(This is a trip report to NZ/AU where I flew business class on Qantas for 125,000 AA miles and $131, returning on Hawaiian Air, with a stop in Honolulu).

Sydney was spectacular, with friendly people and big city vibes! I had to keep pinching myself and was thinking, “Am I really in Sydney, Australia?” Our first afternoon, we took the ferry to Manly Bay, a nice way to enjoy the harbor and a wonderful fish dinner there. Cruising past Harbor Bridge, and no, we didn’t do any climbing or bunjee jumping!

 

 

 

 

The beach at Manly Bay…

 

And back to Sydney via the ferry…

The next day was very busy! We went to Featherdale Wildlife Park, about 45 minutes out of the city, to see the animals. This was a bit of a disappointment, but you HAVE to see koalas and kangaroos in Australia!  (:

It doesn’t look like it, but this is a real koala, asleep of course, since they sleep 16-20 hours a day!

Kangaroos, a little baby one!

 

Check out those feet!

 

We ate at a wonderful restaurant down a hidden street near the hotel, Mr. Wong’s on Bridge Lane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite Chinese dish, Kung Pao Chicken…

 

 

To fuel us for our walk towards the Opera House and part way across Harbor Bridge!

 

 

Some pictures from the hotel’s pool level, the 31st floor, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

 

 

During our evening stroll…

Next up, New Year’s Eve at the Sydney Opera House and fireworks!