We settled into the IBIS on Darling Harbour and had a wonderful meal overlooking the Harbour and spectacular opening night of the VIVID light festival. A few of our weary travelers called it a night while others went for a short stroll for a closer look at the light show on Darling Harbour.
On Saturday we started with a smorgasbord of delicious breakfast delights and then we drove to the iconic Bondi Beach for some people watching on a beautiful sunny morning. We were taking a stroll along the vibrant graffiti wall when we met a local artist who was just commencing a new mural to be added to the ever-changing wall. While we were walking back to the cars and taking in some the sunshine, we just happened to meet one the Bondi Lifesavers from Bondi Rescue who kindly stopped for a quick chat and photos with the group.
Lunch was had at Bondi RSL which has stunning views overlooking the whole of Bondi Beach. After lunch the group went for a scenic drive around the Gap, Watsons Bay and Hornby Lighthouse. Some of the group managed the long trek to the lighthouse for some amazing views of Sydney Harbour.
After a long day the group was happy to eat at the IBIS again as we all enjoyed our meals overlooking the dancing lights of VIVID.
Sunday was Home and Away day! We met the bus at the Rocks to start our trip and pick up our mystery Home and Away actor. It was the actor Angelina Thomson (Kirby) who joined the trip and signed everyone’s autographs at the clubhouse which appears at the outside of the salt restaurant in Home and Away. Then we were off to the Café at Palm Beach, also part of where Home and Away is filmed, to have lunch and buy some souvenirs.
We travelled back to Manly and on the way were shown some the houses used as for the family homes in the show.
Dinner was amazing at the upmarket Hugo’s on Manly Wharf overlooking Manly Beach where the group was indulged by great service and a fresh, delicious meal.
Monday we all packed up to leave after another delicious breakfast at the IBIS. The group did some exploring of Darling Harbour then some of us walked across Pyrmont Bridge to catch a ferry from Barangaroo to Circular Quay. We had a great lunch at City Extra and a little more shopping for souvenirs then back on the ferry to Barangaroo.
We all met up for our final goodbyes at the IBIS and set off on our many different directions home.