lessons with Mojo Surf, which was really fun. After surfing we headed inland to Crystal Castle with its acres of lush gardens, panoramic views, amazing natural crystals and exquisite jewellery. I would definitely recommend a visit there. You can stroll the Buddha Walk, where you’ll see Australia’s biggest Blessing Buddha. There's also the popular Aura Photography, as well as Tarot and Astrology Readings.
After a lovely few days on the Gold Coast it was back to Sydney and ‘Bridge Climb’ day - not for the faint hearted! We were taken through a safety briefing and even a breathalyser test! Everyone is breath tested as no one is permitted to climb if they have any level of alcohol in them. We were given suits to wear, and put into harnesses that clip to a wire along the side of the pathway up the bridge. The climb takes about two hours up and back down and it’s a must! I have no head for heights at all, but the guides are brilliant. The views were amazing and something you have to do in Sydney. That evening we headed around to Darling Harbour to the Theatre. Although not the West End or Broadway the theatre is buzzing and a great way to spend an evening.
The next morning we took the ferry across to Toronga Zoo where we had an escorted tour with Aborigines, telling us the meanings of the animals to them and the stories associated with them. A new feature of the zoo is some Safari style tents which have the most amazing views across to the City and the Opera House. You can rent these out and spend a night in the zoo! And on New Year’s Eve it has a commanding view of the celebrations in the Harbour.
All too quickly our trip had come to an end and we were heading back to the airport for the flight back to London.
During my time there I dined at some amazing restaurants (and drank some fantastic Australian wine!) I visited some beautiful hotels and apartments. Australia, When are you going?