Blog from Oz
Gordon let loose at ATE Sydney Apr2011
April was a busy month for Gazelle Newcastle
Intrepid explorer Gordon was on tour with 8 Premier Aussie specialists from the UK going down under to ATE
ATE is the worldwide convention which showcases what Australia has to offer the world
The specialists do the hard work so you dont have to.
We know where to find the best bargains, best hotels even down to the best value for money nightlife.
Stay tuned as more info will appear as and when it happens
to be continued........................
Arrived at Sydney Airport 6am and one quick change later and we are on the road.
If anyone has 100 things on their "bucket list" (ie 100 things to do before they die) you will need to lengthen your list as Australia has loads more to do!
Met up with a Harley bike tour for the day, just the thing after being couped up on a plane for 24 hours!
Spent the night at Paperbark camp, luxury tents. Wasn't like this in the scouts!
Next morn, up bright and early and off on a power boat to look for dolphins, major tip here, dont do this if you have a hangover !
At our hotel this evening there are two wedding dos, looks like an outtake of Muriels wedding and Neighbours circa 1989 as all of the guys are sporting permed blonde mullets!!
Another must do today is the Illawara treetop walk, mega views all around. Off to wine tasting next!
En route to Sydney, stopped at the Don Bradman Cricket museum which is excellent. Very interactive ideal for kids and dad in fact all the family. Dont know why the staff didnt like our comments about who has the ashes at the moment!!
Stopped the night at Coogee in the suburbs of Sydney and did the coastal walk to Bondi (about 2 hours). Nice pub at the end!
Another must do, go for a surf lesson at Bondi, (Lets go surfing-Bondi surf School are mega)
Eventually arrived in Sydney for the week
ATE was hard work (over 95 appointments in 4 days), mind we played hard as well
Even since I was there last year, Aussie has so much to do, and the locals are very friendly .
Another must do is the bridge climb, even if you are scared of heights, it is totally safe and the professional guides look after you(careful you dont go out the night before as you are breathalysed before you are allowed on the bridge)
What better way to see Sydney than on a Bonza Bike Ride, only one small hill so even the unfittest person can do it!
Staying at Paddington for 2 nights (suburb of Sydney) , really good place where you can mingle with the locals rather than tourists. Great restaurants and bars abound.
All too soon, back at the airport homeward bound
Another good tip for you. If you are in Transit at Singapore, go to the Rainforrest Lounge on the first floor. You can get a shower and lounge access for £4.00! Well worth it before the 14 hour flight back to Heathrow!
Train back North, thank goodness for Grand Central, £15 first class upgrade, well worth it after 24 hours from Aussie!
