Sydney
Our adventure to hike two legendary trails—Cradle Mountain to Lake St. Clair in Tasmania and the Routeburn Track in New Zealand—began with a flight to Sydney, Australia. This was the first stop on our way to meet our sons, Kevin and Eric, who would be joining us for this incredible outdoor journey. We were warmly greeted in Sydney by my old classmate, Ted Culley, and his wife, Dorothy, who had generously offered to host us for several days in their lovely home in South Sydney.
After settling in, Ted and Dorothy took us on a tour of the south beaches, an area where we had lived back in the early 1970s. We were both amazed at how much had changed since then. What was once a quiet, laid-back area had transformed into a bustling and trendy part of the city, filled with cafés, shops, and beautifully developed waterfronts. Yet, despite all the modernization, the natural beauty of the beaches remained as breathtaking as ever. It felt nostalgic to walk along the sands where we had once spent so much time, now dotted with surfers and sunbathers enjoying the Australian sun.
After a delicious lunch at Doyles on the Beach Restaurant near South Head, we made our way into Sydney to explore The Rocks District and Circular Quay. For those unfamiliar with Old Sydney, the Rocks is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, steeped in history and charm. Once a rough and tumble area of early settlers and convicts, it has evolved into a vibrant district filled with cobblestone streets, old sandstone buildings, and a lively mix of pubs, markets, and art galleries. It sits right on the edge of Circular Quay, where the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House frame the skyline.
It’s remarkable how Sydney has grown into such a cosmopolitan city, seamlessly blending its colonial past with ultra-modern skyscrapers and architecture. The bustling harbor was full of activity, with ferries coming and going, and we found ourselves appreciating both the history and the energy of this world-class city.
The following day, Ted and Dorothy took us on another treat—a sail up in Avalon on their stunning boat. The day was perfect for being out on the water, and we enjoyed the relaxing sail while soaking in the incredible views of Pittwater and the surrounding lush greenery. Ted and Dorothy have a real passion for sailing, and their boat was a beauty, cutting through the water effortlessly. It was the perfect way to spend the day, catching up with old friends, reminiscing about past adventures, and enjoying the serene beauty of the coastline.
Sydney had been a wonderful first stop on our journey, a blend of nostalgia, exploration, and great company. But the best was yet to come as we packed up to meet Kevin and Eric in Melbourne before our big adventures in Tasmania and New Zealand!
Melbourne and Bells Beach
After meeting Kevin and Eric at the Melbourne airport, we were excited to catch up over a leisurely lunch. We spent the afternoon and evening wandering along the Yarra River, admiring the city’s eclectic skyline. Melbourne is a city that blends the old with the new in such an interesting way. Historic buildings with Victorian-era architecture now share space with ultra-modern skyscrapers. It’s a city that’s constantly evolving, and we couldn’t help but notice how many of the older industrial buildings along the waterfront had been transformed into trendy cafes, art spaces, and boutiques. Melbourne has long been known for its arts and culture scene, and walking through the streets, it’s easy to see why it’s considered Australia’s creative capital.
The next morning, we rented a car and headed out to Bells Beach, famous for its surf and made legendary by the movie Point Break. The coastal drive down to Bells was stunning, with sweeping ocean views and dramatic cliffs. When we arrived, Kevin and Eric were eager to hit the waves. Both of them have surfed before, and they wasted no time grabbing their boards and paddling out. The waves were larger than they were used to and tested their skills, and it was fun to watch them catch wave after wave.
After a fun day by the beach, we made our way back to Melbourne to prepare for the next leg of our journey—an overnight ferry crossing to Tasmania. We boarded the Spirit of Tasmania, the ferry that takes you across the Bass Strait. The crossing itself takes about 9–11 hours, so we booked a cabin to get some rest before starting the adventure in Cradle Mountain the following day.