New South Wales: Last few weeks in Australia!

Unfortunately I've made it to Sydney airport; I was expecting an overpriced internet booth but have been pleasantly surprised by this free one! So here I am filled with mixed emotions and yes girls, still without a man!! (but instead, according to Mum, have acquired an Aussie accent!)
As I had expected, the last 4 months have been full of adventure and I have the people that I have met along the way to thank for that, you know who you are!

The last few weeks have been action packed. Staying with Mum's old neighbour, John and his family gave me the advantage of seeing Sydney with locals and enabling me to get my bearings: -


Palm Beach from the Lighthouse

Views from Sydney North Head

WWoofing in Windsor

Unfortunately I didn't get chance to be a Jillaroo this trip but I did Wwoofing at an eventer and racehorse stud farm with a lovely Aussie family in the suburbs of Sydney, what seemed to be the equestrian epicentre of Oz!
looking after these million dollar horses in 40 degrees heat was an experience to say the least and one which only Wwoofing could enable: -

Pre foal

Foal a few hours old

Feeding time

He has won $3.7 million in racing so far!

I'd really recommend Wwoofing and had I stayed in the country longer (and maybe not had such an adventurous nature) I'd have done it for a lot longer.

Last week in Oz

The last week back in Sydney has been a combination of experiencing the nightlife (much to the shock of my liver!): -

Making the most of Sydney festival (which runs throughout Jan): -

Bringing Sydney together for Festival time by placing pianos around the city!

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Getting glimpses of the numerous beaches: -

Coogee Beach

Eastern Beach walk from Bondi to Coogee

Replacing some 6 month old worn out clothes which have holes in procarious places, having the worst night of my trip in a 6 bed hostel room with 4 old men sweating in the heat and contemplating leaving at 2am (that's what you get for a $20 room in central Sydney)!

Taking pictures of the harbour from as many angles as I was physically capable of: -

Sydney Harbour viewed from the Bridge

Opera House

Sydney Harbour

Partaking in friends birthday cruises in Pittwater: -

Grant and Jas

Before finally making it to Palm beach on Australia day morning feeling, unfortunately, a little worse for wear: -

Palm Beach

So as you can see, I have had a great number of road trips around Oz, experiencing such contrasting landscapes and living with the locals. From rainforest to the red centre to beaches and water that blows your breath away - Australia for me really does have everything (I sound like a travel agent!)!!

New Zealand now has the tough challenge of living up to its reputation and I'm looking forward to more adventure!