Second stop: Sydney
# Day 3
After 2 gloomy days, the weather was finally kind to us. We took a ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point, so as to walk back via the Harbour Bridge. We didn’t do the bridge climb due to the cost, but you could get pretty good views just being on the pavement. We did, however, go up Pylon Lookout to get a better view.
It was 11ish by the time we got back to The Rocks, and we were famished! Got some yummy gourmet wraps & freshly squeezed juice at the Foodies Market and then sat by the harbour to eat.
After filling up our tum tums, we roamed the streets of Surry Hills, visiting antique and boutique shops. There were some interesting finds but unfortunately not everything was affordable. Good to look at still! We discovered Butt Street:
Had our afternoon snack at El Loco – nachos, burritos, margaritas! So glad they had salsa that was actually spicy :D
Then we walked back into town and had a lie-down on the grass at Hyde Park, joining in on Aussies’ favourite activity, haha. The walking continued afterwards, as we wandered to Darlinghurst and Kings Cross, before finally taking a bus back to Central. How’s that for a day of walking? ;) We had 羊肉串 and BBQ squid at the Chinatown food market, and Chinese desserts at a shop which I can’t remember the name of. Though I remember we sat beside a window and saw the super long queue of the prata shop next door. Walked to Darling Harbour (again) and took the ferry back (again).
# Day 4
Time to escape the city and enjoy Mother Nature! We took a morning train to Katoomba, Blue Mountains. Our accommodation, No. 14, was just a stone’s throw away from the station, though we had to navigate up a steep slope, haha. It was only 10ish, but the kind lady boss cleaned up the room swiftly and allowed us to check-in. It was a cosy little house, kinda wish we had a few more nights there!
Checked out a couple of antique shops in town before taking a bus to Echo Point to see The Three Sisters.
We began our hike – down the Giant Staircase into Jamison Valley, along Federal Pass, and arriving at Scenic World where we took the Scenic Railway back up.
Had some trouble finding the bus (don’t know whether we fail or person who gave us instructions fail) so we walked back to town. It wasn’t too long a walk and the weather was pleasant, so it wasn’t too bad. Passed by some pretty houses along the way, including one that was engulfed by an overgrown tree! Dinner was at Gustissimo, where we had the bread with garlic butter, duck ravioli, triple bypass pizza, and dessert trio. The tiramisu was to die for! :D
# Day 5
Canyoning at Sheep Dip & Rocky Creek! Probably my favourite day of the trip :) I had never done this before, and it was certainly heaps of fun sliding down natural water slides, jumping off waterfalls, swimming in 14-degree cold water, and scrambling all over rocks! Wasn’t at my fittest so was quite exhausted towards the end; imagine my horror when I realised we had to trek uphill back to the car :( Thankfully I had my buddies to cheer me on! Photos credit to Pek.
We were meant to have a ‘snack’ whilst waiting for the train back to Sydney, but ended up with a massive meal of pumpkin soup, wedges (sooooo good!), scones and coffee/hot choc at some random cafe. Spent the next 2 nights in Sydney at YHA Central instead, just for a change. It was $54/person/night for a twin + extra roller bed + en suite. Slightly more expensive and older than the one at Sydney Harbour, but still clean and more convenient; it was just across the road from Central Station and there were more food places/bars within walking distance.
# Day 6
It was yet another gloomy day :( Started the day by having a feast at the Fish Market. The sashimi was really fresh, but unfortunately the person who prepared it was no sushi chef so they weren’t properly sliced. Oysters were big and juicy, and the flatfish/whiting/calamari were awesome too :D
We then headed to Bondi Junction where we did a bit of window-shopping, given that it wasn’t beach weather at all. Fi took a while to decide but settled on a plain red Country Road bag in the end. Strolled towards the beach but missed our turn and walked all the way up to North Bondi/Rose Bay haha. FYI if you’re walking down Old South Head Road you need to turn at Curlewis Street!
The weather didn’t pick up, but at least it wasn’t raining. What do you do when it’s windy and chilly and you can’t surf? You attempt at jump shots to keep warm :)
Had our usual arvo coffee, browsed through a few shops in the area, then turned up at our dinner appointment an hour early because there wasn’t anything else to do. Thankfully they managed to accommodate us. Finally got to try the much raved about ribs at Hurricane’s! They were soft and melting off the bone, but you’ve got to eat them quick because they aren’t as nice when they turn cold. 2 full racks + Caesar salad + side dish of garlic mushrooms was certainly enough for the 3 of us. I think the general consensus was pork > lamb ribs.
So that concludes our Sydney leg of the trip, onward to Hobart! :)
