Monday, July 1st - Hyde Park Barracks

Happy Canada Day! Another great day in Sydney. Woke up to clear blue skies with a forecast high of 19. Enjoyed a lovely walk with Diane to the Hyde Park Barracks. 

Along the way stopped for some breaky. Ordered "flat white" coffee, comes with milk in it, reminds me more of a cafe latte. Another Bacon and egg roll, a popular morning breakfast. Think of eggs over easy and back bacon in a hoagie roll.

This museum is well done and shares the history of Sydney as a "convict town". The building originally housed convicts who arrived by ship from Britain. It also served as housing for orphan girls who were sent there during the potato famine in Ireland. Later becoming and asylum for the mentally ill elderly women, some of whom had originally come there as orphan girls.

This museum is well done. We all really enjoyed reading about the history of Sydney and how it came to be. Taking time to read about some of the convicts and why they were sent there was also very interesting. Some of the offences were nothing more than petty theft. They also have data bases there with information on the convicts, their offence, punishments..including lashings or working the treadmill. 

One Hetherington, George...perhaps a distant ancestor?

One of the rooms was a display of wood sillouettes that depicted the height, size and from the body stature the "mood" or feelings that may have been part of the convicts time at the Barracks. On the wood was written their name, offence, punishments while there, physical description and whether or not they received a conditional, full pardon or a freedom certificate.

After some time at the Hyde Park Barracks we headed back down to Circular Quay to meet up with David. 

We came across this statue, not the most attractive looking statue. Further reading it was gifted to the hospital. Legend has it that if you rub it's nose...many had as it was a completey different colour you would have good health. 





MANLY BEACH

At Circular Quay there are many ferry slips, all going to different suburbs of Sydney. Many residents use the ferrys to communte to work in the city. We had heard that Manly was a fantastic area to visit with a spectacular beach. Taking the ferry turned out to be a inexpensive way ($14.40 return) to get some great views of the harbour area. 

We are so thrilled that Diane and David have joined us in Sydney, experiecing this city without them would not be the same. 











This town appeared to be a very popular area, reminded us of a true seaside town. Roads lined with shops open to pedestrians only that led straight down to the beach. 

Wow! The beach was beautiful. Soft sand, crashing waves, surfers, amazing views .....loved it! 

Enjoyed a great burger at "Moo Gourmet Burgers". We were able to get a spot out on the balcony and had this tremendous view. 

The ferry ride back to Circular Quay was just as the sun was starting to set at the horizon. 

Again some awesome views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

It was getting cold in the evening..but sitting outside was the place to be to get the photos. 

Another very memorable day in Sydney! Tomorrow the plan is to do the Harbour Bridge climb. Not me but the boys for sure!!!