We set off from Wollongong with some very excited travellers and picked another one up at Central Station on our way to the Ibis Hotel on Darling Harbour. We were all in awe of the amazing views from our rooms of Darling Harbour and stood together for a moment to take it all in. After we unpacked it was time to explore. First stop was lunch to satisfy our rumbling bellies. With many options to choose from, it was Indian, Sushi, Steak and chips from the food court as everyone felt like something different today. We enjoyed a stroll around the Harbour, taking in the atmosphere before settling in for a coffee and chat at the Black Bird Café, across the harbour from the Ibis Hotel. A couple of the travellers enjoyed the great view from the viewing deck. Before we became too relaxed, we headed off to Kingpin to sink into the carnival-like atmosphere and take our chances on the plethora of games. With flashing lights and music throughout, it was certainly an uplifting, fun experience for all of us. We finished with a challenging (but friendly) game of pool before heading back to the Ibis to get ready for dinner. We found a lovely Malaysian Restaurant to dine in before enjoying the sights of the city from the colourful Ferris wheel on Darling Harbour. On our way back to the Ibis, we swung by the Hard Rock Café to view the rock’n’roll memorabilia and one of the travellers enjoyed a dance to the music of the DJ.
Wednesday started with breakfast at the Hotel before taking in the sights from the Pyrmont Bridge. It was a glorious morning and a great opportunity for a quick photoshoot before heading back to the hotel to climb aboard the trikes, courtesy of Troll Tours. We travelled through the city, over the Harbour Bridge, Gladesville Bridge and ANZAC Bridge before returning back to the hotel. It was an enjoyable way to view the city, with the wind in our hair and the rumble of the Harleys, everyone had big smiles on their faces. After the ride, we walked to Darling Harbour Wharf and caught a ferry to Circular Quay, changed to the Manly ferry and head over to Manly for lunch. While out on the Harbour, we lapped up the sights of the Harbour Bridge, The Opera House, Luna Park and so much more. We arrived at Manly Wharf and chose to eat at the Fish and Lemonade Café before cruising back to Circular Quay. We decided to walk from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour taking in the many sights along the way. It certainly was a good walk, and we welcomed a nice bit of downtime in our rooms before heading out for dinner to the amazingly delicious Mediterranea Restaurant on Darling Harbour.
We enjoyed an easy morning on Thursday with Maccas for brekky before heading to Market City for a wander around the famous markets. Fruit and other items were purchased and some dress up fun was had in the Wig stall before making our way over back through the City to Circular Quay. We enjoyed lunch at City Extra Café on the wharf before a photo shoot at the world-famous Sydney Opera House. We then suited up for the thrilling Thunder Jetboat ride on the Harbour. Everyone was so excited and could not wait to climb aboard. It was a fast, crazy, fun ride with a few half spins in the drizzling rain but this did not dampen the spirit. There were smiles from ear to ear when the boat returned. Lots of chatter all the way back to the hotel about how great it was. The Mediterranea Restaurant was chosen for dinner again by the travellers followed by a visit to the Scotch and Co. Bar for a taste test before heading back to King Pin for a few more games.
The day everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. The excitement was building, lots of chatter over brekky. It was a foggy start to the day but as the morning went on the skies cleared for the big finale, the helicopter ride over the city. We arrived at Sydney Airport to be inducted by the pilot and put our safety gear on before lifting off, up into the air, to take in the many wonderful sights of Sydney City and its beaches. It certainly was a sight to behold and one that we will never forget experiencing together. It was recommended that we try The Grounds of Alexandria for lunch so it was off to Alexandria on an adventure to find The Grounds. It was a magical place, with many beautiful hanging plants and flowers and the food was delicious and the service excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed our last lunch together, reminiscing about our holiday before dropping one of the travellers back to the airport to catch her bus home to Canberra. The rest of us continued on to Wollongong, where we parted for home.
Just another great adventure enjoyed by all, new friendships made and great memories and experiences to talk about with our friends and families.
Let’s Connect!Follow us on Instagram for the latest news, travel updates and some sensational pics. Get involved in the TT Community Conversation.@trustedtraveltdt
