It Just Isn't Done That Way - Sydney and the Blue Mountains - TR Complete #284.

[ACDSNY]

Dinner choices look delish and now I'm hungry for ice cream after seeing the yummy gelato.

I keep thinking the hotel we stayed at was close to Darling Harbour. I seem to remember there was also a Olympic venue nearby for wrestling, we were there in March 1999 and the Olympics were summer 2000.

 

[PrincessInOz]

You definitely covered a lot of ground that day. I love all the close ups of the Sydney Opera House. With so much detail, I am not surprised that it went massively over budget.

I loved the look of the Botanical Gardens as well and that food court is really something.

Corinna

Thanks Corinna. We did have a full day this day. The food court worked out really well for us. Everyone got what they wanted!

You may have lost rock-paper-scissors, but we won with the photos you took on the ride!

That creepy face entrance to Luna Park reminded me of the creepy clown face on the Boardwalk pool slide!

I never understand why people think that clown is creepy. I guess I've always associated it with Luna Park = fun.

Thanks.

Wow, I've missed quite a few posts!! I started a new job a few weeks ago and their web filter blocks a lot of image hosting websites (including the one I use... grrr) so I haven't been reading this thread.

I really do think Taronga is the zoo with the best view in the world! Just stunning, and one of my favourite places. The red pandas and the snow leopards are my pick usually. I feel it stacks up very well against just about any other zoo in the world. I think San Diego is better, but hometown bias sees me giving second place to Taronga

That little eating level under The Star is our usually go-to when seeing a show at the Lyric Theatre. Though if there is time, I prefer to go to the fish markets for fresh seafood, then proceed to the Star for dessert. Normally we grab macarons pre-show and gelato post-show

That tall ship cruise looks amazing. I love the old time sailing ships. We've been on one before out of Sydney but it was a different ship - the James Craig.

Congratulations on the new job. Hope it's working out for you.

We talked about heading to the Fish Market for dinner; but with the range of food the teens wanted to eat, our friends figured we were safer heading to the Star. I'm not sorry.....the food was reasonably good there for a decent price.

Oh my Sydney Opera House in all it's glory. What a corker! And the beautiful Botantic gardens. Such delights! Really lovely photos and narrative thank you.

Oh Adriana Zumbo I love that guy. Were they serving his Croquembouche in the nice food court or the V8 cake lol. That would have done me for main and dessert lol..

The did have a croquembouche on display. I didn't grab a picture because there were people in the way. I don't remember seeing the V8 cake; but it's more than likely that there was some there as well.

Wow, wow, wow! The Opera House is gorgeous and I love the up close detail! The food looks amazing too! I'm drooling.

Jill in CO

So....are you still coming in September/October next year?

I love abstract photos of the Opera House (even my own fairly amatuer-ish attempts )

Nice photos of the gardens too. I have yet to make it as far as Mrs Macquarie's chair.

That food looks awesome! Those upmarket food court things are such a great idea

Thanks.

Upmarket food courts are definitely all the vogue at the moment, aren't they?

Dinner choices look delish and now I'm hungry for ice cream after seeing the yummy gelato.

I keep thinking the hotel we stayed at was close to Darling Harbour. I seem to remember there was also a Olympic venue nearby for wrestling, we were there in March 1999 and the Olympics were summer 2000.

I looked up the Olympic venue for wrestling in Sydney. It was held at the Sydney Convention and Entertainment Centre which IS in Darling Harbour. So you definitely stayed there.

The SCEC is no longer standing. It's part of the urban redevelopment that's going on in Darling Harbour.

 

[LisaAJ]

Great TR! I've been to Sydney a dozen times and I still learned some things!

Bit disappointed to hear about the construction! I've booked the Novotel in Darling Harbour for our stopover at Chrissy. DH is my fave place in Sydney. Was hoping for a decent night sleep before our trek to NYC but it's still better than travelling all the way through I guess!

 

[franandaj]

The zoo sounds like a fabulous place, but I'll have to pick your brain on it when you're here. Not sure if Fran could navigate it. Sounds a lot like the LA zoo which is not HA friendly. The Casino however sounds right up our alley as does the food court! The menu options looked great!

 

[PrincessInOz]

The zoo sounds like a fabulous place, but I'll have to pick your brain on it when you're here. Not sure if Fran could navigate it. Sounds a lot like the LA zoo which is not HA friendly. The Casino however sounds right up our alley as does the food court! The menu options looked great!

Sounds like a date! Although.....picking my brains might be a bit painful for me.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great TR! I've been to Sydney a dozen times and I still learned some things!

Bit disappointed to hear about the construction! I've booked the Novotel in Darling Harbour for our stopover at Chrissy. DH is my fave place in Sydney. Was hoping for a decent night sleep before our trek to NYC but it's still better than travelling all the way through I guess!

I think you'll be fine at the Novotel. But just check Trip Advisor and see if anyone is complaining about construction noise.

 

[LisaAJ]

I will. We've already paid for it (no cancellations) though so not much we can do. I'm sure it will be fine

 

[PrincessInOz]

I will. We've already paid for it (no cancellations) though so not much we can do. I'm sure it will be fine

I'm sure it will be fine too.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I can't believe I didn't find your Sydney trip until now and looks like I have a lot of catching up to do.

I was able to read most of your latest updates from your trip report and it was very fun to read and see your experiences from the Jenolan Cave at Blue Mountain, the waterfalls, Echo Points shots from daytime to night, all the different places that you had your meals, and your time in Sydney. I always wanted to visit Sydney if I ever go to Australia and your time there is great. Looking forward to hearing more during your days in Sydney.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I can't believe I didn't find your Sydney trip until now and looks like I have a lot of catching up to do.

I was able to read most of your latest updates from your trip report and it was very fun to read and see your experiences from the Jenolan Cave at Blue Mountain, the waterfalls, Echo Points shots from daytime to night, all the different places that you had your meals, and your time in Sydney. I always wanted to visit Sydney if I ever go to Australia and your time there is great. Looking forward to hearing more during your days in Sydney.

You're here at last.

Glad you've caught up.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Breakfast at the Park Royal



I had paid an extra $25 per night for the "No If's, No But's" breakfast deal. For the extra money, we had full access to the buffet breakfast at the Park Royal’s Barkers Restaurant. I did post this picture when I was talking about the hotel. The Barkers Restaurant space is that mezzanine area with the 3 round tables. You can just about make out the buffet areas - the long tables - on both sides of the space with another buffet space in the middle. All of those areas are laden with food in the morning.






We had headed down for breakfast yesterday to check out the "No If's, No But's" claim. The claim was for 2 adults and all children on the reservation could have the buffet breakfast for no extra charge. I must admit that I did wonder if we would be charged a little extra for DS but was relieved to find that the claim was true. After checking our room number, we were shown to a table and there was nothing else to do except eat. No dockets to sign, nothing. I liked the system and lack of formality.

I just enjoyed the experience yesterday and only took pictures this morning. Let's check out breakfast, shall we?


I really enjoy Bircher Muesli for breakfast. There were a variety of condiments to go with it but I've always been a berryfruit gal so the choice was obvious. Coffee was from one of those push button machines. The coffee was not bad, but not great either.






There was an Asian section to the buffet. The char siew baos were surprisingly good. The noodles were tasty, especially when teamed with the fresh steamed fish balls.






There was also the standard fry-up section. There was a cook on duty for the eggs. They did cook omelettes to order and he was also responsible for ensuring that the fried and poached eggs were adequately stocked.






DS and I were very taken with a gadget on one of those round table stations. Press the button and it would automagically cook 2 pancakes and then roll them out like toast. They looked and tasted great.






One of the stations was all about juice. There were 2 self-serve juicers and abundant fruit and vegetables. I got watermelon, apple and pineapple for this morning.






Speaking of fruit....the fruit station also had a wide variety to choose from.











All in all, it was a decent spread! For the $25 extra, it was an absolute bargain. Especially when I found out that the standard 'rack' rate for breakfast is $38 per person.







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[PrincessInOz]

Sydney Tower Panorama




Our destination this morning was the Sydney Tower.






If you are planning a visit to Sydney, just remember that there are discounts on offer if you buy your tickets on-line and if you bundle them up as a combo ticket with the other Sydney attractions. You can choose from the Sydney Tower, Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Wild Life Sydney Zoo and the Manly Sealife Sanctuary.

We were only interested in the single visit to the Sydney Tower. I think I used the computer in the hotel foyer to buy tickets on-line. It set me back just over $50 for the 3 of us.



DS does have a bucket list to get to the top of as many tall buildings as possible and I'm happy to indulge him to achieving this aim.






The Sydney Tower is Sydney's tallest building and stands at 309 m tall. Construction was completed in 1981 and at a cost of $26 million, it certainly seems a lot cheaper to build than the Opera House.






I think there was a Sydney promotional video to watch first before we entered the lift or elevator.






The observation deck provides you with the panoramic view of Sydney. The sun was in the eastern part of the sky and in the direction of the Sydney Harbour. It was awfully bright in this direction.






Take a look at what we saw. This is towards the Harbour Bridge direction. See the tall building to the right? That's the MLC building. It's distinctive architecture was the design of Harry Seidler, one of the leading architects in Australia. You'll find similar geometric shaped buildings around most of the city CBDs in Australia.






The panorama in the direction of Darling Harbour.






Looking down into the city at one of the iconic buildings - the Queen Victoria Building.






I've mentioned that Darling Harbour is a bit of a construction zone on this TR. You can see the area in this picture.






The panorama in the southern direction.






We didn't make it out the Hyde Park on this trip. But it is worth a visit if you have the time to spare.






There is a gift shop up the top of the Sydney Tower. We did take a look at it and I was charmed to find this gem of an oddity.






Aside from the Observation Deck, there are other sections to the Tower.






One is the Skywalk, which we decided to by-pass. The others are for dining and function space. There is a 360 degree revolving restaurant that DH and I ate in many years ago. We didn't repeat the experience on this trip. And it was so many years ago that I can’t remember the meal. It might be worth checking out the dining reviews if you're after something a bit different.






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[PrincessInOz]

The Strand Arcade




Living in Melbourne as I do, it's easy to be very blasé about the laneways and arcades that we have here. They are part of the fabric of city culture and one of the many charms of Melbourne. Therefore, it is really easy to be rather dismissive of Sydney Victorian architecture and the one arcade that they have left in the CBD. But that wouldn't really be doing the Strand Arcade any justice at all.






I love these sorts of arcades because they take me back to a bygone era.







With the tessellated floors and romantic shopfronts.....







....it's very easy to daydream my way into thinking of simpler times. When afternoon tea and creamy treats were delights to enjoy on a day's visit to the city.











There are three levels of shops to explore at the Strand.






It's definitely not shopping for the faint-hearted.....






....or for the light of wallet. It is pretty expensive labels in here.







There are lots of Australian high-end labels in the Strand.






They do proudly display their wares to full effect.






I enjoyed my stroll and look in the window to the past in here.






I'm so glad that Sydney did keep one of the five arcades it used to have. And it is well worth a visit if you are in the city.






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[PrincessInOz]

Queen Victoria Building




The Queen Victoria Building or the QVB is yet another one of those Sydney buildings built in the late 1890's. Originally built to house the markets for Sydney, it has recently been restored to suit modern shopping convenience.






The building has a number of architectural features that I spent some time admiring. The main feature is that central dome.






It is rather stunning, isn't it?






Everyone was looking up, just like I was. But take a look at the floor.






I don't know if the mosaic is original or reproduction. But it is very striking.






The QVB underwent a refurbishment in 2008. I don't like what they did with the escalators.






I do understand that it is convenient for shoppers; but it does spoil the aesthetics of the QVB for me. As always, I know some of you out there will disagree with me....but it is a personal opinion.






I preferred the old-style lift-well and the glass features that were retained here.






There are two old-style clocks in the QVB.






The Great Australian Clock includes scenes from Australian history, seen from both Aboriginal and European perspectives. I spent a bit of time looking at the details of this clock.






The second clock is called the Royal Clock. I didn't find this one as interesting as the one with the Australian scenes.






It is worth exploring every level of the QVB.






Remind to look down at the tessellated floor.






You never know what you might find.












Besides, the top level does let you get closer to the cupola to admire the interior glass dome.






There is a lower level to the QVB. It's part of a complex of underground arcades that link Town Hall Station with the main shopping areas of the CBD.

I did explore but didn't get any pictures.






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[PrincessInOz]

St Andrew's Cathdral




If you are at the QVB, head down a block on George Street and you'll get to the Sydney Town Hall and St Andrew's Cathedral. The Town Hall was closed for a private function but the Cathedral was opened to visitors.






The leadlight windows in here are worth checking out.














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[Aussie Wendy]

Only from PIO do we get such an informative tour of Sydney -and love the close-ups of the Opera House sails. I had planned to get to Star Food Court on DD and I mini weekend but didn't happen. Also Zanzibar we have never made it to Mrs Macquarie's Chair either - we normally have spend hours ambling our way there from some far flung spot and by the time we reach the closer parts of the gardens that's enough (or the weather turns against us!)

PIO you have done all right this year-overnight safari camps, Blue Mountains and Sydney now SoCAL I salute you!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Shushh....We're having a DisMeet




Anyone else get the feeling I was killing a bit of time wandering around Sydney?


Yes and no. I really do enjoy meandering around looking at historic building and people watching; and it's been a while since I've been in Sydney CBD so I was genuinely wandering.


No....because I was filling in a bit of until lunch and a bone-fide DisMeet.


Back in 2010, a Sydney Dis-ser posted on the ANZAC section of the Disboards that she was coming to Melbourne. She was seeking information about things to see, do and eat in Melbourne and a number of us duly responded. The upshot was that we also thought it might be fun to do a DisMeet. To my knowledge (and it only goes back to 2010 on the Dis), it was the first ever Aussie DisMeet held and became the foundation point for the ANZAC DisMeets since. We even posted about the meet! (Reference here)


The attending Dis-sers include zaccy, shushh and myself....way back in July 2010.

Shushh did say that if we ever went to Sydney to let her know and we would try and meet up. Aside from posting on the thread, I had promised to look her up when I next got to Sydney. I never expected it to take 4 years to fulfil that promise.


Our lunch spot was down Market Street, near Darling Harbour. Looking back up Market Street, we got a view of the Sydney Tower, where we had started out this morning.






We got there a little early. Shushh had advised that this was one of those foodie places in Sydney that was really popular with the city crowd. So, early was best.






Their system was a little different. You have to queue up at the counter, place your order and then find a seat.






And popular it was! It filled up FAST!











We managed to find place for the 4 of us to squeeze in on a table. Just as well. The food came out shortly after we sat down.

DS order the chicken teriyaki bento.






DH got a fish bento.






Shushh went with a bowl noodles. I think it was the pork.






I got the chicken bowl soba.






Judging by the reviews of the gourmet magazines on the shop window and by the crowd, the food here seems to be well regarded. To my Melbournian tastes, it was good enough. My soup was a little salty.....but that was my only complaint.



The DisMeet evidence?


Yeah. I know the theory. It's not a DisMeet if there is no objective evidence. So we made sure that DH captured it for us.







Thanks for lunch and your time, shushh. As always, it was a pleasure chatting to you and finding out about how you and family were getting on with your lives. I really enjoyed our time together. And....it's my turn next. I hope you'll look me up when you get to Melbourne next.








 

 

[PrincessInOz]

Only from PIO do we get such an informative tour of Sydney -and love the close-ups of the Opera House sails. I had planned to get to Star Food Court on DD and I mini weekend but didn't happen. Also Zanzibar we have never made it to Mrs Macquarie's Chair either - we normally have spend hours ambling our way there from some far flung spot and by the time we reach the closer parts of the gardens that's enough (or the weather turns against us!)

PIO you have done all right this year-overnight safari camps, Blue Mountains and Sydney now SoCAL I salute you!

Thanks Wendy!

 

[zanzibar138]

I agree with Wendy - you're not doing too badly this year

That has to be the best breakfast spread I've ever seen at an Australian hotel. I'm not at all surprised at the going price for it. Hotel breakfasts in Australia are notoriously expensive and poor quality!

I'm disappointed we didn't get any photos of the Sydney Tower walk But to make up for it, we got some great photos of some more historic buildings. I agree with you about the escalators - it really detracts from the building.

 

[TulipsNZ]

Oh my, I haven't been back to Sydney for ages but I could cry looking at the escalators in the QVB, I loved that place, it's quaint lifts & clocks it just seems wrong!

My one memory of Mrs Mcquaries chair is doing a handstand in the park just before we got there and realising at 11 years old I was a bit old to do that with a loose top lol.

Great trip report!