Day 4 - Blue Mountains Part 2
Trip Start
Mar 30, 2006
1
8
9
Trip End
Apr 18, 2006
Katoomba,
Australia
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
Wow! What a beautiful day! We really haven't had bad weather since we've gotten here - and the first couple of days were supposedly 'cold snaps'! Nonetheless, we were told that today was going to be cloudy and possibly rainy, but it turned out to be sunny and lovely!
We enjoyed a bit of a sleep in and grabbed breakie in the hotel before setting off for another bush walk - this time down to the Three Sisters and out to Honeymoon Lookout. We walked around for about 2 hours and then returned to the hotel for a drink (of water!) and to lounge until our tour picked us up. I can't speak highly enough about Lilianfels. It's owned by the Orient Express and the reputation that OE has is certainly upheld at this establishment. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The hotel is beautiful and you are made to feel very comfortable and welcome. I wish we could have stayed there longer!
We met up with the other couple from the tour (the Peacocks from South England) and waited for our tour. Turns out we were the only 2 couples returning to Sydney, so we all piled into an SUV and headed out of the Blue Mountains for the Wildlife Reserve. How much fun and what a large place! We were greeted by large birds - emus, pelicans, owls, eagles - and were surrounded by wallabies and kangaroos. I got to pet a Koala - they really are very cute - but are in terrible danger due to disease, human encroachment, etc. Its awful - but they are really very cute and this reserve is working to breed them. After the koalas, we saw a large crocodile, some Tasmanian devils, and Doug's favorite - Wombats! We didn't have nearly enough time to see everything, but the visit was great fun and I'm glad we had a chance to do it. Before arriving at the reserve, though, our driver had mentioned that it might be nice touch to pick up the Sydney River Ferry: Rivercat, and take it down to Circular Quay. This was a fabulous idea since both couples were staying in hotels near the Quay. So, after the reserve, we made a beeline for the Jetty and picked up the Ferry. I must say, it was quite an efficient operation. They pull up, drop down a plank, and you climb aboard and within a minute or two, the plank is raised and they're off again. Since it was such a beautiful day, there were many people on the bow taking in the sights. I chose to stay indoors - partly because I was tired from all the walking, but mostly because the view was almost as nice inside and there were less people. I'm thrilled that our driver made the suggestion - it was a lovely ride in and it saved our driver from having to go into Sydney during rush hour!
Once we landed, we headed straight for our hotel. I must admit, I wasn't pleased with our initial stay at Harbour Rocks. You can't beat the location, but if you stay there, avoid room 111 if at all possible. As I mentioned earlier, the room is small, though the bathroom is nice. It's just a bit cramped for extended stay. Nevertheless, when we checked in, we found ourselves in room 203 - which turned out to be a Harbour View room. We had an obstructed view of the Opera House and could see the water from our window. It was a bit bigger than room 111, though the bathroom wasn't as nice ;). I will say that the plate of chocolates and the welcome back note was a nice touch!
After freshening up, we headed out back down towards the harbour to have dinner at a recommended 'Steak House' called Wolfie's. The location was brilliant and food was equally as lovely! We enjoyed kangaroo and crocodile skewers for a starter and we both had steak for dinner. For those of you concerned that we're evil for eating kangaroo - we were told that for every 1 Australian there are 4 kangaroos. So, I guess its a lot like eating Venison. And it was really very delicious, too!!!
To top off the evening, as we were leaving, there was another fireworks show. It was done at a different time - so I'm not sure what the occasion was this time, but it was very nice. Nothing could have been more romantic! Unfortunately, we didn't have our camera :(
Well, that wraps up Day 4. Tomorrow we leave for Adelaide.
Hope everyone's well!
Connie and Doug
