I’d like to say that Sydney has not changed a bit, but it has. All the wonderful things we visited ten years ago are just as polished and grand as they were then but this city has been busy! It is even better, more vibrant, and more welcoming. It’s greener than it was ten years, both in terms of more trees and parks, but also in environmental regards, Sydney Harbor, once very industrial has been cleaned up, an in-city swimming beach at Barangaroo has been created and the entire harbor turned into a massive terminal for cruise ships and a gathering place for friends, families, and couples with plenty of coffee bars, and outdoor restaurants. Downtown streets have been transformed into paths for modern light rail system and lively, people-filled pedestrian walkways. No cars allowed. And alfresco is the word for dining!!
Darling Harbor has been completely revamped from a bland tourist trap into a bustling hospitality and cultural destination. A new convention center, huge eye-popping hotels, and theatres at Darling Square are bordered by the Chinese Garden of Friendship and flat, floor fountains spewing towers of water make a lovely scene and also attract kids and kid-like adults who cannot resist running through them.
With only one day here it was impossible to see everything but we followed the GPSOurCity app for a an online walking tour through the city to refresh ourselves on important sights and take photos of this place we will always consider one of our favorites.
Just for fun, I pulled up one of my stories from my “Down Under Blog” when we were here ten years ago. It’s fun to read again and it sounds like it could have been written yesterday. I hope you like it. https://www.offexploring.com/stanjanie/blog/new-south-wales/sydney/20130321090320
While we could stay here in Sydney for much longer and enjoy a more intimate reunion with this wonderful city, we are off today sailing the South Pacific toward Tahiti and on to Hawaii. See you there!
SydneyTower
Sad and sober remembrance to those who died in war.
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Janie, we have so enjoyed learning through you about New Zealand, Sydney, and especially Tasmania – never thought that was a beautiful destination to go! Now enjoy your cruise and we will look forward to your upcoming blogs.
Smooth travels,
Sharyl & Jim
Wow! That’s a lot in a day. Many new buildings, not all of them seems to fit in but I guess that’s progress. Funny to not see any cars downtown. What an improvement. Traffic there was always impossible. Wish you’d had a little more time but brush up on your French on the way to Tahiti and say “Iorana” (ee-your-rhana) to any Tahitian you meet.) Go to the Chinese Markrt downtown and take in the Grotto if you have time. A trip around the island on La Truck is the cheapest tour ever. They’ll pick you up anywhere and drop you off anywhere. Just stand on the side of the road. Oh, yeah, and the Museum is lovely. Coffee at the Viama Centre or a glass-bottom boat ride at the harbor after snacks are both fun. Bon voyage!
Very modern city. Couldn’t read the flag to reflect. I need prayer sweet girl. I broke my toe in pilates yesterday two weeks before our trip to Europe. Feeling sad.
So sorry to hear about your toe! It’s your second injured toe in the last year, right? You need a pair of steel-toed workout shoes! 😁. Seriously though. I’m sorry and hope it does not hamper your river cruise enjoyment.