Had a great flight over with Cathay Pacific and thankfully our wooden chopstick pressies and cleaned hiking boots made it through customs OK after a bit of scrutiny from the po-faced airport staff.

Stayed with Arthur, a friend of Sarah's family, in a northern suburb of Sydney called Northwood for our first few days. House was lovely and overlooked a mini-harbour which people commute into Sydney from. Arthur was unbelievably accommodating and we had our own room and bathroom which was great after a long few months in Asia and let us unwind. He was also fond of a beer or two which helped and he introduced us to Bogue's a Tassie beer which is awesome. Had a bit of cricket banter as well which remained friendly despite his obvious hatred of the English cricket team.

Realised just how hard the exchange rate was going to hit us straight away as couldn't believe how expensive everything seemed - gone are the days of three dollars to the pound - arrghghgh.

Both loved Sydney from the start and the weather really helped. A lot smaller than London and the 'rush hour' over here is nothing compared to back home. Everyone also seems to be happy - weirdos.

First day we headed over to Circular Quay and the Sydney Aquarium which was brilliant. Loads of sharks and rays, although a few too many screaming kids for my liking - unfortunately none of them fell into the tanks.

Headed to see my old boss Leigh at his post wedding BBQ in Pyrmont the next day at Pyrmont Point Park by one of the many BBQ spots set up in the park. Local wine was impressive though found it hard coming to terms with the fact that you can't buy a pint in a pub. Was great to see Leigh and a few other old faces who'd come out from the UK, a couple of whom were pressurising us to move out here with the help of a job offer or two. Nice to know it's there if we need it...

Also had my first 'Ranga' insult as we went into a pub that evening - was restrained from going outside to have a word for my own safety fortunately.

Got the very, very busy ferry over to Manly the next day with all the other tourist daytrippers and hired bikes to go up to the surrounding hills for some amazing views of the city. Manly's great and very popular with the Poms apparently and we could see why.

Went up the Sydney tower the next day and got a bout of the cold sweats - last time I was up anything that high was the World Trade Centre back in 2001. Also checked out the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) shopping centre and made a sharp exit after seeing the prices.

Picnic the next day at the Botanical Gardens opposite the Opera House and had a look at the 'Oriental Garden' (brought to you by HSBC, cheers HSBC) and saw a load of fruit bats roosting in the trees. A few tourists were bricking it when they saw them for some reason - Twilight has a lot to answer for.

Wandered round 'The Rocks' area as well which was a bit touristy, but had a fair few decent pubs. Checked out 'Cadman's Cottage' on the edge of the area which is both the oldest building in Melbourne and the singular most boring place we've both been in our lives.

Moved from Arthur's to the Marriott Hotel on Circular Quay the next day courtesy of my old work (cheers old work) and upgraded to a 950 dollar suite for a small fee. Gave us a great view of the Harbour Bridge so well worth it.

Went to the Opera House from here and had a walk round - one of the best tourist attractions I think I've been to and then walked over the Harbour Bridge for a look at the city. Didn't do the bridge walk as it was so bloody expensive, but having seen the height of it I think I'd have bottled it anyway - fair play Mum for doing it a few years ago.

Met up for drinks with Roger, one of Sarah's old OMD clients in the evening and he took us around a few cool bars - EXTORTIONATE. Sydney by night looks totally different and probably more impressive despite the higher drunk count.

Moved from the sublime to the ridiculous the next day as we stayed at The Strand Hotel in King's Cross for our last two nights. A wonderful smell of cabbage in the corridors greeted our arrival and the facilities were absolute crap. Considering this was by far the most expensive hostel we'd stayed in so far the place was a disgrace.

Spent the day planning our Aussie road trip north while watching England capitulate in the first Ashes test first innings to the delight of the subtle, understated Aussies. Went to watch the new Harry Potter back in Manly in the evening (Sarah forced me lads) and our last day in Sydney was spent going to the doctor's to sort out my dodgy stomach and then meeting Jamie Connolly from my old work for beers in Bondi.

Bondi Beach was cool and we walked to it via Bronte and Tamarama beaches - all the beaches over here are so clean it's unbelievable and I fitted right in with my olive skin and top heavy frame.

All in all a superb week in Sydney - now for the 'fun' of the campervan for the next 3 weeks... what can possibly go wrong?