The first full day in Sydney was bridge climb day, or so we thought.  The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of 2 bridges in the world that can be climbed (legally in an organized group).  Everyone was psyched and ready to go.

We got to the front of the line and the guy behind the counter said ‘Oh, would you like to climb today instead? Your reservation is for tomorrow.’  Ooops! None of us actually checked our reservation for the bridge climb ; for some reason we all just thought it was the first day in Sydney. Luckily, all worked out and they were able to get us in. No worries, mate!  Nicole passed since she had done it almost 14 years ago, and instead found herself a good place on top of the bridge pylon to take pictures of us during the climb.  This made me very happy, because I did not want to get roped into buying an insanely expensive tour company photo.  We also weren’t allowed to have anything in our pockets or detached from our climbing jumpsuits — so no camera.

Just getting started

On the way up

Almost reached the top

Big smiles on the way down

Opera house view from Nicole’s spot on the bridge pylon

After the climb, we wandered around the harbour and picked up tickets for a show at the Opera House later that night.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Opera House up close

Other fun pictures:

My big beer in Sydney

Dad’s small beer in Port Douglas

How many Netts can fit in a phone booth? — Answer is only 3 since one of us had to take the photograph

Sydney from Darling Harbour

Nicole taking part in public art exhibit

(Written with significant input from Nicole)