Australia Day 4

So today we thought we would climb the harbour bridge, however there were no spaces left for climbs today so we rescheduled for tomorrow (although it's forecast to be 36 degrees!!) Instead, we ended up with a free day! We decided to head a little out of the City centre and explore some other towns. We set off to Manly, a little beach town which is actually mostly English! My old school friend Rachel currently lives there whilst on her travels so we took the opportunity to catch up with her too at the local Bavarian Beer Bar on the beach. 

Guess which one's mine?? 

Me and Rachel

Manly was a very nice little town, a few nice beaches and waterside restaurants and bars as well as local shops (including a Movenpick ice cream store which we of course visited!) 

We opted to get the ferry back to Circular Quay in central Sydney, there was a bit of a wait so we bought our tickets and killed time in the local Wharf Bar overlooking the harbour. 

We now know a little more about our surroundings so navigated our way back to busy George Street where we met friends at The Ivy Pool Club. We had planned to meet Fay and Mayada - friends of our Australian flat mate Tugba, the girls stayed with us a couple of months ago so it was a bit surreal to visit them in their hometown this time! The girls suggested the venue and my gosh was it a great pick! 4 floors above the City on top of one of the most prestigious hot spots sits a glamorous roof top pool surrounded by bars, luxury pool side booths and a DJ box pumping anthems. A must visit on the Sydney to do list!

We ended the evening with a trip to Bondi beach to visit our friend Craig who spent many years in London. We walked from his home just 3 minutes down to the famous beach and ate dinner at a beach front restaurant called Bucket List. You must get any kind of sea food on the menu as it is so fresh and flavoursome! We were lucky to catch some live music too! 

Another successful day of sightseeing, relaxing and catching up with friends and we're off to bed to prepare for the climb tomorrow! 

Lexie

xxx