As we came in to land at Sydney Airport yesterday, we were treated with glorious views of the famous Harbour. And with a rare sense of familiarity, we eased through arrivals and straight to the railway platform for a fast train into the city centre. We'd contemplated sticking around the airport area for the night as we had less than 24 hours before a connecting flight to New Zealand, but there was one last place we wanted to check out in the city - Darling Harbour.

Although we'd not made it to Darling last time we were in Sydney, many had told us it was no great loss. Complete with weekly firework displays over the harbour, it's a tourist magnet. But after dumping our backpacks in the only central hostel which was remotely affordable, we walked around the corner to make up our own minds. The sun was already setting, but it's at night that this place - jam packed with smart, modern and expensive bars with a glorious harbour view - is at its best. Sadly it was the wrong night for fireworks, but we did manage to sniff out some surprisingly generous happy hour specials. Sweet!

Far too many 2-for-1's later, we wandered over to Sydney Harbour to soak up the atmosphere once more, before calling time on our last night in Australia. Standing in front of the cultural icon that is the Opera House, we were pleased to appreciate what is special about this building. It really does proclaim Australia as a modern, progressive country. A land with it's own pride and identity, no longer isolated on the edge of the world. Growing up each of us dreamed of visiting Australia one day and we're pretty stoked that, finally, we've done it. We celebrated by buying a stuffed Koala who will complete our world trip with us. As you do.

Now with very tired eyes we're enjoying one final glance over Sydney as we fly above the city at sunrise - on our way to New Zealand. Our Qantas flight is as snazzy as the rest of them; complete with ipads for inflight entertainment. We've even been treated to another extra leg room upgrade (who said you had to dress smart to charm check in staff?). So with legs stretched, and our new koala sat in the empty seat next to us, we bring you our vital statistics from the beautiful Land Down Under....

VITAL STATISTICS:

Inches lost: hold on to those baggy swimmers

Subway sandwiches consumed: 0.5ft each, daily

World's wonders witnessed: another one down - lots more to go…

Tim Tam's gobbled: Plenty. You can't get much better than these Aussie biscuit treats.

Best room with a view: John the campervan, parked beside a number of gorgeous beaches along the East coast. Our favourite? The gorgeous beach and sand dunes at Port Stephens. Watching the sun set over the ocean was magical.

New skills mastered: Campervan driving, snorkelling and, erm, surfing (ahem)

The 'All creatures great and small' factor: 10/10 (Koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, Nemo… need we go on?).

Most bizarre hostel visitor: giant stick insect

Distance travelled: 8214km

Time spent waiting in airports: 12hours 15minutes

Total length of all delays to destination: Blimey, only 30minutes!

Time spent on long-distance buses: 2hours

Days living in a campervan: 12

Time flying in airplanes: 9hours 5minutes