The flight from Fiji to Sydney was probably our best flight so far. A clear sky the day we left meant we had a fantastic view down to the the islands lush green vegetation, yellow beaches and blue corals lieing below. Five hours later and the view coming into Sydney could not have been any different. Theres more people living in Sydney than all of Fiji and the sprawling metropolis is a sight in itself. Before even touching down in Australia we had some stunning views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
After dumping our bags at our hostel in Sydneys notourious Kings Cross we headed into town. First stop was an impromptu visit to one of the many campervan rental stores. A good hour or so in there had us feeling a little dejected at our plans and the thought of just how short our UK Pounds could actually stretch. Here in Australia they don't stretch very far! Feeling a little perplexed we wandered aimlessly taking in the memorable place names from home as we cut through Hyde Park and up Oxford Street. Soon though we had a new plan, gone was the idea of buying or renting a van and driving it down to the coast, and so the original nine week trip was cut in half. Plan B; fly up to Cairns, see the sights, fly down to Melbourne, see the sights, save everything inbetween for another time and make for the financial refuge of SE Asia five weeks earlier than planned.
With a renewed sense of optimism we made for those aforementioned tourist sites we had seen from the sky. As we arrived at the Quay darkness was setting in and our first postcard view of Sydney was to be one at dusk.
On our first morning in Sydney we decided to partake in one of the Free Walking Tours. We try and do these as much as possible when we first arrive in the larger cities as they provide a good sense of direction as well as being pretty informative, sometimes even including a free drink. This one (Peak Tours) was no exception, and was probably one of the best we've done and would recommend to anyone arriving in Sydney for the first time. An honest review - we obviously take no commission from recommending a free tour ;) That evening we met up for a drink and some dinner with one of Geraldines friends. Lucie took us round the very lively Vendredi Soir hotspot where plenty of Sydney were out celebrating the weekends arrival.
The following morning was spent lazing in the botanic gardens largely due to Adams inability to move. What we thought was just a bit of a cold soon deteriorated until Adam self-diagnosed himself with dengue fever (a parting gift from Fiji). Luckily for us some friends from London who had emmigrated here three years ago were on hand to offer some R&R. A (fantasticly cooked) roast dinner along with the most comfortable bed we've slept in yet and some great company helped fight the jungle fever. Thanks again Mike & Sophie! It took us out of the city and on the ferry to Manly which gives probably the best view of Sydney you can get. Out on the water you can look back at the Bridge, Opera House and rising skyline of the CBD all in one view. Once on the other side Mike took us to some of Syndeys best beaches including the original 'Home and Away' beach.
Back in Sydney there was just enough time to check out the notorious Bondi and Bronte Beaches via the coastal walk, and lose ourselves in Paddington district before formalizing a plan for our extra five weeks in Asia. We've settled on the worlds third largest island.... Borneo! But before that plenty still to do in Cairns and Melbourne!
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