Firstly we want to say happy new year to you all and to thank everyone for their messages - it's great to hear from you!

The last few days have been busy....

On Thursday, we went to Mrs Macquaries Point (along with 19,998 other people) to watch the fireworks. We had to queue for a few hours to get in, but it was completely free and well worth it for the view of the fireworks over the Harbour Bridge. I took a pic of Alex in the queue and this sparked a discussion about a 'Where's Wally' style pic of him from various locations, so look out for those in the albums! The fireworks were amazing and definitely a once in a lifetime thing to have seen - what a great way to start 2010!

On Friday we got a ferry over to Manly from Sydney's centre. We did a coastal walk which took us along several beaches, including Shelly's Beach (which is definitely my kind of beach - there was a bar and a do-your-own BBQ area right on the beach!) then through some national park (where we got up close and personal with a gecko!)

On Saturday, Gem and Rich came and picked us up from our hotel to take us to the Blue Mountain area. We saw the 'Three Sisters' and the waterfall, Katoomba Falls. It was raining when we arrived (yes, it has rained a bit since we've been here!) but then cleared and the views were amazing! We stopped off to see Agro the cockatoo, then headed to the Apple Bar for stone fruit pie and beer (hope you're reading this Steve!) Thanks again Gem and Rich for being our tour guides for the day (and for the bottle of home brew that you donated to us at the end of the trip!!)

This morning we went to Featherdale wildlife park, where I was able to fulfil a childhood dream (those of you that knew me at school will remember that I was obsessed with this animal!).... I got to pat a koala! Apparently it's against the law here to pick one up, so I resisted that! You will also see from the pics that we fed and stroked kangaroos and emus too! Maybe I'm finally overcoming my fear of all animals....

We're currently back in the city having just visited Darling Harbour. We're going to head for food soon. Although we've only been away a week, we're both already craving steak!!!

Tomorrow is our final day in Sydney before heading to New Zealand. We're planning to head to Coogee Bay and do the coastal walk to Bondi Beach.

That's all for now!