Project 2014: Sydney as a tourist

We had long desired to give the boys a taste of Sydney different to their normal impression of one long traffic jam. So almost a year ago, we booked an apartment near Circular Quay for a week with the intention being to live like tourists and show the boys some of the classic sights of Sydney. We were extra fortunate that the Navy decided to host their International Fleet Review on the same week, so we also scored a fantastic firework display and parade of warships!

This week was quite unlike our normal camping adventures, however having rented an apartment, we were able to cook our own meals and make our lunches, saving a fortune on meals. The other trick we used to sustain our lads on the days when we walked seemingly everywhere, was to buy a four pack of ice creams from the IGA or Woolworths or Coles supermarkets that were always just around the corner.Thankfully ice creams are the one food every one in our family likes!

So, live like tourists we did. The Little Helper was fascinated by the public transport system, and it took him three days before he stopped pointing out each train and bendy bus crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The boys with the view from the apartment

The Little Fisherman was fascinated by all the warships, in particular the 5 inch guns - and was thrilled with a tour of the HMS DARING and the HMAS PARAMATTA. A highlight for him was being able to hold one of the boarding party shotguns during the tour of HMAS PARAMATTA...

Oh dear... what have we created

Of course a ferry ride was a must - and on day one we took the first ferry we could catch... and it took us to Cockatoo Island. Having never been there, we hopped off and had a great time exploring the old workshops, docks and convict buildings on the island.

Power Station Chimney at Cockatoo Island

Dog Leg Tunnel at Cockatoo Island

Other highlights of our week in Sydney were:

Watching the warships sail past for the International Fleet Review
A magnificent firework display - with prime viewing directly from our accommodation
Walking over the Harbour Bridge
Catching the Manly Ferry (and watching the start of the Tall Ship Race from the same)
Splashing in the waves at Manly
Enjoying the culinary delights of David Jones Food Hall
Taronga Zoo
Power House Museum
Maritime Museum - including the tour of HMAS VAMPIRE and HMAS ONSLOW
Catching a movie (Planes) at a George St Cinema
Catching a show (13 Story Tree House) at the Opera House.
Watching the Fleet Review airshow from the top of Centrepoint Tower

The start of the Tall Ship's Race - From the Manly Ferry

An old friend leaves the Fleet Base for the Tall Ship's Race

In all we had a simply unforgettable week, and thoroughly enjoyed falling in love with the very best that Sydney has to offer. We used public transport exclusively and this worked extremely well (except I discovered that the week long Multi Passes do not like being washed with your clothes - an expensive mistake). Other activities showed the different value we place on things - and some are almost blatant price gouging.

For example, we spent at least half a day at the Power House Museum for a bargain price of $30 for the family. There was plenty of great activities to do, for kids and big kids like me. Going to a movie on George St cost us over $60 for the family, and was all done in under a couple of hours. Even worse was perhaps the lift up to the observation deck of Centrepoint Tower - costing over $80 for the family to get up there (Seriously Westfield?). After a quick dash around the top the kids were ready to come down... We did time it so we were up there for a display by the RAAF FA18 Hornet, but the Little Helper was more interested in Bendy Buses and Trains rather than looking down on the jet screaming down the harbour!