Day 6

After waking later than usual, we had a complimentary breakfast since our room safe wasn't working then caught the open top bus to Circular Quay. Really warm day and no shade where we were sitting. Still can't complain having heard the weather in Blighty.

Booked ourselves on the 1.30 p.m. Sydney ferry sightseeing cruise and took a stroll around The Rocks for an hour beforehand.

Ferry left half an hour late since a member of the crew must have been having a lie-in but we went as far east as Shark Island and as far west as Goat Island (but saw neither goats nor sharks!). Some of the waterfront houses were fantastic especially the glass fronted modern ones.

Following the boat trip we bought tickets for the 5.45 p.m. Sydney Opera House backstage tour and had some time to spare so walked through the botanical gardens. Saw some unusual wildlife including cockatoos and trees full of flying foxes which are like big scary bats.

Both sat in Lady McQuarrie's chair for a peaceful view of the Opera House and the bridge. Walked back through the gardens to commence our SOH tour.

Had a sit inside both major concert halls and an impromptu performance from a comedy band warming up for an event.

Went and (eventually) found the location of the Cafe Sydney restaurant so we knew where it was when we needed it on a future date.

Walked all the way from Circular Quay to the cinema in George Street to see the 'Australia' film. Somehow seemed more appropriate than seeing it in Cardinal park, Ipswich.

Finished at 11.30 p.m. and grabbed a slice of pizza on the way back to hotel after a long day.

Came back to several texts telling me that Paul Jewell the Derby manager had resigned following another embarrassing defeat against Ipswich. How apt.