Australia- 15) Sydney -The Rocks

The Rocks is a neighbourhood of historic laneways in the shadow of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Locals and tourists mingle at the open-air Rocks Markets, purchasing street food and handmade fashions. The area has some of Sydney’s oldest pubs and many of the upscale restaurants have harbour views. The Museum of Contemporary Art offers local and international exhibits. The Rocks is easily accessible from the Sydney CBD, being just a short walk from Circular Quay

The Rocks is one of the oldest parts of Sydney, dating back to the late 18th century when it was established as the site of the first European settlement in Australia in 1788.  Many of the original buildings and streets in The Rocks were constructed by convicts, and the area’s history is closely tied to its penal colony origins.

Australia- 14) A Ferry Ride from Sydney to Manly

A ferry ride from Sydney to Manly is a scenic  journey that offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and its surroundings. 

Departure from Circular Quay:

Sydney Opera House: As the ferry departs from Circular Quay, you’ll get a close-up view of the Sydney Opera House with its distinctive sails. 

Sydney Harbour Bridge: Just to the west of the Opera House, you’ll see the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

Journey through Sydney Harbour:

City Skyline: As you head away from Circular Quay, you’ll get panoramic views of the Sydney CBD skyline, with its mix of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings.

Fort Denison: A historic site located on a small island in the middle of the harbour, Fort Denison was once a penal site and defensive facility. It now serves as a museum and offers unique views.

Arrival at Manly:

Manly Wharf: The ferry docks at Manly Wharf, a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and cafes. The wharf itself is a popular spot to grab a meal or drink while enjoying harbour views.

Australia- 13) Manly (Sydney)

Manly is a coastal suburb of Sydney, located in the Northern Beaches region of New South Wales, Australia. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and outdoor recreational activities.  Manly is situated approximately 17 kilometers (11 miles) northeast of the Sydney central business district.

One of the most popular ways to reach Manly from Sydney is by taking the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

The main beach is famous for its surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.  Manly is one of Australia’s premier surfing destinations, with surf schools offering lessons for beginners.

I found that the seagulls at the beach are very aggressive (see the video clip)

Australia- 12) Sail Away from Sydney

Sailing away from the Sydney White Bay Cruise Terminal, we had a scenic and memorable experience, as we passed by some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks and picturesque scenery. 

White Bay Cruise Terminal is located in the inner-western suburb of Rozelle, the terminal is situated on the edge of the Balmain Peninsula, providing a good vantage point of the surrounding area.

As the ship begins to sail, as we were approaching Sydney Harbour, we passed under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbor, Circular Quay and the Rocks...For me the most exciting time is when we pass by the Sydney Opera House and have a very close look at it one last time.

Iconic Sydney Landmarks:

Sydney Harbour Bridge: As we continued sailing, the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge comes into view. Passing under this iconic structure is a highlight of the journey, offering a unique perspective of its vast steel arches and the activity on the bridge.

Sydney Opera House: To the east of the Harbour Bridge, we saw the world-famous Sydney Opera House with its distinct white sails. Sailing further east, we passed the lush greenery of the Royal Botanic Garden what starts behind the Opera House.

Circular Quay: This bustling hub is where ferries, cruise ships, and private vessels converge. 

The Rocks: To the west of Circular Quay, The Rocks area comes into view with its historic sandstone buildings, narrow laneways, and vibrant markets.

Naval War Ship: We pass by several significant warships and Garden Island Naval Base located on the eastern side of Woolloomooloo Bay, just east of the Sydney Opera House and adjacent to the Royal Botanic Garden.

Tasman Sea: Finally, as we passed between the Heads and enter the Tasman Sea, we left the sheltered waters of the harbour behind and head out into open water.