TUESDAY Aug 20 22 hr 35 min flight -AirCanada direct flight from Toronto. includes a stop in Vancouver
THURSDAY AUG 22 AUG 22-23
ARRIVE 7:20 AM SYD KINGSFORD SMITH TERMINAL 1
There is a $15pp airport stop fee on top of regular rate for train, Uber is cheaper from airport if you have more than 2 people. Some people will get off at mascot station and walk to the airport to save some money
https://www.nannybag.com/en/ Luggage Storage: Store 1 suitcase of ‘winter’ clothes for final 4 days and room for souvenirs, pick up Sept 1
ACCOMMODATION: INTERCONTINENTAL Sydney, breakfast included. Stay near The Rocks to be near many of the tourist attractions
**Morning**: Welcome to Sydney, Australia – or Warrane, in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Sydney is now located. Sydney officially became a city in 1842 and its name at the time was New Albion although it was already colloquially known as Sydney after Lord Sydney who had recommended the site for convict settlement.
Get luggage and head to your hotel. if it is too early to check in, you can leave your luggage at the hotel, grab your camera, and head to the Botanic Gardens or The Rocks
**Afternoon**
Neighbourhood: The Rocks
The day is yours to explore this walkable harbour city. Wherever you venture, there’s dining options aplenty from the waterfront Circular Quay to Chinatown’s famous yum cha to a rooftop bar for dazzling views of the harbour. Stroll around Circular Quay, visit the Sydney Opera House, the Rocks District, visit the Royal Botanic Garden, Art Gallery of New South Wales or visit the new Sydney Modern Art Gallery and Mrs Macquarie's Chair for views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Circular Quay became a commuter hub for passenger ferries, trams and pedestrians. Located on the harbour front in close proximity to The Rocks area, Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Circular Quay has gained increasing popularity and significance as a Sydney tourist destination.
Sydney's oldest suburb, The Rocks, is one of the most vibrant and aesthetically pleasing areas to explore. When the area was first established it was a hotspot for violence, debauchery and drunks as the first residents of the Rocks were convicts and sailors from the old nation. As the oldest neighbourhood in the city, the area's cobblestone streets host more than 100 heritage sites and buildings, including the oldest house in Sydney, Camden Cottage, which was built in 1816. Taste a “midi “or a “schooner” of beer and dine “al fresco” on the waterfront at some of the oldest pubs in Sydney. The weekend markets at the Rocks are where you can find local artists' hand-made souvenirs, organic food and designer jewelry in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
https://locltour.com/sydney/tours/sydney-walking-tours/
Sydney walks will give you a rare insight into the fascinating past as a British colony. You will learn about the history of this notorious area, wander cobblestone lanes listening to amusing stories of survival, convicts, gangs and pubs.
10:30 am (pre-register to check availability) Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park (a 2-minute walk from St James train station)
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (Gadigal Country)
Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is Australia's oldest botanic garden and oldest living scientific institution. Join in one of the free tours that run every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am.
Royal Botanic Gardens Birding route
1)pond by the cafe
2)head to the pond closest to the harbour
3)head back toward the cafe, making sure to stop by the Lotus Pond.
4)head to the Gift Shop where Visitor Centre Information is at left (just behind the cafe). Ask if they know the location of the Powerful Owl - it’s likely that the Powerful Owl will be in the trees along the southern side of the wall that cuts the gardens in two. A tell-tale sign of Powerful Owls are all the white droppings.
5) the gardens along the path outside of the Moore Room (near the Palm House). Patience is key and watch for any little rustle.
6) take yourself to Busby’s Bar, right within the botanic gardens, you may see the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos as you sit on the lawn.
Mrs Macquarie's Chair is a bench carved into sandstone on Mrs Macquarie's Point. The bench was carved by convicts in 1810 for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. It is rumoured that Mrs Macquarie like to sit on the bench and watch the Bristish ships sail into the harbour. Though the view has changed drastically since 1810, the chair is still a favourite spot to sit back and take in the wonders of the harbour.
Spread over 5 levels, the Art Gallery of New South Wales was established in 1871. Admission to the gallery is free, and you can see contemporary, modern and colonial art, as well as pieces from Europe and Asia. There is also a gallery dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
**Evening**: Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant like Opera Bar with a view of the sunset or Sydney Opera House
Sunset: 5:30 pm
