Day 40 - Friday February 23, 2024, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

All Aboard 17:30 Departure 18:00

Today is Embarkation Day - Australia's Embrace segment begins February 23 with the end in Bali (Benoa) Indonesia on March 9.

The Jewels of New Zealand has come to an end with 2,852 nautical miles travelled.

· Auckland to Tauranga, 141 nautical miles

· Tauranga to Napier 288 nautical miles

· Napier to Wellington 207 nautical miles

· Wellington to Lyttleton 160 nautical miles

· Lyttleton to Dunedin 195 nautical miles

· Dunedin to Sydney 1,591 nautical miles

Seabourn Silver Shadow arrived today and is docked directly in front of us.

A visit to Bondi Beach is a must if you come to Sydney. This is what we did today with another couple from the ship, Jean and Pete. We purchased a two day Hop on Hop off Bus pass the previous day, so we used it to get to Bondi Beach. An early morning ship shuttle took us back to King Street Wharf where we found the hop on hop off bus directly to Bondi Beach.

The beach is located 7 kms or 4 miles east of Sydney central business district. Many shops and restaurants frequent the area.

It is not a long beach being only 1 km in length, but many visitors come here because of its notoriety. While we were here lifeguards patrolled the area in sand buggies sometimes calling to people who may be out too far.

I did see a helicopter flying over but not sure if it was just a flyover or if it was looking for sharks. They do have an underwater shark net although it does not stretch the entire beach. Looking down at the beach from the top of the road you can see where the water is calm on the north side of the beach while the south side of the beach has more wave action where you can see surfers enjoying their passion.

Another picture opportunity with the flag was taken at the beach as well.

We return to the ship for the Sydney sail away celebration. Many passengers are on deck to see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House vista for the last time. Unfortunately, mother nature was not cooperating and it began to rain heavily with passengers scattering for shelter but luckily the rain did not last for long so we could enjoy a cocktail and the sail away music with the band.

Good Bye Sydney, you did not disappoint!