Sydney and the Blue Mountains

After a little over a month on the islands, it feels like a real culture shock to land at Sydney airport. Much as we loved the South Pacific, as we drive our first ever fully electric hire car to Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains, it’s nice to be back in more familiar surrounds. This is heightened somewhat as we drive through Enfield (namesake of the North London town I grew up in) along the M4 (namesake of a much beloved motorway in the UK)!

The Blue Mountains are a modest one and a half hour drive from Sydney. Our Airbnb is perfectly located a stones throw from the Three Sisters rock formation. Beautiful spot and a nice way to ease back into urban living, before the bright lights of Sydney.

We’re only in the Blue Mountains for two days so we throw ourselves into it the following day with a long hike along the Katoomba Loop. We start early and are rewarded with lovely weather, as we walk through the steeply sloping tree lined paths, to the valley floor. The descent is slightly ominous, given that at some point we will need to come back up!

After a full afternoons hiking we find ourselves facing the Golden Stairs. It’s a tad steep! Whilst we weren’t exactly devoid of exercise on the islands, it has been a while since we did a lengthy hike. Consequence is that we are stiff as boards for the next three days and Jenn nurses an inflamed Achilles heel. A reminder that we are not 21!

You know a place is special when it entices Jenn from her bed. I nearly fainted when she followed through on her promise to get up for the sunrise – but sure enough I heard the door close shortly before 6.30am as she headed out.

I wasn’t quite so committed, but after Jenn returned from her morning jaunt, and before driving to Sydney, we visit the Boars Head and Wentworth Falls. Really lovely 48 hours. Nice to have such beautiful national parks so close to the city. Recurring theme across Australia thus far.

Our Airbnb in Sydney is located in McMahon’s Point. Couldn’t have asked for a better spot. Lovely village within easy walking distance, ferry port on the doorstep, with views across to Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The sky is a perfect blue and I discover a distinct soft spot for the city from first sight.

On the drive to Sydney, Jenn had managed to book us a couple of last minute tickets to see Miss Saigon at the opera house. Seemed a shame to be in Sydney and not see something in, what to my mind, is probably one of the most famous buildings in the world. That said, ashamed to admit that I hadn’t realised that its actually three separate buildings. In any event, it was a real treat to have a pre-theatre drink overlooking the city before entering the iconic building. Pretty decent production and a great way to spend our first night in Sydney.

The following day we take a ferry to Manly Beach. Great way to see more of the city and it’s suburbs. We have one of the best meals of the trip so far, washed down with a couple of glasses of wine, overlooking the beach. A stroll, an ice cream and a ferry ride back makes for a pretty perfect way to spend a day.

A former colleague of Jenn’s, Sarah, has recently moved back to Australia with her partner Rich, and are driving from Canberra to see us for the weekend. Before meeting them for dinner we visit Lunar Park, a Sydney urban staple since the 1930s.

A more cultured afternoon follows at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Interesting collection of aboriginal art.

Against, that backdrop, it would be remiss not to mention that we happen to be in Sydney ahead of a historic referendum. The great Australian public are set to vote on whether to alter the constitution to create an indigenous voice in parliament.

The Voice, as it is known, is a once in a generation (some say once in a lifetime) opportunity, to award First Nations people greater influence over parliamentary decisions. Given that aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders now represent less than 4% of the population, the intention of the yes vote, is to help redress the current perceived imbalance. Posters are everywhere. As ever, there are strong feelings on both sides. Sadly, the vote has appeared doomed ever since we first arrived in Oz.

In Australia, voting is mandatory, and anyone who abstains faces a fine. In addition to the stick however, there is also a rather charming carrot. Or should I say, sausage…

In order to encourage the laidback Australian public to vote, polling stations, have started cracking out the barbecues. Every voter is offered a good old-fashioned hotdog. Genius!

In any event, we would be in Sydney for the result of the historic vote, scheduled for the 14th October.

Meanwhile, we stroll back through the beautiful botanic gardens – it really is an incredible city.

Great evening with Sarah and Rich in the city, and a reunion with Jenn’s kindle! The same one that Jenn, oh so carelessly, left in our Airbnb in the Scenic Rim. It was kindly posted by our host to Sarah for safe keeping.

Next morning we drive with Sarah and Rich to Bondi, land of the beautiful people. Seems there is a fabric shortage in Bondi beach and surrounding areas. 😉 Great to walk across the infamous beach and take the coastal trail. Stunning weather, whales breaching, fabulous brunch, and all within a 30 minute drive of Sydney.

All too soon we wave goodbye to Sarah and Rich, and find ourselves in a tapas bar, reflecting on the fact that our four days in Sydney has just disappeared.

I’ve found myself unexpectedly taken with the place. The perfect blue sky has helped, as has the fact that we are staying in an awesome part of town, but it’s more than that. I love the feel of the place, the ferries that transport you effortlessly from point to point, the greenery, the food and the people. It’s obviously easier for us here than in other international cities given the lack of language issues – but, London notwithstanding, I think Sydney is probably now my favourite city in the world. I reserve the right to change my mind in due course! 😉

We wake early in the morning to fly to Uluru and read confirmation that the vote has gone the way of the ‘no’ campaign. It seems a real shame and a missed opportunity to start to redress a balance that has already spiralled out of control. I’m sure there are complications that I don’t understand, but the vote, felt like a good opportunity to see meaningful change for a now, minority people. No great surprise, but very disappointing.

With that, it’s time for another plane journey, this time to Uluru and the Red Centre.