Last Full Day in Sydney

Sydney, Australia--April 2, 2014 (Wednesday)

This would be our last full day in Sydney. Just as we were getting ourselves familiar to this beautiful city, it was about time to leave. We got up to a foggy morning and it was just a pleasant walk from the hotel to Circular Quay.

We got on the ferry that took us to Darling Harbor. Even though it was foggy, it was still a good way to take in the sights of this gorgeous harbor.

A pretty empty ferry

First stop, Luna Park.

Then McMahons Point,

and Balmain East.

Then King Street Wharf in Darling Harbor.

Last stop where we got off--the National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbor.

We had no intention of gambling, so we skipped the Star Casino which is close by. 

A short walk to Pyrmont Bridge

The Cockle Bay Promenade and Harbourside Shopping Center.

Harbourside Shopping Center

FIL was getting a little tired, so we took the cheesy 'train ride' around the harbor.

Cockle Bay Wharf side of the harbor

The little train then dropped us off at the last stop near Chinatown.

Just a short distance from Paddy's Market.

Inside Paddy's Market

Time for lunch! Back to Chinatown. We were told about the Dixon House Food Court by some fellow passengers on the cruise.

Good food, and reasonable prices. About $10~$15 per item.

A satisfying lunch!

We got our food from here...

...and here.

The popular food court is at the basement of the building.

Once again, we took the 555 bus back to the hotel.

There was one last thing we had to do before leaving Sydney--walking the Harbour Bridge. We wanted to wait til late afternoon to avoid the heat and possibly getting better lighting for photo shoots.

It was easy access being in the Rocks area and the Bridge was just behind the hotel.

From Argyle Street to Cumberland Street, we just walked up the stairs to  the Walkway.

Stairs up onto the bridge deck

Busy traffic on the bridge during this afternoon rush hour.

Many people walking on the bridge.

Unfortunately the Pylon Lookout was closed by now.

Some brave souls starting to climb the bridge.

Another magnificent view!

We just had to go back to the Malay Chinese Restaurant for dinner one more time. 

This plate of Char Kew Teo was good.

The beef laksa was even better. It would be hard to get another bowl of laksa this good anywhere else. 

Sydney at night

When we got back to the hotel, we asked the staff to call the taxi driver who brought us from the airport to the hotel on the first day to pick us up the next morning. Unfortunately he already had another assignment scheduled so he arranged his friend to pick us up instead. We were told by the hotel staff that it wouldn't be a problem for the hotel to get us a maxi in the morning but we wanted to make sure that a van is available at that early hour. Lesson learned--it is really not necessary to pre-arrange a pre-paid shuttle service for more money. Our ride came on time the next morning and the charge was the same as indicated on the meter, plus whatever toll fees necessary. A total of $80 some dollars for the six of us and all of our luggage.