Byron has been hankering after a day in Sydney for a while now. On Sundays in New South Wales families can have unlimited travel anywhere buses, trains, ferries all for just $2.50 a person. The last few Sundays have been busy with other things already happening so this weekend there were no excuses, we were Sydney bound!
We left on a breakfast train and arrived in Sydney's Central station just after 10am. The ferry trip to Manly takes almost an hour so it was late morning as we stepped off into the busy city teeming with tourists and locals all set about enjoying this wonderfully sunny winters day.
We called in to Ben and Jerry's ice-cream shop and then sat on the wall of the beach eating delish cones of Coconut Seven Layer and Chocolate Peanut Buttery Swirl.
To-Die-For!
Next we walked along the waterfront and past the sea water swimming pool carved into the rocky shore line. It honestly looked inviting despite the fact that summer is a distant memory!
At the end of the coastal path is Shelly Beach. A gorgeous little beach covered in crushed shells. The kids started finding the most beautiful pieces of shells and sea-smoothed glass and balancing them on my jeans leg. Soon I couldn't move for fear of disturbing their precious collection! Sian made Byron and myself use one hand each to scoop up a handful of shells and then place our hands side by side to create a "heart" Easier said then done! We were a bit uncoordinated and kept laughing and dropping the shells and blaming one another for not making the right shape with our hands but eventually she managed to take a great photo which I'm sure we will treasure for many years to come (if we can just forget about the chaos and accusations while taking it!)
In no time at all we were jumping back on the ferry to catch the 4pm train home. It is amazing how only a few hours in another city can be so accessible without breaking the bank and yet can refresh you and leave you renewed ready to start another week with a spring in your step.
We really do live in an amazing country.
.JPG)
What a lovely family day, one of those that you remember later in life.
That beach full of shells is a place that I would like to visit.
I would so love to visit~ Sydney! It is on my bucket list Gina! One day I just might email and tell you I am on my way to Australia~
Oooh, this makes me homesick! Such a beautiful city and, yes, country.
Wow Gina, that is amazing, what a great price for a fabulous day out!! Yes you sure do live in a great country. It would cost you a fortune over here..
That is such a great idea to encourage families to use public transport and so much more affordable then driving the car. It sounds like a really nice day that you got to spend together.x