Sydney

February 08, 2025

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

FEBRUARY 5-6, 2025

Celebrated for its magnificent natural harbor, the world’s largest, and its free-spirited nature, Sydney was founded as a penal colony in 1788. We began our cruise into the Sydney Harbor from Wellington, New Zealand at 6am on February 5 and the sights are something to behold!!! The cultural jewel is the iconic Sydney Opera House nestled harborside like a gleaming white bird taking wing and the Sydney Harbor Bridge which we climbed 25 years ago – a good thing because now if you are over 75 years of age, you are not allowed to climb the bridge. However, bungee jumping in New Zealand is FREE if you are over 75!!!!!!

Our Harbor Cruise showcased the Royal Botanic Garden with its 70 acres of flora-lined pathways; The Rocks, a district named for the sandstone from which its original buildings were made and that once hosted drunken sailors and ex-convicts; the striking and very expensive harborside mansions; Luna Park amusement center; the Taronga Zoo and Watsons Bay.

We saw some bridge-climbers, but it was too early to be Joe and Julie. They are still enroute to Sydney from their excursion to the South Island of New Zealand.

Beautiful views of the sunset and of the city at night!

The next day, Jim managed to sign up for a two-hour session of pickleball – his best exercise since he played in Los Angeles. Pickleball in Australia is only about a year old, but has a large number of active players – some with remarkable skills already!

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch at the famous Doyle’s Restaurant known for a favorite -- Barramundi, an Asian sea bass! We were joined by Bill and Ann Addison. We met them in the Sky Restaurant about a month ago, and they have become very good friends.

The Queen Elizabeth was berthed in Circular Quay. The Viking Sky would have been there, but she has priority. We were berthed at White Bay terminal around the corner!