Returning to Sydney we dropped the rental car back at the airport and took the train into our hotel at Kings Cross. Thanks to Wendy’s thorough planning she booked our room on the 5th floor 10 months in advance and so we had an excellent view of the harbor, opera house and Bay bridge for the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks coming up in 5 days’ time. But first we explored!

Sydney is a magnificent city. With both modern and historical aspects there was much to see. One day we took a walking tour of The Rocks, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Sydney going back to when it was a rough part of the original penal colony. We learned that Captain Bligh, of the Bounty mutiny, was made governor here for a short time, but suffered a second, shore side mutiny and was let go.

Another day was spent touring the Sydney Opera House which is truly an architectural marvel. The scalloped shapes of the roofs are actually derived from sections of a sphere, much like orange slices and provide a stunning profile from virtually every angle.

The nearby Bay Bridge is another major landmark with a small museum built into the top of one of the support pylons. The bridge represents another remarkable feat of construction for the times, taking over 14 yrs to complete, but without a single fatality. And of course, the views are fantastic from the top (see pic)!

In a different part of the city we visited the Anzac Memorial, a beautiful and moving tribute for their fallen soldiers. In the space beneath the memorial were offices and facilities which back in the day provided many services for the returned veterans.

Sydney also has a large, well-tended botanical garden, which we cut through most days while walking between our hotel and the CBD. One evening we returned a little late and managed to get ourselves locked inside the gardens. We had to call a ranger to come let us out.

After several days we were getting tired of walking and curious to see more of Sydney Harbor, so we jumped onto a ferry at the downtown wharf and just rode around for half a day, getting off at various stops to look around.

Finally, after seeing about as much of Sydney as we could by train, bus, ferry and on foot we picked up a pizza and headed for our room to watch the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks. Together with a lovely bottle of Hunter Valley wine we had a terrific view of the Opera house, Bay Bridge and parts of Sydney Harbor. The fireworks show was amazing! It lived up to every expectation. Fireworks were launched from 5 different barges in the bay, they were launched from the bridge and there were light shows all over the opera house. Truly a memorable New Year’s and a great time in Sydney!