This morning, I was busy packing as we were catching the flight to Sydney at 11am. We had a simple hot buffet breakfast in hotel, and departed around 8am. Before going to Coolangatta Airport, we got to return the car to the drop-off venue which was located at Tugun.
It took about 40 minutes to reach Tugun. Actually the journey could be a lot faster if the amount of traffic lights were reduced. The road was more like a country-side pattern, quite small and narrow, with many traffic lights, definitely more than 10. So for those who do not want to miss the flight, better move earlier! After we checked out the car, the rental officer sent us to the airport by using their special van. It was not far, less than 10 minutes to reach the airport.
We used Virgin Blue to Sydney, as the ticket was quite cheap when I made the booking, for only AUD50 per person including a piece of 23kg checked-in luggage and all other taxes + fees. Virgin Blue was something similar to Airasia. Our flight departed on time, and we arrived Sydney at 12.35pm. Everything went on smoothly, and we used taxi to go to Aspire Hotel located at Paddy's Market.
Powerhouse Museum, a stone's throw from our hotel
Sydney Central Station
It was about 2pm after we checked in. Actually our hotel was at a very good location, as the nearest Monorail Station (Paddy's Market) was just about 5- minute walking distance. Monorail is super convenient, as it would stop at all the famous tourist spots, and it was very suitable for lazy people who do not like to walk too much, for instance, me :p The route goes like this:
Paddy's Market - China Town - World Square - Galleries Victoria - City Centre - Darling Park - Harbourside - Convention - Paddy's Market
If you purchase the Supervoucher Day Pass, u can hop on and hop off at any station, unlimited daily ride. It only costs AUD9.5, while the single journey ticket costs AUD4.8. Smart consumer like us should definitely know which ticket to buy. Furthermore, with the Day Pass, we were entitled a lot of discounts when we visited the tourist spots such as Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife Park, Sydney Tower, Maritime Museum, IMax etc. Gosh... Sounds like I'm advertising for the Monorail. Also, don't worry for getting lost. The convenient handy pocket map was available for free at all the Monorail Station. It would clearly tell u where to get down, and what were the interesting spots available nearby. So, relax!
After purchasing the Day Pass, we went on board at Paddy's Market. We stayed in the Monorail and went a big round, passing by every stations. I was overjoyed when I saw Darling Harbour! After a big round, we came off at China Town for lunch. Of course our stomach was flattened by that time, too hungry to utter a word.
Dumpling Noodle Fishball soup + Sweet & Sour beef
Next, we went to Darling Harbour. It was a very happening place, and stunning. The lovely warm sun was a perfect buddy during such a windy day.
Darling Harbour
Sydney Aquarium
A good view - Monorail & Ships @ Darling Harbour
A battleship outside Maritime Museum. This pic was taken from Cockle Bay Wharf
Entrance of National Maritime Museum
Don't worry... this definitely helps!
Fantastic night view of Darling Harbour
Harbour Side & Convention Centre
Today was a shopping night for Sydney, so most of the shops would open until 9 or 10pm. In the evening, we took the Monorail to Galleries Victoria Station. From there, we explored all the shopping districts nearby, such as the famous Queen Victoria Building (QVB), George St, Pitt St, Castlereagh St and Elizabeth St.
After the shopping was done, we had our dinner at a Japanese restaurant. We both were really exhausted and couldnt think of anything further. Both my legs were like metal poles, and too numb without anymore feeling. I just simply grabbed any sushi available on the spinning tray, and put them in my stomach without remembering to take the pic. When the dinner was done, we were asking around for the nearest grocery stores such as Coles or Woolsworth. We needed something for the breakfast next morning, as we were going for a day tour to Blue Mountain, which would depart quite early at 7.30am. As we were too tired and had no more stamina to walk further, so we couldnt find any. Ended up, I bought 2 Baggles - 1 cinnamon raisin & 1 sesame at the basement foodcourt of Myer, and HY bought his noodle cups at the mini market outside our hotel.
When we reached the hotel, HY reconfirmed our day tour with the travel agent. Luckily, they would pick us up at the hotel. Then, I had a hot immerse inside the long bath, and went straight to bed.
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