Today was all about viewing Sydney Harbour from the water with Captain Cook Cruisers – a line recommended to me by several friends before I embarked on this visit to Australia – and to visit the famous beach at Manly.
I took the first Big Bus Hop-on from Chines Gardens to Circular Quay the main transport hub in Sydney giving access to trains, trams and the ferries. There are 6 Wharfs with Ferries arriving and leaving every few minutes bound for many destinations around the Harbour. The largest flotilla of ferries is provided by New South Wales Transport and are distinctive in there Cream and Green livery. There are also several commercial companies that provide more tourist-oriented services as opposed to the NSW vessels that mainly cater for commuter traffic and make many more stops and destinations.
I had a deal with Big Bus that not only gave me an additional 24hours travel for free but also included a Hop-on Hop-off cruise with Captain Cook Cruises. Having redeemed my ticket, I had an hour to wait so I treated myself to a coffee and almond croissant – my favourite of course – and spent then next 30 minutes fighting of the Seagulls! There was one particularly tenacious one-legged gull who reminded me of 'Long-John-Silver' so devilish was he in his attempts to steal my croissant.
I had already had one fright when buying the coffee and croissant. As ever I got a very cheery 'Good Day Mate' from the Chinese vendor who then smiled to reveal no front teeth, just two white fangs on each side of this mouth! Made no difference to the coffee which was great.
The speed at which these ferries dock and depart is mesmerising and bang on time we departed for Manly.
For the moment see all the usual views from the water with a Manly report to follow.
