First Day in Sydney

We were both awake extra early (thanks to yet another time zone change), so we were able to see the lights of Sydney as we entered the port before dawn.  We enjoyed our coffee on the balcony as we sailed slowly toward the cruise terminal.


Sydney Opera House (taken by a fellow passenger)
View from our balcony when docked

We headed down to Deck 5 just before 7:00, and we were ushered quickly off the ship and through Passport Control and Customs, which went like clockwork, with no standing or waiting.  We found all of our bags and left the terminal, heading for our hotel, the Park Hyatt Sydney, which was within sight of the ship.  Definitely do-able, even for septuagenarians schlepping a total of five bags, plus a backpack. 

I took these photos as we walked towards our hotel (seen in the first pic).


Bellmen met us as we rolled into the entranceway and took charge of the bags, delivering them to our room shortly after we got to our room. Our room is lovely and big, with a huge bathroom, including a wet room with tub and shower, and a nice balcony with two comfy upholstered chairs and an ottoman.  

View from our hotel balcony

When we checked in, the clerk told us our room rate included breakfast, so we headed down for that a little before 8:00.  In addition to a beautiful display of fruit and pastries and other continental breakfast items, they offered hot breakfasts, too.  I chose eggs Benedict, and Charlie had avocado toast. Then we had to indulge in one of their beautiful pastries!



After breakfast we headed out to get our bearings and pick up some provisions for our stay in Sydney.  Since it's Halloween, the city was setting up for some festivities tonight.  Here are some scenes along the way.

Photo op, for sure

Jacaranda trees and stacked skulls in the park

Australian white ibis, hanging out in the park

They still have working phone booths!

The route to the grocery store was, ahem, circuitous, but fortunately we'd caught on to the lay of the land and were able to lug back our purchases more quickly and easily. It was hot, though, in the upper 70s, and we weren't dressed lightly enough.

For lunch, we wandered around the area near the hotel, finding some places Charlie has booked for dinners while we're here, and then we found a good place overlooking the harbor. For $29 (Aus., about $19 US), we each had a huge plate of fish and chips and rocket salad AND a glass of sauvignon blanc.  The food was really top-notch!


We've been relaxing in the hotel this afternoon and will head out walking to our dinner location in about 45 minutes.  We were hoping to see the Anthem of the Seas depart, but as of 5:30 p.m., it's still in port.

Tomorrow we have a historic walking tour in the morning, so I will report on that tomorrow.  Happy Halloween in the U.S.!


 

Comments

  1. RachelOctober 31, 2025 at 6:34 AM

    That is quite a nice hotel breakfast! And, the fish and chips looked divine. Can't wait to hear about the walking tour!

    ReplyDelete

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