Sydney - School Holidays

What a great place Sydney is.  There is so much to do. A friend and I decided we would take our sons on a surprise “all about them” adventure trip to Sydney as part of School Holidays. 

We found great value flights and accommodation on www.expedia.com.au.  

On arriving we purchased a travel pass that covered train, ferry and bus trips around Sydney for the next 3 days.  We stayed at the  Mercure Hotel, close to Central Station, a great spot to hop on and travel wherever you so desire and we found it well worth finding a hotel with a pool especially after a long day.  On our travels that day we took a stroll up  to Hyde Park, then on to  a monorail ride to Darling Harbour where we visited the Maritime Museum.  It was well worth exploring the Endeavour, Submarine and the Destroyer boats not to mention the interactive, action displays at the rescue exhibition.  At Darling Harbour we found a great spot for dinner,  chicken schnitzel, salad and chips with glass of beer or soft drink for $14.50. The best delicious “Chicken Schnitty” around @ The Watershed Hotel., www.thewatershedhotel.com.au.  Walking back to Town Hall Station we stumbled across  Haigh’s Chocolates in the Queen Victoria Building and bought a moreish sweet treat for our cuppa back at our unit.

The next day was a train trip to Circular Quays to see the Opera House and Sydney Harbour bridge, then a most anticipated  ferry ride to the house of fun – Luna Park. The boys loved the awesome rides. Later that night we all ventured down to the  China Town markets where the boys spent most of their pocket money and dined on fried rice and honey chicken.  We were recommended to try the Emperor Puffs from the hole in the wall at the Emperor Garden Restaurant there.  And you must….  It is the best kept secret around- they are delicious little balls of puff encasing hot custard and @ 30 cents each, a delicious dessert!

On our last day the boys explored the aisles at Paddy’s Market spending the last of their well earned pocket money on LA Lakers shirts before taking a train ride down to the boardwalk to watch the street performers at Circular Quay, a walk up to the The Rocks Markets,  and finally catching the train back to the airport for our trip home.

A great time was had by all.   We couldn’t have asked for better weather.  Unfortunately though as it all too often  happens.. we ran out of time.  Next time, it will be the Sydney Eye Tower, Bondi Beach and the Taronga Zoo…