The XPT train from Cootamundra to Sydney was running an hour late due to power outages in Melbourne so we had a little time to kill in the parks of Cootamundra. After three parks we had a bonus visit to Mrs Orman’s magnificent home and garden. 

Once on the train the excitement continued to grow until we arrived at Central. 

It was a short walk to our accommodation at Sydney Central YHA, where everyone showered and settled down for a good night’s sleep.

On the Tuesday morning we walked through Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour to the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium. Perhaps the highlight of the aquarium was walking through the glass tunnel under the tank as sharks, stingrays and dugongs swam above. 

The next stop was the Sydney Maritime Museum including a tour of the destroyer. After lunch in the Food Hall at Darling Harbour the group boarded a ferry at Pyrmont Wharf bound for Circular Quay. 

It was a gorgeous day to be on the water and the cruise ship, Rhapsody of the Sea, was a wondrous sight at the international terminal. 

There was time for a stroll around the Quay to look at the buskers before we caught the ferry back to the King Street Wharf. From there it was a few blocks walk to the Sydney Tower. 

It was such a clear day the Blue Mountains were visible and I think most of Sydney. 

The view was breathtaking. Last stop for the day was the Tumbalong Park playground with its flying fox, extra-wide slippery dip and gigantic spider web. With everyone well and truly worn out we arrived back at the YHA just in time for dinner. 

There were no complaints about having to go to bed that night. It had been a very full but enjoyable day.

The next day began with a walk up through Hyde Park to the Australian Museum. This museum was/is amazing. We overstayed and could have spent a lot more time looking at all the exhibits but had to catch the Sydney Explorer Bus if we were to get to Bondi Beach for lunch. 

Our planned itinerary on the buses was altered and we only managed the Bondi route.

Our fish and chips were delicious. With the crowds, a few sore feet and being pressed for time we opted for a splash on the water’s edge rather than the Sculptures by the Sea.

 The Sydney Explorer Bus took us back through Dover Heights, Vaucluse, Bellview Hill, Rose Bay and back to Central. 

Then we boarded another bus which dropped us at The Powerhouse Museum. The students loved the hands on approach of this museum. 

The Buffet at the Star was a real treat for the students who were able to choose whatever they wanted for dinner from a range of international dishes. 

No trip would be complete without a ride on the light rail which took us back to the YHA. 

We exited the YHA at 6.30am on the Thursday to get to the station to book our luggage through. Once on the train we had breakfast and then lunch before reaching Cootamundra. 

We had a great excursion thanks to Mrs Dixon and Mrs Ray’s organising. Our parents who came along and helped were greatly appreciated. 

Thank you to John Amey, Danielle McAlister, Catia Nowlan, Sarah Ryan and Andrew Yerbury and also our bus drivers, Mr and Mrs Priestley.