To Sydney With Love: November 2012

As we've had to furnish an entire house, pay the bond and first month's rent, all on a single salary, we have been pretty broke over the last month. Thankfully this will change on Wednesday (plus I have some temping work so will have some pocket money to finally start giving the house that feminine touch!).

Yesterday though, we'd had enough of counting the pennies and staying within a kilometre radius of home so we don't spend money. As the sun was streaming through the blinds when we woke up, we decided to walk into the city over the Harbour Bridge. According to Google Maps it's just over four kilometres so easy enough.

And it was an easy walk as it is all downhill (we got a bus back!), and it's interesting to see North Sydney during the weekend. It's pretty dead but you can find the odd coffee shop open and we enjoyed delicious cappuccinos on the walk down to the water. We climbed the steps to get onto the bridge at Kirribilli, although the Sunday market was in full swing, so we had a little detour there for a browse.

Heading up to the bridge.

Once on the bridge, you practically forget the freeway is right next to you. The pedestrian walkway is quite wide and there are lots of places to stop and take in the view. And the view is pretty spectacular. It's just another great way to see the Opera House and the harbour.

Of course, if you want a real view of the harbour you should do the Bridge Climb. I'm afraid I'm too scared to get up there, but for many it is the highlight of their trip to Sydney.

Bridge Climbers beginning their ascent.

Once you come off the bridge you find yourself in the Rocks area, which is one of my favourite parts of the city. It is quite touristy, especially at the weekends, but has a great vibe and you can always avoid the crowds by ducking down a lane or alleyway. There is some lovely architecture here, some of the best in Sydney I think, which reminds me of Victorian buildings in the UK.