BUS 292
The plan was to do the Sydney Like a Local tour so that we could get the lay of the land and figure out what we might want to go back to see and do on our own. So we decided to be brave and venture out on our own the next day.
When I planned this trip, I didn’t really know where in Sydney we would want to stay so I picked a hotel and of course it was 10+ miles north of the city center where we really wanted to be. So we had to get familiar with the local transportation system.
Bus 292 was to become our best friend over the next 4 days.
For less than $5 AUD we could catch Bus 292 right in front of our hotel and it would take us to the city center where everything was happening in Sydney. The first day we stood at the bus stop waiting for bus 292 and when it got to us, it pulled in and then instantly zoomed on out and on it’s way. Apparently, you have to wave down the bus drivers to get them to stop for you. Kind of like getting a taxi.
We got the hang of it!
Once you get to the city center, there are buses everywhere and metro trains. Riding the trains is similar to the bus except those drivers don’t mess around. You can tap on before the train gets there so you are ready.
And you better be ready!
If not, the doors are closing. More than once the four of us got separated when we dilly dallied a little too long getting on the train. But we managed to hook up again and learn from our mistakes 🙂
All part of the adventure of being in another country, another world!
SYDNEY HARBOUR/BRIDGE
Sydney is known for a couple of things. One is the Sydney Opera House which is a very unique, interesting design. We tried to book an event there but weren’t successful.
The other sight Sydney is known for is the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Harbour.
The bridge was built starting in 1923 and was completed and opened in 1932.
Fun fact: It is constructed with 6 million rivets which means there are more rivets in the bridge than there are people in Sydney 🙂
You are able to walk across the bridge and also you can go up and walk along the top arch of the bridge. Kev went up along the arch for a better view of the harbour but I was content on the walkway. Not a big fan of heights 🙂
Our cruise began and ended at the Sydney Harbour. It is one of the world’s most beautiful harbors. The Australian coast line creates coves and peninsulas that just make the harbour gorgeous!
FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE PARK
Our next excursion took us to the beautiful Blue Mountains with a stop on the way at the Featherdale Wildlife Park.
My absolute favorite thing!
We got to see the animals indigenous to Australia. When we first walked in there were baby kangaroos everywhere. They were allowed to wander around, not locked up in cages. There were koala bears, baby penguins, dingos, beautiful birds and an albino kangaroo. One of the koala bears had a baby with her but we weren’t able to see it. As the wildlife staff told us “he was hiding with his mum” 🙂
SO DARN CUTE!!!!
I’m including videos in this post and hoping you can watch them. On this first video, position on the kangaroo and click (maybe) twice.
Listen to the sounds these baby penguins make. LOL!
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Next we were onto the Blue Mountains.
The Blue Mountains are much like our Grand Canyon. There are over 900 canyons with waterfalls and walking trails. And lots of steps!
But it is just stunning!
Apparently, according to our tour guide Ben, the Blue Mountains aren’t really mountains. They are just plateaus with gorges below. I’m not really sure what the difference is between these fake mountains and real ones but they were a sight to see. There is a blue haze that hangs around which is what gave them their name, The Blue Mountains. We spent the day hiking to overlooks and enjoying the many views.
The next day we lounged a little in our rooms and tried to recover a bit from our excursion. But then in the evening we went to the Sydney Tower for dinner and it was quite a grand surprise. The Sydney Tower looks somewhat like the space needle in Seattle. The restaurant rotates showing off all of Sydney and the Harbour. The food was delicious and the view was spectacular!
It was perfect for our last night in Sydney!
So sorry to hear of the passing of David’s sister!! That has to be so hard, being a million miles away. 😔
The transportation system sounds rather stressful!! Ugh. Glad you got the hang of it.
Of course Kevin walked on top of the bridge. Why not!? 🙃 Eeks! Did you get a pic of him up on top?
The wildlife park sounds so neat!! I want to go and meet the baby kangaroos and penguins!!
The Blue Mountains hike is beautiful. I love the colorful birds!
No pic of Kev on top of the bridge. He disappeared and later appeared telling us he went up there. Typical Kev :). The babies were just the cutest!!
Condolences to David. My friends sister just passed as well. I loved how you described the afterlife as a new adventure. So true!
Again I’m loving taking this online adventure with you guys. Loved hearing about everything and love you guys too.
B
I’m hopeful the afterlife is a continuation of our adventure! I will pass on your condolences. We love you too!
So sorry to David and his family for the loss of his sister. May Rhea rest in peace.
Loving your experiences as told in words, pictures and videos. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Nancy! I’ll pass it on.
Gorgeous pictures and videos, Denise. What an experience!
How awful that Rhea passed while David was so far away. That must have been so hard on him.
I hear you are back on our continent now. Welcome home!
Yes we are back in the USA!! Always good to be back!