Woke up early for our sail in. We were on deck for 0630 just as we were approaching the cliffs that mark the outer edge of huge Sydney Harbour. It was still quite dark and there was a huge full moon, quite misty in the sky. The lighthouse marking the entrance was clearly visible flashing away.

Even as we approached the light was coming up and the moon started to fade and fall to the horizon. By the time we actually passed into the harbour the sun was fully up. What a spectacular site! The natural harbour is huge with various bays and large inlets and also some small islands dotted about. Some of the headlands and bays are still thickly wooded and unspoilt. Some have houses and apartments backing them. Finally, we turned a corner in the large bay and the downtown area of Sydney was right ahead of us. A very impressive site with many tall buildings crowding the skyline. Almost like Manhattan. Of course off to one side was the Sydney Harbour Bridge spanning the bay. At its base was the Circular Quay area with the Opera House clearly visible on its headland there. A really exciting looking city and a great start to the day. The weather was brilliant. Blue skies as 28/29C all day. A little breeze too. Perfect weather.

There were already two cruise ships in port and no room for us on the quay until 8pm so we knew we were going to be tendered ashore until tonight. A bit of a pain although the bonus was that we had really fantastic views of the city from all parts of the ship as being in the bay we had a better perspective. We came ashore in the tenders to Man O' War Quay which is right next to the Opera House and the Botanical Garden.

First stop was the ferry office on the Circular Quay, having taken time to admire the Opera House externally as we walked past. We had decided that today would be devoted to seeing Sydney and its surroundings from the water. So we bought a day pass on the ferries. Very good deal at about £12 each. We got a first ferry out to Manly Beach which was a lovely scenic voyage lasting about 30 minutes. Manly is one of the outer bays we'd passed and supposedly a very laid back place. It certainly had a beachy vibe when we got there. We walked along the Corso which leads to the beach and backs it, lined with fun shops selling funky beach clothes, food, juice bars, jewellery. The beach wasn't very crowded at all. It was lined with surf shops and all along the back of the sand were volleyball nets with a couple of groups playing. There were quite a lot of surfers in the water and I enjoyed watching them. We stripped off and sat on our towels. I had a bit of a paddle. The water was about the same as New Zealand. Warmer than the UK but not balmy warm like Tahiti. It was reasonably clear and although there was surf it wasn't big frightening stuff.

Bob had a bit of a swim and I suppose we sat there in the sun for about an hour and a half before heading on. There was an amazing gelato shop in the ferry building and we both succumbed to one of them. Gorgeous. Got the ferry back to the Circular Quay and then got a ferry to Watsons Bay to get a fish lunch. That ferry called in a couple of other bays on the way, some very very nice houses. Must have been worth a fortune. Watsons Bay is very pretty with a little beach but is largely famous as the home of Doyles on the Beach, a Sydney institution for fish dining. There are now two venues in Watson Bay, one behind the beach and one on the pier itself. The one on the pier is a lot more informal. We hadn't got a reservation and the only table the main restaurant could offer was in an internal courtyard which kind of defeated the object, so we ate at the pier. Same food. We started with 6 fresh oysters and 6 oysters in a cheese sauce. Utterly yum. Then mixed fried fish. Washed down with a nice cold Ozzie chardonnay. Fabulous food and fabulous views what more could you ask for?

Got the ferry back to the Circular Quay (the rides are really an experience in themselves) and had a wander around the Opera House area. Very impressive and certainly an icon that lives up to its hype. Would love to see a show there but it was sold out except for tickets that were errrr….. £150 each. So….no… not this time!

Came back on board for a bit of a rest before venturing out again this evening after Aurora moved into her place on the quay at the Opera House. Stunning views. We had dinner out on the rear deck watching the sun set over the bridge and the moon rise over the Opera House. What a beautiful and amazing city! For me, Sydney knocks Rio off the charts…..

An aboriginal dance and music troop tonight and then ashore to facetime the girls. Fireworks over the harbour… an amazing display. Absolutely in love with Sydney!!!