My breath is completely taken away. I can't believe I am here in Sydney. I'm writing this in our hotel room on the 29th floor of the Intercontinental. Our view is of both the harbour bridge and the Opera House, panoramic. Think we got an upgrade!

Arrived at hotel at 8am after a decent flight from Singapore. Didn't expect our room to be ready at that time. Had coffee at the hotel then wandered out down to Circular Quay which is 2 mins walk away and is where the ferry terminals are. Caught ferry round to Darling Harbour and had iconic views of both the bridge, which we went under, and the Opera House. Brilliant sunshine. Blue skies. Temp in the 30s. Baking.

Darling Harbour has two sides, one mainly taken up by a fairly low grade shopping mall where pretty well everything was on sale and the other side which is lined with restaurants and is much nicer to stroll along.

Took a ride on a dinky little train around the harbour. 25 mins orientating ourselves. Preparations are underway for a music festival tomorrow night and fireworks - January 26 is Australia Day when all the Aussies celebrate their Aussiness.

Had salt and pepper squid for lunch, back to the hotel on the ferry and checked into our room.

Oh my! The view is stunning. Breathtaking. We are heading out tonight to find a restaurant by the Opera House for dinner.