buchhalm

If the Four Seasons is within your price range, it is one of the best hotels in Sydney. It is a level 500 meter walk from the hotel to the OPT. Out the front door, turn left, cross the road and walk UNDER the road above your head. Turn left, just before the first building you get to (there is an icecream shop) and walk straight on. The OTP is 4minutes walk from here. Note that Google maps will probably suggest a slightly different walking route. One has a flight of stairs just before the museum of contemporary art, the other has a sloping road towards the waterfront AFTER the museum. As for shops, there are a few convenience stores for basics at Circular Quay railway station and inside the office plaza just opposite. Both are less than 5 minutes slow walk from the hotel. By the way, there is a superb restaurant in the lobby of the 4 Seasons, "Mode Kitchen and Bar". Moderately priced (for a restaurant in a luxury hotel)

Wonderful line by a comedian on Cunard a few years back. As Cunard is full of OLD people, his first line was "Hellooooo, coffin dodgers!!!!" 😁

Hmmmm. I don't think that for some one travelling Seabourn, COST of an extra night or two in a hotel is the main factor here. 🙂

The better-than-the-rest-of-us residents of the Eastern suburbs for the most part didn't feel the need to wear masks during the height of the pandemic, when many of us were locked away...

I suggest Chateau Yaldara and Yalumba, Chateau Tanunda and St. Hallet for wineries. "Artisans of Barossa " And "Harvest Kitchen" restaurants.

If you don't need a car for other purposes, there are several small group Barossa (And the other regions) tours. Take one that doesn't include TOO many wineries! Self drive is not the best idea if you want a bit if tasting yourself. I always joke it's best to take a Muslim or Mormon friend for a winery tour. Designated driver!

Four'n'Twenty pie brand is now Chinese owned. Is nothing sacred? 🤬🥧

I agree. If not an opera performance, than a concert in the newly renovated and improved concert hall. I always thought that (from the point of view of an average classical concert goer) the sound in the hall was pretty good. But having recently experienced the NEW hall, even my untrained ear can appreciate the difference. The sound is just wonderful now. (Depending on who's performing, of course 😉)

I've come to the conclusion that you like the word "mad"! 🙂

Are you guys talking about Madama Butterfly next March/April? That is NOT in the Opera House, but in the Botanical gardens, with the stage floating on the harbour. https://opera.org.au/productions/madama-butterfly-on-sydney-harbour/ The productions are great, but you need to spring for good seats to get the most out of it. (And I brought pillows from home)

Crossed fingers behind his back?

Would it be weird to go on DCL ship without kids?

Given that "cash" is rare these days where seemingly everybody is using plastic and tap-and-go, this feels all a bit redundant or nostalgic

I agree with Aus Traveller. The taxi lines in Sydney move pretty quickly with minimal wait times. During busy times, they usually have a dispatch person there who will allocate a suitable car, depending how much luggage you have. So unless you like to have a guy in an ugly suit with a sign with your name on it waiting for you (if you are lucky), then a regular taxi is just as easy.

Is "Figi" far from here?

The way things move along here in OZ, we might as well skip Charles on the bank notes and move straight to William. Start designing now. ( anticipating receding hair line)

're checked luggage on QF (And probably many others as well): It's now a good idea to split luggage between you and your travel buddy. Half of each other's stuff in each other's suitcase. At least one bag should make it. Checking in together isn't a guarantee....

Update. This from the website of the Sydney Opera House...

A security guard said last night that the Queen will be switched off on Sunday. They MAY project the new king onto the main sail (And the ears on the other sails) for a few days...

It is MY understanding that Celebrity fares advertising in Australia automatically include the "ALWAYS INCLUDED" package. That's tips, standard beverage package and basic WiFi (I believe one device per cabin). Perhaps somewhere during the booking process you can opt OUT of this package to get a lower price. I firmly believe they do that ALWAYS INCLUDED package because us Australians have a reputation to stiff the crew for tips...😉

A one-off Public holiday has just been declared for Thursday 22.09. Crowds of people around the Opera House and Circular Quay last night. People were quiet and subdued, taking pictures of the special illustrations.

The Sydney Opera House right now...

The Sydney Opera House right now...

If you prefer a hotel over an apartment and don't need a city centre hotel "with a view", consider a stay "in the suburbs". For example there is s brand new and moderately priced Travelodge hotel in Hurstville, 15 to 20 minutes by very frequent train to the city centre. Hurstville is a major stop on the T4 line between Bondi Junction and Cronulla beach (And further down the South coast), and every train stops here. There are dozens of (mainly Asian) restaurants within 5 minutes walk from the hotel and a large Westfield shopping centre (3 supermarkets, food courts, a cinema, nedical facilities, pharmacies...) is just across the road. The train station is 3 minutes walk away. Despite the convenient location, the hotel is quiet and the rooms are well appointed and lovely.

Just to give you an idea what you will see in our city...