Our view tonight is ...... but no I'd better start at the beginning of the day! We breakfasted with Trudy and Derek and helped them to find some accommodation in the Blue Mountains as they want to go there before they return home later next week.

The four of us in the garden of our motel

Then all of us managed to pack into our rather small car, made smaller by all our luggage being on board as we had checked out. We quickly found a place for coffee near Narrabeen Lakes and also, as has become the pattern recently, bought supplies for an evening snack. Whilst there we decided we would take a coastal route round the southern end of Pittwater and then back to Oxford Falls.

This didn't quite work to plan as we noticed we were very near Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park and Trudy and Derek were desperate to see a kangaroo in the wild. We weren't sure that we could find any wildlife for them, especially as the ranger on the entry point said another point of the park was best for wallabies. We pressed on regardless as he also said there was a cafe in the part we were near to. In fact, although we drove through dense native bush, when we arrived at Akuna Bay we were suddenly in the totally different world of boating - and I'm not talking little rowing boats here! There was a huge, multi-storey boat hotel and a marina full of big boats. On the quay was a boat estate agent and boat supply shop - and I am pleased to say - a nice cafe where we had a good lunch!

We more or less decided we didn't have the time to get to the other half of the park as Trudy and Derek would have time to do it tomorrow on their way to Newcastle. As we walked to the car park a kookaburra suddenly flew down to a nearby tree so we obviously had to stop and photograph it. Trudy and Derek hadn't seen one before so it was a treat for them too.

As we turned to go to the car I thought I saw something hop off in the distance. Whilst we were checking this out, Derek spotted something much nearer which, lo and behold, turned out to be a wallaby! It was a very obliging wallaby and stayed around for lots of photos and close observation! Trudy and Derek were more than delighted! We got in the car and drove round the car park just to check we hadn't missed any other wallabies and, would you believe it, spotted a lyrebird! If you have ever watched David Attenborough on birds in Australia you will know this is the one which mimics other sounds including chain saws and ringtones!

Derek finds the wallaby

The obliging wallaby

After so much excitement it was time to return Trudy and Derek to Oxford Falls and for us to make our way into Sydney. Just as we were leaving we heard, quite plainly, an eastern whipbird in the grounds of the hotel. In fact, more than one and Steve was able to get them to respond with an Australian birds app that he has downloaded, which plays bird songs!

Although it wasn't far into the centre of Sydney, it seemed to take ages as we did battle with the traffic but we got to our apartment just after 4pm. It is situated on the north of the harbour and we knew it was supposed to have views of the bridge but we have been staggered by its position and the sensational views we have, not only of the bridge but also of the Opera House beneath it! Luna Park is to our left and the centre of Sydney straight ahead.

Sensational view even on a damp day

Friday night in Sydney harbour

Having refreshed ourselves with a cup of tea, we decided we needed a walk and took the ferry from McMahon's Point, which is immediately outside the apartment, across to Circular Quay - about 9 mins! From there we walked to the Opera House and on into the Botanic Gardens, whereupon it rained hard and we had to take shelter under a tree for a few minutes. We retraced our steps and caught the ferry back. This has to be the most convenient place to stay in the whole of Sydney and with the best views! And although its not cheap it is nowhere near as expensive as some of the central hotels.

As is it is dark now, everything is lit up and the harbour still busy with ferries and other trip boats. I'm writing from our lounge but even in our bedroom - lying down - you can still see these fantastic views! We won't be pulling the blinds down tonight!