Not having to walk far we came across a little cafe attached to another hotel. Caffe Molinari provided us with just what we needed, a light breakfast with orange juice and decent coffee. Fully sustained we walked the short distance to the mainline station.
The area around the station is full of backpacker hostels and small hotels, ideal if you are on an absolute tight budget. Our first mission was to buy and top up what nearly all the locals use, Opal Cards. Similar to London's Oyster Card it's all you need to use the great public transport system in this bustling city. We found our line and platform and were soon on our way to Bondi Junction and not a surf board between us.
To be honest I'd never given it a thought about this iconic location being so close to the city. We were alighting our train and hopping onto a waiting bus to the beach in no time at all, the sea came into view and all of a sudden I had an urge to go swimming.
Every thing you have seen on the TV about this place is true. Golden sands, tick. Rolling waves and blue sea, tick. Add to those must have's: hot weather, surfers, lifeguards and bikini clad blondes and you've got Bondi on a plate - now for a swim.
You see, I was the only one who was prepared. I had my trunks on under my shorts, what the hell, you don't get a chance to dive into the Pacific Ocean at Bondi Beach every day, the water was lovely and you know what? That sun would dry me off in no time. Now for a date with a pie shop!
Taking the bus and train back to Kings Cross, a slightly notorious part of town, we navigated via Jim's map app to the Woolomoloo area of town for lunch. Many TV chefs have travelled to Australia and many have filmed at Harry's Cafe De Wheels, a pie stall that has been in business since 1945, it just had to be done.
I ordered the Tiger; meat pie, mash, peas and gravy, that also had to be done and only cost me £4. Not bad but to be honest, I'd tasted better at Christie Park whilst watching Morecambe FC. I'm sure business is good however, seeing as the Naval Dockyard backs onto the jetty the cafe is located on.
Fully sustained (again) we made our way to the Woolomoloo Bay Hotel for a lunchtime swifty before walking up to the Botanical Gardens via the filthy rich waterside houses and boats of the elite citizens of Sydney. It's rumoured Russell Crowe has a place round this district.
All walked out we went back to the hotel to freshen up before getting back on the metro, destination Pier 3 at Circular Quay and the boat across the harbour to the seaside suburb of Manley. We took what is billed as the Famous Manley Ferry across the harbour just as the sun was setting behind the bridge, you couldn't have planned it better. In about half an hour we were docking at Manley where we strolled through the pier side eateries and onwards into town towards the beach. Jim and Clare were taking us to a place they have been to many times, a BBQ extravagansia called Rump and Ribs. Believe me, it served exactly what is says on the sign, plus, you get to wear a fetching bib! It's also a shrine to Rugby Union, many international signed shirts are on the wall, including that of England.
Fully stuffed, we paid as our treat, our group managed to get back to the boat for the return to Circular Quay. What another fantastic view we had as the boat turned into the sheltered harbour, the high rise forming a perfect backdrop to the bridge and opera house, illuminated against the inky blackness - cue camera going into overdrive again.
Another day in Sydney, another weary group of travellers. Still, Lynn and me had space enough for a goodnight tipple over the road from the hotel in a crazily named bar called Harpoon Harry's where most of the staff seemed to be English. Well, all the Aussies are over in London working in the bars of Earls Court.
Finally we dragged ourselves across the road and got our heads down, well, tomorrow they would be in the clouds.
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