Day 32-33 - Sydney Australia

Weather
Sunny and 90

Map

First Impressions

What we did
We arrived in Sydney Harbor at around 7am. Sailing into the harbor past the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge was breathtaking. With the early morning sun to our backs we will never forget the sights as we proceeded to our pier at White Bay. After a quick breakfast we proceeded to our included harbor tour. It was a nice relaxing way to start the day. The included tour was a large boat with floor to ceiling windows, in air conditioning except for the top level with snacks available on the 1st floor. We were able to try Australian's "Lamington" cake which is a sponge cake that is rolled in hot chocolate. Delicious! After the tour we took the Viking supplied shuttle to Kings wharf and spent some time walking around town exploring. What a clean and modern city. Ferries are the major way to get around and are a joy to watch them dance across the water.

Later that evening we took an Uber to the Sydney Opera House for dinner at Bennalongs (a 3 course pre theater menu) that was memorable and then a showing of Puccini's Turandot. It was a night we will not forget.

The next day we took the shuttle to Kings wharf and then took a local ferry to Circular Quay. We then explored the Rocks, a historic neighborhood with Sydney's oldest pubs and open air markets. Lunch was had at Fortune of War, Sydney's oldest pub. After lunch we walked through the Botanical gardens and around the Opera House. Retracing our steps, we took a ferry ride back to Kings Wharf and then a shuttle to the ship. That evening we sailed out past downtown and the Opera House one last time. We will always remember Sydney and can say we will be back again someday, as there is so much more to do and see!

Travel Tips
The ferries are so easy to navigate; you tap your credit card as you enter the ferry pier and again as you leave it. So simple. We were considering the Hop on - Hop off bus to get around but the ferry was a real treat and actually more economical.