buchhalm

I agree. If not an opera performance, than a concert in the newly renovated and improved concert hall. I always thought that (from the point of view of an average classical concert goer) the sound in the hall was pretty good. But having recently experienced the NEW hall, even my untrained ear can appreciate the difference. The sound is just wonderful now. (Depending on who's performing, of course 😉)

I've come to the conclusion that you like the word "mad"! 🙂

Are you guys talking about Madama Butterfly next March/April? That is NOT in the Opera House, but in the Botanical gardens, with the stage floating on the harbour. https://opera.org.au/productions/madama-butterfly-on-sydney-harbour/ The productions are great, but you need to spring for good seats to get the most out of it. (And I brought pillows from home)

Crossed fingers behind his back?

Would it be weird to go on DCL ship without kids?

Given that "cash" is rare these days where seemingly everybody is using plastic and tap-and-go, this feels all a bit redundant or nostalgic

I agree with Aus Traveller. The taxi lines in Sydney move pretty quickly with minimal wait times. During busy times, they usually have a dispatch person there who will allocate a suitable car, depending how much luggage you have. So unless you like to have a guy in an ugly suit with a sign with your name on it waiting for you (if you are lucky), then a regular taxi is just as easy.

Is "Figi" far from here?

The way things move along here in OZ, we might as well skip Charles on the bank notes and move straight to William. Start designing now. ( anticipating receding hair line)

're checked luggage on QF (And probably many others as well): It's now a good idea to split luggage between you and your travel buddy. Half of each other's stuff in each other's suitcase. At least one bag should make it. Checking in together isn't a guarantee....

Update. This from the website of the Sydney Opera House...

A security guard said last night that the Queen will be switched off on Sunday. They MAY project the new king onto the main sail (And the ears on the other sails) for a few days...

It is MY understanding that Celebrity fares advertising in Australia automatically include the "ALWAYS INCLUDED" package. That's tips, standard beverage package and basic WiFi (I believe one device per cabin). Perhaps somewhere during the booking process you can opt OUT of this package to get a lower price. I firmly believe they do that ALWAYS INCLUDED package because us Australians have a reputation to stiff the crew for tips...😉

A one-off Public holiday has just been declared for Thursday 22.09. Crowds of people around the Opera House and Circular Quay last night. People were quiet and subdued, taking pictures of the special illustrations.

The Sydney Opera House right now...

The Sydney Opera House right now...

If you prefer a hotel over an apartment and don't need a city centre hotel "with a view", consider a stay "in the suburbs". For example there is s brand new and moderately priced Travelodge hotel in Hurstville, 15 to 20 minutes by very frequent train to the city centre. Hurstville is a major stop on the T4 line between Bondi Junction and Cronulla beach (And further down the South coast), and every train stops here. There are dozens of (mainly Asian) restaurants within 5 minutes walk from the hotel and a large Westfield shopping centre (3 supermarkets, food courts, a cinema, nedical facilities, pharmacies...) is just across the road. The train station is 3 minutes walk away. Despite the convenient location, the hotel is quiet and the rooms are well appointed and lovely.

Just to give you an idea what you will see in our city...

For those getting back to Sydney ....

Hi. I believe a company called Pack and Send can do that. Website is www.packsend.com.au They have a "Live chat" function where you can start asking questions

A few minutes ago, just before 8 am in Sunday 4th of September, the ship us still in port. Live camera shot from Kirribilli. Shouldn't she have left yesterday mid afternoon?

Coral Princess at Circular Quay late last night.

That stuff looks better coming out of the body than going in! 😉

I am sure that you are using the correct official website to apply, but just in case, here is the step-by-step information and link to the application site. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601 A friend had a similar issue. HE had his visa approved more or less right away, his partner heard nothing. The partner started the process afresh. The best way to do that was to UNINSTALL the app and then install it anew. Also pay close attention to certain formats, such as day-month-year vs. month-day-year, spaces and hyphens. The system may let you enter it, but then quietly rejecting the application when it detects a discrepancy between the passport screen shot/bar code , compared what you enter.

Wouldn't you look out on water 95% of the time?