First Walkabout in Sydney

By Jordan Haugan // 25 January 2011 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: blogging, sydney, Traveller blog, walks

It was 5:30am and our plane was approximately 80 miles off Sydney’s coast. I cracked open my window to see the sun just starting to creep over the horizon, casting an orange glow over the blanket of clouds below us. Just like U2 said, there was no line on the horizon! I couldn’t believe the day was finally here. I wanted to start dancing right then and there on the plane but decided against it, since some people were still sleeping… I had heaps of things I wanted to accomplish throughout the next 4 months (after talking with my mate Joseph, who had been to Sydney last year) and I plan to be going on excursions every chance I get… but first, I had to get my luggage…

         After setting my things down at the hotel, I quickly realized I was in the most incredible city I had ever been in. I spent about 7 hours just walking around the city when I arrived at Wynyard Station. It almost felt like a city square in New York. Tall skyscrapers encompassing a large grassy park, businessmen walking around, and the sounds of the city surrounded me as I went on my walkabout. First, I went to an amazing place just south of the train station called Darling Harbour. The architecture of this place really stuck out to me. Yes, there are enormous skyscrapers all around, but it never feels crowded. The streets are quite spacious with palm trees and shrubbery jutting out through the pathways. As I walked down the pier, I came upon a large, open area with a very smooth surface. Roller bladers and scooterers whizzed around in circles and a kid yelled out to me “Ey mate! Where’d ya get em runnahs?” Apparently, he liked my shoes quite a bit! Thousands of families were in the harbour area, strolling along, laughing, playing in the fountains, eating, etc. I’ve never seen a place with such a strong sense of community.

         Another aspect that really strikes me about this city is its integration--contrasting elements that work together to create a truly fascinating place. Sydney has found a way to blend simplicity (large open spaces--parks, scootering areas, etc.) with innovation (very architecturally advanced structures, the world’s largest Imax, light shows, fountains, etc.). It’s a combination of nature and man-made elements that seem to blend together seamlessly, creating a truly beautiful place.

         As I was getting ready to make my way back to the hotel, I sat on a bench, facing the setting sun. Some ships were pulling in the harbour while others were departing for crazy nights out on the water. I met a hilarious group of Aussies who were wearing a ridiculous assortment of school outfits--some had signs saying “kick me” on the back, others had crazy mullets and wore super short shorts that should’ve been illegal… I even met a guy in a Scooby Doo costume, haha! Apparently, a girl told me they were going out for the night on a “work function”… Dang! I should’ve asked what company they worked for!

         Just as they left for their night cruise, a massive yacht pulled in and several bronzed, friendly Aussie girls in fancy dresses hopped out. With the sunset in the background, palm trees swaying, and this in the foreground, it felt surreal. It was only 8pm on the first night, but I couldn’t have imagined a better first day on my Aussie adventure! Next up on the list: the Sydney Aquarium, Featherdale Wildlife Park, and the legendary Blue Mountains!! To put it simply:

I'm STOKED!! : )