Sydney - Our First Day

Paul, George and Adam in front of the Sydney Oprea House
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It was our first full day in Sydney and we were all really excited. We were without Natalie, she was with old school friend Tom, but we did still have the company of Clare.

Upon leaving the hostel we only had one aim, and that ws to get to Circular Quay! We were staying in Maze Packpackers on Pitt Street so we were only 15 mins walks away.

Posted by Adam

When we finally go there it was very exciting, for me at least as i had always wanted to go to Sydney. The first thing we saw was the the Harbour Bridge which was quite a sight but then the Opera House came into view and it finally felt we had arrived. Cameras were out immediately.

Opera House
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We walked to The Rocks and took some photos before needing some food. Like the perfect backpackers we are, we decided to up the ante a little so we had lunch in the Hyatt Hotel; right next to the bridge and overlooking the Opera House. The food was amazing and we were pretty surprised it didn't cost more than it did. In fact, prices in Sydney were cheaper than we thought on the whole. Still not backpacker prices but definately cheaper than what we pay in an equal restaurant at home.

View from the Gardens
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As we were eating we saw loads of boats out in the water doing tours of the harbour and such like, but one of them caught our eye. A little red jet boat nipping in and out of all the others and generally having more fun. We had to get on that so we wondered round to the other side of the Quay and booked ourselves a ride.

After putting on our waterproof macks and waiting for Natalie we were out in the water and at the hands of a mental person. In no time we were going at quite a pace and performing 270 degree turns in the water. The first couple of turns we all got a bit wet and it was a good laugh but they soon became faster and wetter, to the point where the mack wasn't needed any more. It was great fun and a great way to see the main sights in Sydney but we were all soaked through.

We gradually dried off by walking through the park and botanical gardens en route to the Opera House. We booked ourselves onto a tour which was really good, if only to see the main Concert Hall. Our luck was in too as the Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra were practicing there at the time so at least we got to hear something being played there! The building is amazing, and the aussies are obviously very proud of it.

That night we deciding to go cheap and cook our own food at the hostel (mistake) and then took part in a quiz night held in the common room. After clearly having the best team name but not quite winning the quiz we destroyed a Rose Goon or two while watching a couple of films with the guys. One of the best days of tour without a doubt!