I’m certainly not an opera buff, but sitting there looking out over the Sydney Harbour with the Opera House and the Bridge in the background was really special. But, what would we do with the rest of our time in Sydney? We didn’t really want to go shopping, so this is what we did…

Friday – A visit to Cockatoo Island

Catch the ferry from Circular Quay direct to the island, which is historically very interesting.

It was first established as a convict penal settlement in 1839 and then became a ship building yard in the 1880’s. You can camp on Cockatoo Island – glamping style with some of the best views of the harbour for much less than you would pay for a hotel room.

Saturday – Parramatta

Catch a River Cat from Circular Quay for a 1.5 hour journey up Parramatta River to explore the history of Parramatta. And there’s so much to see – Rosehill, the first farm, Old Government House, John Macarthur’s Elizabeth Farm and, The Women’s Factories where convict women were taken to work.

Kerima Gae from Topp Tours took us to see all the sights for $25 per person, which was excellent value.

Sunday – Up The Hawkesbury

Bus to Palm Beach and then take the Hawkesbury Ferry to Bobbin Head. We enjoyed fish and chips for lunch.

Monday – The ANZAC parade in Martin Place

We had lunch with friends at Fratelli’s, Potts Point.