Blustery Bondi and Darling Harbor.

In the Merry Old Land of OZ
Sydney, Day 2
Wednesday, August 27

I woke up early on Wednesday, so as to give myself plenty of time for more exploration of Sydney. Since my flight for Perth was due to leave at 7:20, I knew I only had a limited time, and wanted to make the most of it. I showered, packed up my things, checked out of my hostel, and put my luggage in locker storage for the day. Then I headed to Central Station to begin my adventure.

I decided to head out to Bondi first, and figured, since it had come in such handy on Monday, I’d just buy another day tripper transportation pass. I caught a train to Bondi Junction, and then a bus to Bondi Beach. Bondi is one of the more well-known surf beaches in Sydney, and, as the bus pulled up to let us all out, I could see why.

The strong wind pushing dark clouds across the horizon made for some wicked surfing waves, and there were large groups of people astride surf boards out in the too-blue water. It was another warm day, but when the sun was hidden behind a cloud (which it was increasingly the longer I was there), the wind became slightly chilly.

I strolled along the long, white sand beach, taking off my shoes to feel the fine sand in between my toes. I’d forgotten how much I love that feeling. I watched two small groups of people getting surfing lessons; they were easy to pick out with their green “Let’s Go Surfing” T-shirts and bright pink surf boards. A few of them were doing well, though, and I saw quite a few ride their first waves.

I walked the length of the beach and seriously considered signing up for the 12:30 surf lesson. It would have only coast $70 for a two-hour lesson, but I would have had to return to my hostel first to get my bathing suit, bought a towel somewhere, and made it back to Bondi. I doubted highly that all that would happen in an hour. Plus, it would have meant much less sight-seeing that day. I slightly regretted not doing it at first, but, as the clouds continued to roll in and the breeze became cooler, I decided it was probably for the best.

Since surfing was out of the question, I figured I should at least walk through the waves as they came further inland. I misjudged how fast they were coming in, however, and got a lot more than just my ankles wet. All I can say is this – I could certainly tell it was winter time; the water was freezing!

I found a nice bench in the sun to sit on and let the bottoms of my pants dry off for a bit. I watched the surfers, dog walkers, and tourists for a time, and was perfectly content doing so. After my jeans had become damp as opposed to wet, I headed back for the bus stop, finding some nice people to snap a few photos of me along the way.

I caught a bus back to Bondi Junction, and then a train to Circular Quay once again. I had been slightly worried that the weather would turn sour after seeing all those dark clouds rolling in over Bondi. But back at the wharf, the sun was shining.

I decided to catch a 1:15 ferry out to Darling Harbor, which is the bit of Sydney one inlet over from Circular Quay. I probably could have walked, but, (in the words of McDreamy), “I have a think for ferry boats.”

The ferry ride could have only taken about 10 or 15 minutes, but we made four short stops along the way to pick up and drop off a person here and there. I didn’t really mind, however, because getting to Darling Harbor meant travelling under the Harbor Bridge and getting great views of both it and the Opera House. Once again, I took a lot of photos.

I got dropped off near the Sydney Maritime Museum, where there was a small battle ship and submarine moored in the harbor for visitors to tour. Across the harbor, the Doulos (the ship/book fair Andrea and I explored when it was in Wellington a while back) was tethered at King’s Street Wharf, next to the Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World. If ever I find myself back in Sydney, I think I’ll go check out the aquarium and Wildlife World, along with the Sydney Zoo.

I crossed the harbor using the Pyrmont Bridge, which is made specifically for use by pedestrians and cyclists, and allows a great view of the whole area. Once I reached Cockle Bay Wharf on the other side, I decided making a loop around Cockle Bay was probably the best way to see everything.

I stopped for lunch at Subway, and got attacked (quite literally – I still have scratches on my hand!) by a seagull as I was finishing my 6-inch by the bay. They are nasty, sneaky birds, and I’ve decided I don’t like them a bit. I found dessert (in the form of a yummy chocolate muffin) within the confines of a Starbucks, and then continued exploring.

Cockle Bay boasts a variety of cafes and restaurants, along with some really cool-looking buildings. There was a little mini train giving tourists a lift from point A to point B. I stopped in the Visitor Center to grab some brochures, and then took a stroll through the Palm Grove and Tumbalong Park, finally reaching the Chinese Gardens.

I had planned to check the Chinese Gardens out, but, upon finding I was going to have to shell out an extra $6 to do it, I decided not to. After all, I’ve already seen the real thing in Shanghai and Beijing – why waste money on what was surely a cheap imitation?

I eventually made my way back to the ferry dock and hopped a jetcat ferry back to Circular Quay. It was by that time nearly 4 p.m., and I had planned to head back to my hostel to collect my things and catch a train to the airport a little at 5. So I decided to go kill some time in the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Located directly across from the Opera House, the gardens turned out to be much prettier and more sprawling than I’d originally realized. I roamed about aimlessly, walking along Farm Cove and taking in all the greenery. I imagine the gardens would be absolutely stunning in the summer months. There weren’t very many flowers blooming in August, but it was still plenty pretty.

I decided to power walk my way around farm cove, where the Fleet Steps and Mrs. Macquarie’s Point and Chair are located. Mrs. Macquarie was the wife of Mr. Macquarie, who was Governor of Sydney for a time back in the early 1800s. Her “chair” was a bit of carved rock in which she’d sit to watch ships coming in and out of the harbor. Today, all three sites are great vantage sights to view both the Opera House and Harbor Bridge.

Due to time issues and the fact that my camera battery had died while I was in the Gardens, I only made it as far out as the Fleet Steps. I climbed them to take in the view, hoping that perhaps my camera would hold out for one last sunset photo. But, of course, it didn’t. Oh well. The walk in itself was pretty. And I suppose there’s always next time.

Slightly before 5 p.m., I found my way out of the Gardens (after getting lost twice first), and made my way back to the train station. I returned to my hostel, got my bag, and headed back to Central Station to catch a train to the airport.

Once I got to the airport, I realized I could have probably easily spent another hour in the city. I checked in for my flight, deposited my bag, went through security, and found my departure gate within the span of 17 minutes. I killed time listening to my iPod and munching some Starbursts.

My flight to Perth, while a bit of a long one, was enjoyable. The skies were unnaturally clear as we soared over Australia, and I loved watching the lights of cities and towns gliding by, thousands of miles beneath us.

We landed slightly ahead of schedule in Perth, but Uncle Jerry was there already, waiting for me near baggage claim. He still looks the same, even after 5 or 6 years. I collected my bag, and we got in the line for a taxi. He had just flown in from Adelaide that night (he makes trips there a couple of times a month for his job), so we had to hire a ride to his house.

Jerry and his family live in Armadale, near Fremantle, about a half hour south of Perth. It was late when we arrived, but Lindy was awake to greet us anyway. We chatted for a short time, and then it was off to bed, me heading for a (very comfy) mattress on the floor of the lounge. Lindy promised that, next time I come visit, there will be a guest room for me in the new house.