Australian Grand Prix

Every year I try and go to a F1 race in a different city. This year I had the opportunity to attend the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne. We had flown into Sydney the prior day and getting up early, 4 am, wasn't easy but it was well worth it. Those of you familiar with F1 or have read my posts on other races, know it is an all day event. This year I was only able to attend race day.

I left Sydney at 7 am for a 1.5 hour flight to Sydney getting me there at 8:30 am. After a short 30 minute taxi ride I was in Albert Park a little after 9 am. Before the race I was able to see the displays of antique cars and race cars, new Bentley's and Land Rovers, the Australian Army displays, and sample the many different food items as well as drink options. The Army went all out with displays of armored vehicles, souped up cars and trucks, and a roving jazz band.

I only found this at the race. Need to get it in USA.

Also, there were many pre-races and events. One of my favorites was an air show put on by the Australian Air Force. I saw prop planes put on a show including a simulated dog fight. Then we watched a show with one modern jet. It was amazing what that jet could do. Last a fly over of a cargo plane at a very low altitude that we weren't expecting. All in all it was a fantastic show.

My seats were at the start/finish line with a view of the pit area. It was great for viewing the pre-race activities and start but after that my view was limited to a short part of the track. Next time I would sit further down at the first turns. Vettel and Ferrari won with Red Bull coming in a respectable 4th and 6th.

One thing I did that I would recommend, if time is short after the race. I took a taxi to the race and then reserved the same taxi after the race to meet me away from the track. That way I didn't have to wait in the taxi queue. Starting away from the track I also avoided a lot of the traffic and was able to get to the airport in plenty of time.

The Aussies put on an amazing event and you should put it on your list of races to attend.

Bondi Beach

We were in Sydney five days before the cruise and one of the days we went out to Bondi Beach. The beach is a nice crescent shaped sandy beach with places to eat and drink along the beach. Our taxi driver dropped us off on the north end of the beach at a place call The North Bondi RSL. We are glad he did.

The North Bondi RSL is a membership only club right across from the beach with great views. After we left we checked out the main part of the beach and if we had stopped there we would only have a partial view of the beach or no view at all.

The North Bondo RSL is members only but don't let that deter you. All you have to do if show them your drivers license and you can get a temporary membership valid for that day at no cost. Not only does it give you a membership at a discounted price for food and drink but it also guarantees that you are of age to drink.

We sat outside on the second floor with a great view of the beach. The staff and customers were very friendly and we had a great time. The picture is from our table and as you can see we had a great view. 

Footnote: RSL stands for "Returned and Services League" of Australia. It is for those men and women who have served or are serving in the Defense Force.

Sydney Tower

If you want a great view of Sydney go to the Sydney Tower located above Westfield shopping mall in the center of Sydney. The tower stands a little over 1000 feet and you get a 360 degree view of Sydney and the harbor.

The tower opened to the public is 1981 with restaurants, a bar and an observation deck on level 4. You can also purchase a ticket to the Skywalk above the observation deck where you can walk outside attached by a cable for safety.  The Skywalk was closed the day we were there.

My only complaint was that because the restaurants and bar are operated by another company so to access those levels you need to go all the way down and back up another elevator.

However, the views are well worth the price.

Saint Mary's Cathedral, Sydney

Saint Mary's Cathedral in Sydney is a Catholic Church and home of the Archbishop of Sydney. What you see now is the third church on the site. The first church burnt down as also was a second temporary church. The current church was started in 1868 and dedicated in 1882.

Saint Mary's is located near Hyde Park and the Hyde Park Barracks. It is done in a Gothic style and is beautiful both inside and out. For a great view of the church go to the top of the Westfield (Sydney) Tower and look down on the church as it is too large to get a good picture from the ground.

Sydney Harbor Cruise

A great way to see Sydney is to take the harbor cruise. There are many options but we took the Captain Cook lunch cruise. The cruise originates in Circular Quay and lasted for about two hours. It is a large boat with 2 inside decks and one outside on top. The lunch was fantastic, I had a steak, and drinks are available at an extra cost. If you really want the best experience go outside on top as there is a recording talking about what you are seeing. Otherwise, inside, you may see something cool but won't understand what it is you are viewing.

My only complaint was that I had to hurry through lunch so I could go outside for a better view and the story behind the sites.

Fortune of War Pub, Sydney Australia

I had the opportunity to find the oldest pub in Sydney operating continuously since 1822. The pub

was started by a former convict, Samuel Terry in the Rocks area of Sydney. On top of the great atmosphere it also has a great food and drink menu. Come in and enjoy a talk with some of the locals. The Fortune of War is located on George Street, about a block from the Four Seasons Hotel.

Sydney Australia

Arrived in Sydney for 5 days before an Australian cruise up the east coast. My first impression is of the people. I have never met so many friendly people welcoming us to their city. Next is the harbor, so beautiful!

We stayed at the Four Seasons in the Rocks area and next to the harbor. The Four Seasons is one of many hotels in the harbor area which is a great starting point for exploring the city. From there you will find the bridge, Opera House, harbor cruises and ferries, restaurants and pubs all within walking distance.

The weather is beautiful. More details on specific sites to follow.

Airport Hotel, Sydney

On a recent trip to Australia we needed a hotel close to the Sydney airport for an early morning flight home. Doing some research I picked the Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel. The hotel is practically attached to the international terminal and is an easy walk. If you have a lot of luggage I would suggest grabbing a cart from the terminal and taking it up to your room.

The hotel is very nice with clean modern rooms. The staff is great and checkin/checkout is easy. For food and beverage, they have a coffee bar, sports bar and restaurant. They also have a rooftop bar where you can have a drink while watching the planes take off and land.

If you need an airport hotel option in Sydney flying international I would recommend this hotel. If you are flying domestic I understand they have a shuttle service to get you there.