We had spent 4 days in Sydney back in 2010 so, like Melbourne, this was a "repeat port". For the first day, we chose an excursion that would take us to a couple of different places.
Sailing into Sydney. It is indeed an awesome port. At this point, we had sailed in past the severely rocky entrance, made the turn and were headed into the main part of the harbor. The Opera house and the Harbor Bridge are truly impressive.
Looking off the port side, the left side when facing the pointy end of the ship, is the tall buildings of downtown. Just to the left of center is the Sydney Tower where we'd had dinner when we were here in February 2010.
The green along the waterfront is the National Botanical Gardens, a truly beautiful park that we hoped to enjoy again.
And, the iconic Sydney Opera House, truly an awesome building! To the right of the Opera House is a Royal Caribbean ship which had rudely (my word) taken our parking spot! In actuality, from what I understand, it was too big to fit under the Harbor Bridge so had little choice. We were small enough to smoothly sail under.
As we begin our trip under the bridge, we look up and see wiring / scaffolding in place for fireworks. The first thought is that it was left from New Year's but we later learned it was set up for Australia Day which would be January 26th. Would love to be here for that huge party!
Under the Harbor Bridge. There is something spectacular about sailing under a bridge of this stature! We've sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge and the Sunshine Skyway bridge. One other I have on my bucket list is the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.
And, up ahead on the left is where we will dock in Darling Harbor. It would not be such a bad walk over to The Rocks, the original settlement in Sydney, were it not a 45 degree incline!
The tour we selected took us to the east end of the Botanical Gardens. I loved this little fellow. He wasn't afraid of tourists but did have an attitude. He seemed to say "if you don't have food, don't bother me!" He had some of the most beautiful coloring I've ever seen!
The view of the opera house and the bridge from here was one of the best we've seen. Oh that it had been a sunny day!
Now, add us to the picture and, it is perfect! Hee Hee!
Some of the aboriginal names here are truly fascinating!
In the upscale neighborhoods we drove through, lawn bowling is quite popular!
From a different angle, the rocky entrance to Sydney harbor that we had sailed through yesterday. Don't know for sure but we were probably 8-900' above the sea!
Another rocky outcropping, equally as high as the pic above. This one makes it look like the water is against the rocks… it is an optical illusion!
And, the world renown Bondi Beach! We learned it is pronounced "bond i" rather than "bondy" as our State Attorney General pronounces her name! Bondi is thought to be derived from local aboriginal languages meaning "water breaking over rocks" or "tumbling waters".
A closer look at the beach shows us there are lots of folks with surfboards, taking advantage of the high waves, aka "tumbling waters"!
The pavilion is in the same style of those built in the US back in the 20's, 1920's, that is!
Waves braking over the sharp rocks that semi-enclose the sandy beach.
Tom pauses in front to the "life guard" station… just in case!
An excellent example of the combination of British and Aboriginal names!
Sydney has quite a large Chinatown! Were we here longer, it would be fun to explore!
We got back from our tour and hear an engine outside our window. From the balcony, looking down, we see a fueler ship! YEAH! We're getting tanked up to be able to make it a few more ports!!
The second day in Sydney, we stayed on the ship. It was a fascinating day as it was a "turn day", the end of one cruise and the beginning of another! Being logistics lovers, we thoroughly enjoyed watching whatever parts we could of how it happens!
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