Monday, July 6, 2009
The first night I arrived in Sydney by myself and relaxed in the lonely hotel. Below is a picture of the freeway outside our hotel window. In Sydney we stayed at Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments and it was very nice. Our hotel was two floors with the bedrooms on the bottom floor and the kitchen, living room and dining room on the main floor. The building used to be a tobacco warehouse now turned rental apartments.
My family arrived 10am the next day, Saturday. We walked about the city and went to a few markets before retiring to our apartment. As expected my family were exhausted.
The following day we once again explored the city. This dog was sitting on the sidewalk with no apparent owner, looking for cash.
This is the war memorial in Sydney. It is currently under renovation but is an impressive building. You can't make out the men on the podiums but they represent various military positions.
Along the side of the building:
After the war memorial we went to the Sydney museum where we got to see stuffed wildlife. This is my favourite Aussie animal, the Wombat. Ahhhh...... aren't they delightful?!
While in Sydney we took advantage of the tour bus and hopped on and off around the city.
The first night we took it it was rainy and a little chilly.
After this photo was taken Dad moved downstairs to the covered area.
The following day we went to the Chinese Gardens. Upon arrival you are greeted by a huge Jade Wedding Carriage. It took 3 tons of Jade to construct. The garden is probably prettier in the summer but we still spent a good hour walking the paths and taking photos with the sculptures.
This fountain is outside our hotel. Right after we took this picture another tourist went down and sat on the ball in the centre; a way better way to get the picture.
Back on the bus to the harbour... the main attraction of Sydney.
At the harbour we were met by an Aboriginal man and his didgeridoo. These guys are awesome to watch play. During the English Teachers Conference I volunteered for weeks ago they had children dancing to the didgeridoo... a must see.
Harbour Bridge! You are able to pay $200 to climb it! Family couldn't be talked into it....
Opera House.
We took a tour of the Opera House which was definitely the thing to do!! I was surprised how small it is inside. The Opera House is home to ballet and opera productions as well as small concerts. The smallest theatre only holds 150 people while the largest holds 1000. 
The ceramic tiles that make up the Opera House. I can't remember the exact amount... they did tell us.... but its a lot.
There are more pictures of Sydney but that's all I'm posting for now. I'll post Townsville and Cairns adventures soon... I'm already sick of my computer.
