Last day in Sydney - mostly spent running errands. My next stop is Hunter Valley, about 2 hours drive away and I had been told I could get a bus. Tourist info - they say no. No scheduled bus route up to Hunter Valley. Trains, yes, bus, no. So I looked at the trains - OMG, most definitely not!!! It's about a 5 hour train journey, changing trains twice, with all my luggage and to be back in Sydney for my flight to Auckland - I would have to start at 2 in the morning!!!

So, I decided that renting a car might well be my best option, especially given the fact I have to be at Sydney airport for about 7.30am. So, toddled off to rent a car, fortunately there was an avis office in the Marriott down on Circular Quay, so got that sorted. Then discovered the Post Office just by the Avis and decided to send some of my stuff home, mostly the pictures I had bought so far, as they were starting to get a little battered. Also, thought it would be a good idea to send all my recipts and stuff as well, as they were piling up after 7 weeks on the road!!

7 weeks, I really can't believe it - not sure if it seems longer or shorter!!

Anyway, shuttled back & forth to the Post Office packing stuff up and sending it off airmail (ouch!!), then chilled for the afternoon, before meeting up with Ciara in the evening. Had a great time with Ciara, she seems to be really settled in in Sydney - working in a market research company (who knew?) and really enjoying it here. Ended up at the Opera Bar by the Opera House - having drunk probably slightly more than was good for me!!

Have really enjoyed Sydney, though it is alot more expensive than I thought it would be. Some how had expected it to be a bit cheaper, being the backpacking destination that it is... Would definitely come back here for an extended holiday, as I think the Blue Mountains are worth another visit.

Off to Hunter Valley tomorrow, hopefully the directions I have in the guidebook will be okay, just need to work out how to get out of Sydney now.....