Sydney North Head

Memorial walk Google photo

Our entitlement to travel all day in Sydney on public transport for $2.50 is to be revoked on 31 December 2015, as the new electronic ticketing system, Opal, will not provide a concession for interstate seniors, at least for now:"FAQ 15 We are currently considering Opal and other ticketing options for interstate seniors and will provide more information in the coming months."

Possibly our last cheap Sydney ride took us by ferry and bus to North Head. Harbour views, wildflowers, and an apparent rabbit sanctuary.
The old Quarantine Station is now available for tourist accommodation.

www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Spring Northward

We have long planned some Spring days away in the north.
For the airport trip we decided to try Uber, allowing ourselves plenty of time. Unnecessary, since a car was immediately located and reached our home in 10 minutes. The sparkly clean and new to the owner Camry was driven by a courteous Ethiopian almost as new to Uber as we are , though he had a couple of years cab experience. He didn't have an e-tag yet so we travelled via Bell St. He was cautious dropping us as he said if the traffic wardens identify an Uber car they levy a fine. The journey was pleasant. We received a very detailed bill by email with the fare based on precise distance and time.

Qantas was also having a good day. The plane pushed back a few seconds ahead of schedule and throttled its engines for descent into Sydney after less than 45 minutes in the air. I wondered if we were being diverted to Canberra! We landed 20 minutes ahead of schedule.
In Sydney Sheraton on the Park were either using their usual enthusiasm or were specially keen to see us- well, we are staying 3 nights at the fulsome Spring rates. Although we are already in the Starwood preferred guest register Reception asked us if there was a special reason for our stay, and on an affirmative answer immediately accorded us free wifi (still a  privilege in Australian city hotels) and an introduction letter for a glass of sparkling in the bar. Later there was a handwritten note from Reception with a complimentary full breakfast voucher, and 10 minutes later another knock on the door delivered a letter of greetings from the Manager with a bottle of Red.

We walked around Barangaroo. While some of the foreshore is landscaped with sandstone cubes, we also  wanted to see if the Utopia TV satire had exaggerated its references to developments (it hadn't- most of the area looks as if it will be packed to the literal rafters with apartments and other accoutrements of civilisation.

We had dinner at Nick's, a casual fish place on Darling Harbour recommended by our concierge.

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