7 Days in Sydney

SydneySider — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 02:49:38 +0000

Welcome to the 7 days in Sydney blog! Need to catch up? Here’s a great place to start:

Day one:

Darling Harbour and Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Fish Markets and Seafood Cooking School, Wallabies vs France

Arrival and “Official” Day One

First Impressions

Day two:

Let’s Go Surfing at Bondi Beach, Bondi Markets, Barefoot Bowls at Paddo, Lord Dudley

Nothing a bit of surf and red bull can’t cure

Starting Day Two with a surf at Bondi

Day three:

North Palm Beach (Summer Bay!), 4 Pines Brewery, Whale Watching

Morning at Summer Bay followed by Whale Watching

“He’s a spaceman? Oh a policeman – sorry”

Day four:

Bridge Climb, Opera Bar, Opera House, Bank Hotel, Comedy Store

The day I realised I like classical music

Blow out the cobwebs with a Bridge Climb

Day five:

Taronga Zoo, Royal Botanic Gardens, Glenmore Hotel, Sebel Pier One, Nude Bar – Australian Youth Hotel

Who’d have thought Mozzarella tasted like a Quail egg

“Taste it, it’s only Mozzarella…”

Day six:

Blue Mountains – abseilling, Goomblar’s Dreaming, Solitary Restaurant, Three Sisters, Scenic World, Katoomba YHA

Is the climb worth the drop?

The Day I kissed a Man

Day seven:

Hunter Valley – Iron Gate Estate, Tallavera Grove, Hunter Valley Cheese Company, Potters Brewery, Tyrrell’s Vineyards, Leaves and Fishes, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

The day I tried low alcoholic water

“Low alcoholic water?” “No, just water”

Day 7: “Low alcoholic water?”, “No, just water!!”

Dervs — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:04:56 +0000

Start the day with an epic drive to Hunter Valley, I snoozed most of the way but I was lucky enough to be awake to enjoy the beautiful sights as we entered the famous wine region. A quick check in to the hotel and off to test out some of the many vineyards. First call was to Iron Gate Estate, where we got to taste both white and red wines, the glass of water to clear the pallets between to two wines was only water and not “low alcoholic” water as Cuzzy thought! We were then given a full tour of the winery and an insight into how the wine is produced. Much of the same happened in Tallavera Grove Winery, a lot of white wine, then a lot of red wine and an explanation to go with both.

Lunch was very enjoyable sitting outside in the sunshine, followed by a spot of aqua golf. Then to a cheese company were we tasted all the different cheeses, I bought some in the hope of bringing it home but of course was clever enough to leave it sitting in the fridge of my last hotel! Tyrells vineyard was the last one of the day and to be frank was my favourite. We got to taste red wine straight out of the barrel and I have to confess was my preferred wine of the day.

Next stop was Potters brewery to get an insight into the making and tasting of beer. Got to pull a glass of beer myself best for me to stay on the other side of the bar just drinking the beer, half the glass was full of bubbles!! Cuzzy told an awful joke, I can still see the tumbleweed!! Partially tanked up on white wine, red wine, cheese and beer we headed for Leaves and Fishes, a stylish restaurant that served gorgeous food. I had the fish of the day which was cod…compliments to the chef for that one!

So to round up the week we went sand dune quad biking. The trip up to the dunes in the 4×4 was probably more exciting than the quad biking itself. Off we went on the quads, were I must say I was quite scared especially after the prep talk from the owners, “if you break your arm, it’s your own fault”, “if fall off the bike, it’s your own fault”, if you crash and die, it’s your own fault”. I couldn’t have driven with anymore caution!

Well this is it, seven days are up, I hope that you’ve all enjoyed as much as I did. Sydney is a spectacular city that has so much to offer, whether it is sights, activities, food, drink or even friendships, and can be experienced by anyone who comes here. One thing for sure is that I will return to this fantastic place at some stage so I can enjoy all of the above again in my own time.

Day 7: The day I tried low alcoholic water for the first time…

Cuzzy — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:43:12 +0000

Once again I was late to meet everyone at the start of the day. It became a trend on the trip. Like Bono and his sunglasses, I am constantly late. I am blaming the huge comfortable beds we stay in.

First stop was Iron Gate Estate. One of the leading boutique wine makers and sellers in the Hunter Valley. It was my first wine tasting session ever because, I don’t like wine. It would be an interesting day. We tasted several wines made by the winery, including a suprise one, the low alcoholic water. The man who was looking after us at Iron Gate had passed me a glass of wine to wash my mouth out, and stupidly I thought it was a new type of water he had made. All caught on camera. Not good.

Next stop was Tallavera Grove. This was pretty much the same as Iron Gate but hopefully I didn’t make a fool of myself at this one. I was starting to feel a little ‘buzzed’ at this point also. The guy who was explaining everything to us had the most calming voice ever. I don’t know why I am letting you know this, but I thought I should.

The journey continued with a stop at a cafe called Oscars (if my memory serves me right). Chicken and chips to refuel me.

We then saw a driving range in the distance. I just HAD to show off my golfing skills. Usually I am really good, but I am going to blame the wine in my system for my horrendous technique and inability to hit every other ball.

Next stop was the Hunter Valley Cheese Company. They made and sold…yes you guessed it..Cheese. I could smell the place from a mile away. I literally went inside for about 3 minutes before I made an excuse to ‘go to the bathroom’ and quickly slipped out and sat outside. The smell nearly killed me. I don’t mind cheese but I cannot understand how anyone can work with that smell around them. I nearly puked…literally.

Tyrells Vineyard was next. It was a little different than the other wine places we went to because it had ALOT of history. It had been around for around 150 years. The original barns were still there. They also had the family trees on the walls. Something I found more interesting than the wine.

The last stop of the day was Four Pines Brewery. This was purely beer and something I enjoyed alot more. Got to try out a few jokes…that didnt work. Also walked out with a pocketful of hops…thanks Dervs.

It was then back to the hotel to had a little rest then out for food at Leaves and Fishes. Great food, great atmosphere, and great company. We left the camera mans number for the waitress, but unfortunately she never called.

It was then back to the hotel bar for drinking games and pictionary haha.

Day 6: The day I kissed a man

Cuzzy — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:35:05 +0000

Well it was another early start, but as they say “you can sleep when you are dead”. I don’t know who ‘they’ are, but i’ll use it to motivate me. I kept up my usual trend of being the last one in the mini-bus. Something I now pride myself up. What they do not know is I just sit in my room and come out late on purpose. First stop of the day, Abseiling in the Blue Mountains.

I am not a massive fan of heights so this was going to be a test. I pretended I was scared for the cameras, but I was cool as a cucumber inside. Honest. The instructors were really friendly and took us on 3 different descents. The first obviously being the smallest, and the last being a huge drop into some valley. I really enjoyed it, and once I got the hang of it, I was not scared in the slightest. I even did it more times than my partner Dervs, who used the ‘asthma card’ The views were excellent. It was one of my highlights of the trip.

Next stop was to check into our new hotel. It was a little different from our usual top class accomodation that we had been staying in, but I was pleasantly suprised how nice the staff and room’s were. The mini bar wasn’t quite up to standard though, with just two chocolate bars and a few bottles of water. No party here tonight. We all had showers and got changed and headed off.

We then drove to our next destination which was a cinema complex called ‘The Edge’. We weren’t here to catch the latest flick, but to watch a performance about the aboriginal culture called ‘Goomblars dream’. I must say I really enjoyed it. It included singing, dancing, playing the didgeridoo. They unfortunately didn’t let us have a go. By suprise, they grabbed us and dragged us on stage for some reinactments of emu’s and butterflies. I thought I was quite graceful with my tallness and bright colours. I am not usually one for dancing, and have to be 12 pints of lager deep to do so. But I thought I commanded the floor well haha. We had a quick chat, and was suprised to find out Goomblar had worked in schools in England in the past. He also told us his trademark was to kiss people for photos. Not one for letting people down, I took one for the team. My first male kiss. I can’t say it put me off girls in the slightest.

We were running on fumes by this point, so a lunch stop was needed, which was at ‘Solitary Restaurant’. This was an organic restaurant which had views of the countryside around. I didn’t get fooled into trying something new and disgusting, I went with the plain and simple steak. Always a win.

We then headed off to Scenic World to take in some of the views including ‘the three sisters’. Took a trip across on the cable cars. Then headed down the valley on the worlds steepest railway. My word it was steep, it was almost rollercoaster like, but VERY short, and not THAT exciting. Overall great views, and somewhere to go when it is a lot nicer weather.

We then headed to the YHA in Katoomba for pizza night. It was a different looking hostel than I would have thought, and it used to be a guest house. It wasn’t too busy but we got to sit down with the manager and also chatted with other backpackers. To be honest, I would have rather stayed there than the motel.

So an eventful day overall. Tiring but well worth it. But in the near word’s of Katie Perry, “I kissed a man and I DIDNT like it”.

Your say

SydneySider — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:23:03 +0000

So you’ve caught up on the daily recaps and watched all the vids on You Tube, flicked through the Flickr photostream and read the blogs – we’d love to hear what you thought was your favourite day. Vote below!

Day 6: Is the climb worth the drop?

Dervs — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:04:08 +0000

Another ridiculously early morning today, check out at 6.30am, pile into the minivan at 6.35am, Cuzzy of course, late again! Head for the Blue Mountains for abseiling, the thought didn’t scare me at first but when I got to the cliff edge and had to lower myself off, the anxiety set in and no matter how many ropes you are attached to its hard to feel full reassurance. I’m not sure whether the descent was scary or exciting but all I know is that there was a feeling of relief at the bottom, until I realized that I had to climb back up the cliff for another turn to abseil down…was the climb worth the drop??

We then headed straight for Alpine Motor Inn for check in, the “motel” look scared me at first and the fact but I was pleasantly surprised with the bedroom, decent size clean room and not frightening as I had originally apprehended, with very friendly staff too. A quick shower and off to “The Edge” cinema complex for Goomblar’s Dreaming, a performance about the indigenous Australian culture. Four aboriginal men performing and educating the public about their culture, its only when you actually experience such a production you realize how different cultures are. The didgeridoo of course the main highlight alongside tribal singing and dancing, but sure what would the show be without us being hauled on stage for a rendition of the emu and the butterfly, Cuzzy making a good Emu with the comparable height. I would never have thought aboriginal men would have been Cuzzy’s type but one thing for sure was that he would get a kiss from one anyway!

A much needed lunch was had at Solitary Restaurant before making our way to Scenic World to get a look at the Three Sisters and what better way to do it than on the world’s steepest railway and yes it was steep, short but exhilarating, so much so that we went on it twice…totally unnecessary but well worth it! We also took the cable car which confirmed the surrounding views, not as exciting as the railway but it was the only way to cross the valley. There is also a possible rainforest walk which looked amazing but with time restrictions and sore legs we kept it short and sweet.

Dinner was scheduled at the Katoomba YHA, when we arrived there and were welcomed with a cosy feeling it was then we wondered why we weren’t staying there. With Thursday being free pizza night we took advantage and got comfortable with other backpackers in the common room, eating pizza and playing foosball. With a stage in the common room staring at us since we arrived, it would have been rude to not have made use of it so a quick game of charades concluded the evening for us. So early to bed in preparation for another 6am start in the morning. To Hunter Valley wine region, I’m guessing there maybe some wine tasting to be done….

Day 7: I’ll drink to that!

SydneySider — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:41:42 +0000

Australia is well renowned for great wine and one of the best regions can be found just a few short hours from Sydney in the gorgeous Hunter Valley. It’s time to indulge in some fantastic wine, beer and cheese on the last of our 7 days in Sydney.

Quick check in to the lovely Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley after the road trip from the Blue Mountains

Starting the day at boutique winery Iron Gate Estate

Once the palate is warmed up we’re off to Tallavera Grove

Looking forward to tastings at the aptly named Hunter Valley Cheese Company

It’s not all about wine – we’re off to the Potters Brewery as well

Time to stock up because it’s our last stop at Tyrrell’s Vineyards

All that drinking will have made us hungry so dinner at Leaves and Fishes to round out the night

And because we’re responsible drinkers, today’s action activity will be snuck in tomorrow morning – surprise! We’re off to Stockton Sand Dunes with the Quad Bike King!

Day 7 on Google Maps

Day 5: “Taste it, its only Mozzarella…”

Dervs — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:04:55 +0000

We caught a ferry to Taronga Zoo where the very passionate Gray introduced us to a couple of the zoo’s very special residents. First up was the Echidna, a supersize hedgehog like animal and very weird to touch, both prickly and soft?! Then a Quokka, which is a mini Wallaby, and a Wombat, which I’m not joking, was the cutest thing in the world, so loveable! The highlight of the tour for me was feeding the Giraffes, 10 meters high off the ground and I wouldn’t be surprised if their was an emergency call to a physio to give them a neck rub after bending down to my height for their lunch, one thing for sure was that Cuzzy didn’t look so tall then!

As if I hadn’t had enough early mornings and a jam packed schedule, I was summoned to the Royal Botanical Gardens to meet Mark for a physical training session. When I heard we were meeting at the “Fleet Steps” I had the feeling that running up and down them would be on the program, my instincts of course were correct. In addition to some jogging, there was boxing and press ups to be completed. But taking a step back and watching Cuzzy lifting weights in a peculiar manner was most amusing!

Thankfully a much needed rest was granted which gave me some energy for the second part of the day and my favourite…dinner and drinks. First stop was the rooftop beer garden of the Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks, which has the most spectacular views of the harbour. Here we enjoyed some drinks and entrées of very tasty bread and dips, a cool bar which I predict would be a fabulous on a hot summer’s day. Then we headed to Sebel Pier One, another opportunity to witness some hilarious reactions from Cuzzy while tasting food and drinks way out of his league. I predicted that Quail eggs would not be something of his liking, so I told him it was Buffalo Mozzarella, the result was comical!!

We ended off the day with a pub quiz at Australian Youth Hotel, with preceding drinks in Nude Bar upstairs, a trendy hub for the stylish to enjoy food and drink in the relaxed atmosphere. We finished third in the quiz which was surprising, not much thanks to me though, I was only there to write the answers and enjoy the company!

Day 5 – Who’d have thought Mozzarella tasted like a Quail egg.

Cuzzy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:10:44 +0000

Well today we once again had an action packed day. It started with an early rise to catch the Ferry to Taronga Zoo. We didn’t have too long there so it was a whirlwind visit, where we were shown many of the main attractions. The highlight was having the opportunity to feed the giraffes. It was good to meet something taller than me.

We then headed over to the Royal Botanic Gardens where we met up with Mark, our personal trainer for the afternoon. With the backdrop of the Sydney harbour, and the VERY nice weather, it was a great session. I was put through my paces, and was told I punch like a girl. Not from Mark, but actually from the girls watching. I’m a lover not a fighter. He gave me and Dervs a present, she got a hockey stick and I got a signed football signed by the boxing man himself, Tim Cahill.

Next stop was a few cheeky beverages on the Glenmore hotel rooftop bar, with some snacks and banter. Luckily, they had outdoor heaters, so I couldnt complain like a girl how cold it got.

We then went to 5 Star Sebel Pier One Hotel. Very ‘plush’ and not my usually destination. We were brought out a variety of meals on what looked to be like kitchen tiles. Some of the food was not to my taste, but I am obviously not cultured enough. Dervs passed me something that looked reasonably nice, and she told me it was mozzarella on mini bread. I took a bite, and horrible goo went everywhere. It was a friggin Quails egg. She lied. I was not happy. It went all over my mouth and made my lips etc dry, and it is still like that now…thanks Derv.

We then went to the Australian Youth Hotel which has an upstairs bar called the Nude Bar. I brought my best birthday suit, but it seemed that it was just a name, and not a suggestion of what to wear. Dammit. The place used to be a brothel before it was turned into a bar. We took part in the quiz, got a little tipsy and came 3rd. We won $10. Big money.

It was then off home for a rest finally. I think I fell asleep the moment I hit the hay.

Day 6: Beautiful Blue Mountains

SydneySider — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:30:21 +0000

One of the great things about Sydney is the diversity of its surrounds – today we’ll be putting some distance between us and the beaches to experience the Blue Mountains, a scenic hinterland destination on the western edge of the city.

First things first – time to get the adrenalin pumping with the Blue Mountains Adventure Company as they take Dervs and Cuzzy abseiling

Goomblar’s Dreaming is an amazing performance that will give us an understanding of the spiritual indigenous culture of Australia

Lunch at the award winning Solitary Restaurant

Photo opp at the famous Three Sisters

Then we’re off to check out the breathtaking scenery at Scenic World and ride the world’s steepest railway

Finishing the day with fellow travellers at the Katoomba YHA

Day 6 on Google Maps