New Zealand 2007 

 

                                    Day Five Sydney March 18

                                               

                                            The second oldest national park in the World (Yellowstone is the oldest) is located south of Sydney.

                                            The Royal National Park is located on the coast and contains an endless variety of flora and fauna.  A four hour

                                            hike on the Coastal track allowed us to hear birds that sounded like a crying child, laser beams, or some other

                                            form of unique communication.  The flora ranged from indigenous bark shedding eucalyptus trees to ferns

                                            in every size and formation.  The track was located on mountain sides; however, the trail is close enough to the 

                                            dramatic descend to allow for the Ocean waves to be heard.

 

                                            Transport to the park was via the City Rail suburban train - about one hour south of Sydney Central station.

                                            We arrived at the small and picturesque Otford station settled in a valley surrounded park foliage.  A hike

                                            up the hillside led to a main costal road and a "only open on weekends and holidays" restaurant.  Our

                                            order ranged from pancakes to a toasted cheese and pineapple sandwich with a apple and black cherry

                                            pie dessert.  The pies seemed to be well known - as we set outside on the picnic tables, several cars

                                            pulled up and purchased the $40 ($32 USD) whole pies.   

 

                                            The Sydney Harbour Bridge 75th anniversary celebration was a surprise event  - Over 200,000 people

                                            had the opportunity to walk across the 1 km bridge.  Free lime green caps were provided to each walker

                                            and created a very colorful stream of people.  The event included people from the original opening and

                                            an overall "Our Bridge" pride with  party atmosphere.  

 

                                            After the Bridge crossing, we completed the walk through the original Sydney settlement area known

                                            as the "Rocks".  The buildings included a pub dated back to 1828 and a pharmacy opened a few years

                                            later.  Most of the area was quite the contrast with the larger and modern buildings in the background.

 

                                            Transport back to Parramatta was was via the twin hull Sydney ferry.  After the 1 hour ride, we proceeded

                                            along the riverside sidewalk to old town's Church street.  Dinner was at Montezuma's - a Mexican 

                                            restaurant surprise in Australia that served better than Texas food.  Interestingly, most full service restaurants

                                            are situated for customers to pay their bill at either the host stand or the bar area.  Also, for bar orders,

                                            some restaurants require the patron to go to a separate bar to order their drinks.  Anyhow, the last night

                                            in Parramatta was a very sound sleep.

                                  

                                                                                            Last Updated 2007 March email@ellerberoad.com