Yesterday we got up hoping for a nice day as we had planned a trip to the beach, unfortunately it was cool and dull, so we quickly changed our plans and decided to stay in the city. Firstly we met up with a hungover Kelly and Stacey at their hostel (after our boogie night at Scubar on Friday) and decided to let them sleep it off whilst we headed up to the Harbour Bridge (booking a ticket for Jayne). After securing the last place on on the last afternoon slot available on New Years Day we headed down to 'The Rocks' a beautiful, quaint area of the city, below the Harbour Bridge, which reminded us of Covent Garden. We wandered the streets and browsed the small shops before stumbling across a weekend market. We spent an hour or so browsing the stalls, which sold everything from jams and chocolate to jewelery and didgeridoos! We sampled a bit of gorgeous food and made the usual comment - "I'd buy it if i was going straight home!".

After the market we headed to the visitor centre where Kelly and Stacey finally managed to join us! From here we walked down to the Darling Harbour and admired the scenery before the heavens opened! We legged it across the bridge into a shopping centre - Sarah slipping down some steps on the way - luckily she was ok! - and enjoyed some fudge before braving the harbour front, soaking up the cosmopolitan cafe atmosphere and drooling over the restaurant menus! As we strolled around Kelly and Stacey headed back and we made our way towards Paddys Market, which was closing up, but we managed to eye up some souvenirs and get some veg and noodles for tea before we headed back to the hostel for chill out time! After watching some Friends, we cooked for the first time in 9 weeks!! We enjoyed a stir fry of veg and noodles before Kelly and Stacey joined us for a chat and a coffee, although we were engrossed with colouring in!

This morning we were up early and we pleased to see the sun shining! We headed straight back down to Paddy's Market for Sarah to make some purchases from this mornings delivery and after a breakfast of fruit we headed upto Circular Quay and just made the 11.00am ferry to Manly. The ferry journey was spectacular with fantastic views of the Sydney skyline, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. After 30 minutes enjoying the sun and the views, we arrived in Manly and headed straight for the beach, which was quite busy, but we managed to secure a good spot. We baked in the sun for most of the day, making just one trip for a paddle in the freezing ocean! Mid afternoon it was time for the best part of the day - Fish and Chips! Although not as good as at home we enjoyed them sat in the sun on a bandstand in the town - typical brits! At 5.00pm we caught the ferry back to Circular Quay and we were all glowing! We had a quick walk around 'The Rocks' and decided on a spot for our new years eve celebrations, before heading to a little cafe for a coffee and caramel slice.

We took a stroll back to the hostel where we freshened up (and tried to wash the sand of us!) before having a relaxed evening ready for our Blue Mountains trip tomorrow and Xmas Eve!!