Coffs Harbor

After Newcastle we drove about 5 hours to Coffs Harbor, another pretty beach town.  The beach walk was beautiful along with the hike up Mutton Bird Island.

The following morning we took pictures next to one of its famous things, The Big Banana :)

 

 

Newcastle

We picked up our rental car then headed north out of Sydney. We crossed over the Harbor Bridge and saw the Opera House from the ground one last time. It took Todd less than an hour to feel comfortable on the left hand side of the road, he did really good!

We stayed the night in Newcastle which was only a couple hours north of Sydney. The town had a lovely beach walk along the sandy dunes.

    

Sydney Lights

These pictures are from the full day we had in Sydney & Manly ending with the lights around the harbor and city.

The picture with the flags shows people climbing the bridge. There were tours available but we were not that adventurous.

 

Opera House-Manly

After touring the outside of the Opera House we got on a ferry towards Manly. Manly was a nice town with more beautiful beaches. While eating our shared fish and chips on the beach, one seagull snatched a chunk of fish right out of my hand. The birds had no fear.

The hike along Manly coastline was pretty. We crawled through an opening in an old wall once used as a quarantine divider. Saw a couple large lizards and several scary spiders (non-poisonous) hanging a few feet from our heads.

 

 

Downtown Sydney

We got up early the next morning and headed for downtown. I just loved Sydney, wish we had more time there. Saw several old buildings, a grand cathedral and the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens on our route to the Opera House. Took a ferry to Manly where we hiked along the coast. Got back to Sydney Harbor in time to see the lights turn on around the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Sat for an hour watching giant fruit bats invade the night sky. Amazing day!

Because I took 2,000 photos on this day alone, I’m giving it more than one post :)