Global Crossroads Study Abroad Blog

As a study abroad student in Australia, I knew that I had to make it to Sydney to see the famous Opera House, Manly Beach and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. However, I had another wonderful reason to visit – my roommate Amelia is studying there this semester! With the exciting prospect of celebrating both of our 20th birthdays, this trip was going to be a reunion to remember!

Leaving Townsville felt so strange, for though I had traveled throughout the semester, I had not embarked from the Townsville airport. After a minor mishap of cutting it close for my JetStar flight, I checked in with time to spare. One relatively short flight (everything is short compared to 16 hours now!) later, I had landed in Sydney! I could not contain my excitement of being reunited with one of my best friends! Stepping off of the terminal, I spotted Amelia jumping up and down with a beautiful smile on her face! After we hugged for forever (tears were shed, looks were aimed our way…typical!), we kept saying how “real” it actually was to see each other! It felt so wonderful to have this connection from home even though we were across the world.

As we hopped on the train, Amelia was unable to contain her smile and her biggest secret; we weren’t headed to Sydney University Village, where she lives for the semester – we were headed to Circular Quay! Being a Sydney “newbie,” I still didn’t quite understand the reason for her beaming grin. However, she pulled out two tickets and told me that we were going to see Onegin, a ballet performed at the Sydney Opera House! This was honestly the best birthday present I could have ever received! For those who do not know me very well, I have been a dancer all my life, and the theater has always been one of my favorite places. We got incredible desserts (thanks to Colin’s birthday present!) and got “opera-ready” to fit in with the sophisticated Sydney crowd.

My first real view of Sydney, Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge! 

Onegin was a fantastic ballet. The music by Tchaikovsky and incredibly detailed costumes made my entire night! Amelia and I had a fantastic time. We then made our way to Sydney University Village where Amelia is living this semester. It was a wonderful time of catching up, eating dark chocolate Tim Tams and having long-awaited “roomie time.”

The next morning, we woke up (late – it was a vacation!) and got a fantastic brekkie at an adorable cafe called Hoochie Mama’s! Hot chocolate and coffee were necessary – and so beautifully crafted!

I got to meet two of Amelia’s friends from her program, Jessica and Robin. They are so wonderful and friendly!! We had a huge day planned for our Cinco De Mayo, starting with a trek to Circular Quay and the Rocks.  We began our trek through “The Rocks” to get to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, passing by a gelato truck and recounting tales of our Australian travels. We climbed up to the Pylons (on either side of the bridge) and had a fantastic view of the city and the Opera House! So, so gorgeous. 

The Opera House!! “I saw three ships..”

Bridge climbers!

We walked along the bridge (at the normal level!) and enjoyed the sunny morning. There were so many weddings spotted!

The Sydney Locks: you place the lock on the fence and then throw the key into the Harbour! Many were inscribed with couple’s name and marriage year…so sweet!!

We then went down to Circular Quay to see the Opera House in the daylight and make our way over to the Botanical Gardens! Major highlights included visiting the Government House and a fantastic autumn walk in the park! 

Beautiful garden at the Government House

Hello, bridge!

That night, we went out for burritos for Cinco De Mayo – yum!! I got to meet a lot of the people from Amelia’s school – they were all such sweethearts!! We also joined them for a Cinco de Mayo party, rounding up the evening with fabulous kebabs.

The next morning, we woke up late…again! It was a fantastic break, and we were rejuvenated enough to take the ferry to Manly Beach. What a beautiful area! We walked along the beach, caught up (as if we don’t talk enough already! haha) and had a great time browsing in shops. Stopping by the candy store on our way back to the ferry, we devoured the gummies – especially the Red Frogs! A beautiful full moon was present over the Harbour – so gorgeous! With a break for dinner at an incredible Thai resteraunt (pad thai, of course!) and a chocolate feast at Max Brenner, it was truly a perfect Sydney experience. I had a fantatsic time, and such a wonderful weekend with one of my absolute besties!! Can’t wait to go back in just a few short weeks!!

The view from the ferry!

Mango crush and a coffee – perfect!

Surf’s up at Manly Beach!

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