We are now at Sydney airport waiting for a flight to Brisbane but have spent four and a half days exploring this fantastic city. After our very keen start on Saturday we relaxed a little in the afternoon before heading out for dinner and drinks in Manly. Jet lag was still a bit of a challenge given the early start but we saw bit of the nightlife before heading for a good sleep.

Sunday morning, feeling much refreshed, was a lovely sunny day so we headed to do the Manly scenic walkway, a 10km Coastal walk around various headlands with great views of the ocean. After another barbie for lunch we then headed into the city, wandering around The Rocks, looking at the markets and shops before trying out some of the city bars. All of them had great views of the Opera house, the bridge or both! The weather had held all day but finally the rain came so we got the ferry back for a quiet night at home.

Monday morning and more walking! This time we got the ferry into the city but then jumped straight onto another one to Watson's bay. A walk out to the lighthouse there was enough to work up an appetite for the most amazing fish and chip lunch, sat in the park looking across the water to the Sydney skyline.

After a short bus ride we arrived at Bondi beach. It was a bit cold for a swim on my part but there were plenty of surfers who didn't agree and were enjoying the waves. We stopped off at the famous Icebergs, the winter swimming club, and watched some of the surfing action. We then took another Coastal pathway all the way to Coogee, further around the bay. Some more spectacular views and plenty of sunshine. A final bus back to the city and then a ferry home for dinner and drinks by Manly wharf.

Tuesday morning was a bit more relaxed, doing some chores before heading into the city for the proper sight seeing stuff. We walked to Mrs Macquarie's chair, part of the bay where 'the' photo of the opera house and bridge is taken. We completed the loop and then went to look at the Opera house itself. By that point it was drinks o'clock (there seems to be a theme in this blog...) so cocktails at the opera bar, overlooking the bridge, were called for!

We then did a bit of a pub crawl around Sydney. First to the Shangra-la hotel on the 36th floor where we watched the sun set over the city. Gorgeous! Then onto Darling harbour for a few more cheeky drinks and some food. Finally we headed to this fab bar, the Ivy, that had three floors and a swimming pool but you were actually outside for most of it! Great! It's a good job Jo and Andy had work the next day, otherwise another couple of drinks might have been in order!

This morning was our last chance to see the city so we walked to the bridge and actually went up one of the 'pylons' to get some (more) great views and pictures, of the Opera house and city. The rest of the afternoon before our flight we have just enjoyed being in the city, doing a bit of shopping and soaking it all up. The next chapter starts shortly as we head north up the coast and explore more of what Australia has to offer.