On top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

We had a very full second week in Sydney. One of the highlights was climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, something that Marcy and I did about 19 years ago. Now the kids are old enough we decided it was time. We all enjoyed it, it was a picture-perfect Sydney summer day and the views were spectacular.

Hiking around North Head and Sydney Harbour National Park

One morning we decided to go for a hike to North Head. There are many beautiful trails there and we walked to Shelly Beach and around the headland to North Head. Unfortunately, the lookout was closed but we were able to take in some beautiful views anyway and case out a spot for New Year’s Eve. North Head is a popular spot to view the fireworks on Sydney Harbour. After the hike we had lunch at our favorite brunch place, Three Beans.

On the Rocks Ghost Tour

That night we went into the city to visit the Australian Museum, a regular haunt for us when we lived here in 2012, and then afterwards we did something really unique, a Ghost Tour of the Rocks. This was a Christmas present to us from Uncle Mark and Aunt Robyn. We learned some sordid stories from Sydney’s past and how some of the buildings (including a Sydney Harbour Bridge pylon) are supposedly haunted.

At the Australian Museum

We were undecided about what to do on New Year’s Eve. We were going to a friend’s house but that didn’t work out when his wife got covid. We talked about going to one of the viewing points near the city but we were concerned about parking and a long drive home. So, we decided to go someplace where we could walk, North Head. I had been there before and you get a good view of the fireworks from there.

Sunset on New Year’s Eve

I ventured out early, around 4:15pm to ensure we had a good spot to view the fireworks. Marcy and the kids arrived by 7:30pm and we settled in for the evening. They have a 9pm fireworks show and then the big show at midnight. It didn’t disappoint.

Our view of the Sydney Harbour fireworks, just after midnight on New Year’s Eve

We spent most of the past two days of our trip on the beach. It was beautiful weather with lots of sunshine so we were in the water a lot. And then this morning, before we headed to the airport, we had one last swim. I did the Manly to Shelly Beach swim, something I did almost every day. I will miss that swim and time on the beach.

Enjoying some beach time on our last day