We had left Bathurst by 10am and were syked up for Sydney. As we turned left onto the highway it felt like we had hit a bricwall!We had driven straight into a head wind that would knock your socks off! Holly s***, we had been on the road for at least 20 minutes and James hadn't made it out of 3rd gear! He clearly had the s***s at this stage and was ready to pull the van off the road and pull up stumps. But he pushed on through, whinging all the way till we reached Lithgow.Things went from bad to worse than with what seemed like endless delays and speed reductions from countless traffic and road repairs!On the bright side with us now having reached the top of the Blue Mountains it was all downhill into Sydney.James was all smiles as he quickly made up for our agonising first 100kays!

Only 197km to our stop for this leg, but we faced navigating our first major capital city with the van in tow!The thought of driving through Sydney was quite daunting and I was not even at the wheel.However, thanks to Tom we did it with ease.We had had some issues with our little GPS driven talking road map, and had threatened to end his career on more than one occasion already this year.Although once in this hectic new road maze they call Sydney with toll roads and tunnels lurking at every turn Tom showed true courage under fire.He guided us safely and painlessly through from the North West entry to our new park of choice in the south eastern suburb of Rockdale.We had chosen to push straight through to this side of town as it was on a main train line and also provided an easy exit for our day of departure.

I went into the office at the caravan park, paid for the accommodation for the next four nights then headed to our site.As I walked through the caravan park I was like WTF what have I just booked us into.This place was a disgrace.The sites weren't really even marked properly, the fence opposite us was falling down.The toilet and laundry block looked like it needed blowing up.I was scared to go to the toilet but I put on a brave face and went on in and to my surprise it was pretty new and clean.James went to check his amenities out and by the look on his face when he returned I say they haven't got around to doing up the men's amenities yet. There is no way you would do your washing in their machines or laundry tubs I reckon your clothes would get dirtier.The camp kitchen stunk, the TV room had hair and just general filth everywhere with a couch I wouldn't let Sam sleep on and to top all of this off it was $45 per night.So to anybody that is heading to Sydney and looking for a caravan park I worn you, do not stay at Sheralee (s***sville) Caravan Park, 88 Bryant Street, Rockdale.

It was time to hit the big smoke.The train station was only a 20 minute walk from the park so we decided to take the train into Circular Quay (35minutes).When we got out of the train the kids screamed with excitement "look Mum the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge", who would have thought a 3 and 4 year old would have been so excited to see these great Australian Icons. It was great to see I must say.The bridge is something spectacular and a lot bigger then I had imagined.The Opera House was also good but the kids were abit disappointed that they could not go inside.Charli was running around trying to open every door that she could see.We had decided to explore Sydney and surrounds on a City Sightseeing Bus Tour.A ticket on this tour last all day with 34 different stops to hop on and hop off around the city and out to Bondi.A great way to see the attractions.Who in their right mind would drive in this city? It is just crazy! The kids enjoyed the tour also as it was in an open top double decker bus.The views and commentary that you experience on this tour are definitely worth doing. The kids love watching Bondi Rescue so we had decided to get off at Bondi Beach for a look around and some lunch. The weather was magic and with the beach not so crowded we were a bit sorry we had not packed our swimming gear.After lunch it was back on the bus into Circular Quay, then on the train to Rockdale.

After such a good day previously we had decided to head back into Circular Quay and catch the ferry over to Manly.What a great day to be on the water! Judging by the amount of boats on the water, half of Sydney thought the same thing.Manly was alot nicer then Sydney and the Beach was beautiful. We spent the morning looking at shops before we headed to the beach for a swim (James & Charli that is), Charli is just mad for the beach! That kid is crazy.Charli had worked up a big appetite from her swim and was "starving" apparently? As our luck was holding true today we found, and headed to, the closest pub straight across the road from the beach!Nooice!!A good feed and a few coldies then it was time to hop back on the Manly Ferry and for our return to Sydney. Another good day was had by all.

All our public transport travel by train and ferry was done with a $20 per person 24hr pass that allows unlimited travel on trains, busses and the government ferries. (the big old school ones)Now not being seasoned travellers this ticket was not used to its full potential by us on our whirlwind couple of days, although people with the need or plan to see more stops in more of Sydney it would be a great way of getting around.Now looking back we have both agreed that Sydney had been one place we were not real sure about prior to getting there.Although after having spent two full and busy days in what arguably should have been the nation's capital, we left very satisfied with the time we spent there.We both now have a better perspective of some of Australia's most famous landmarks. Their size and proximity to each other is something that really surprised us, and will help us get the full picture the next time Oprah is on the steps of the Opera House and Hugh decides to face plant the wall behind her!!?

After two fun filled days in Sydney and with some supplies running low, we decided to kick back at s***sville for the day before we head to Kiama to check out the famous Blowhole.