The Land Down Under - Sydney and the Escape from the Wet Tropics

While I loved the amazing foliage, flowers, birds, bugs, crocodiles, and trees of the rainforest, I was ready to leave "nature" for some urban experiences.  After getting settled in our Airbnb, we headed out to see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge via the Sydney Botanical Gardens.  Wow.  Day prior to leaving Cairns, we learned that we'd be in Sydney for Australia Day with fireworks the next evening down at the Harbour.  Perfect!

Spent the next day down exploring Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and the Rocks (former industrial port- now cute boutiques and restaurants).  It was then back to the Botanical Gardens for the perfect viewing spot for the fireworks and it did not disappoint!

Our ferry ride to Manley Beach (nice sandy beach, water was way too cold for our liking but enjoyed watching the surfers) was enjoyable but it was the ferry ride out and back to Manley on Sydney Harbour that was fantastic.  The following day we took a local bus out to Bondi Beach to hike the six km Coastal Walk to Coogee Beach through Tamarama, Bronde, and Clovelly.  Due to trail repairs, the path detoured through an active cemetery.  Very interesting.  A perfect way to conclude our visit to the Land Down Under (and no rain!).  Onto Asia.........

Harbour Bridge	Sydney Opera House	Harbour Bridge from Botanical Garden
Darling Harbour	Sydney Harbour	Bondi Beach
Cemetery on Coastal Walk	along Coastal Walk	approaching Coogee Beach

Busy around Sydney