NSW 2013: The Rocks

So I did zip around the alleys of The Rocks like a local. Well, because we stayed in the quaint neighborhood.

If not because of the opportunity, we were like many, have walked past without realising the history and significance hidden in its walls. In my previous trip, I enjoyed the ever colourful The Rocks Markets, one of Sydney's greatest; I lost my manner when I gulped down the pork rib in Pancakes on the Rocks. Admittedly, I had little knowledge about The Rocks.

But not after my second trip to Sydney. The Rocks is not just a tourist and leisure destination, it is where Sydney began.

NSW 2013: The Rocks Cottage

I admit, I was attracted very much by its tastefully furnished interior. I wanted to experience the living in there so much that I shifted my itinerary, just to have this terrace house booked and tasted a living in The Rocks. 

One of the great things about travel is that it gives us a chance to be a creative planner of living in faraway land(s). At the same time, ensuring impact of the change is exciting (to the little ones). I wanted to visit South Coast of NSW for the first few days of our trip to Sydney, then return to and roam around Sydney until the every last day of the trip. But because the lovely house was only available during the first few days of our trip, I swapped the two major parts of the plan just to get the opportunity to stay over in the convict heritage and explore the historical neighbourhood. My excel spreadsheet (the itinerary) was a mess for a while.

So, there we were in The Rocks Cottage. The Rocks Cottage is part of the original Argyle Street shops from 1863 and the terrace house have been renovated to heritage standards and comfortably furnished. "It is a gorgeous property, everything literally at your doorstep", according to Desiree, the property agent who I liaised with (via email) to secure my booking of the house for 4 nights. This is a 4-bedrooms terrace house actually. But because I only needed 3 bedrooms for 5 adults and 2 children, she charged me A$375 per night, excluded the bedding (A$100) and cleaning fees(A$150). It was a good deal, frankly, and everyone had no complain to stay there... except the whirling staircase, kind of, for the young and the old.

And Desiree was right, its locality is very close proximity to Circular Quay (being one of Sydney's most significant public spaces). Everyday we stepped out from the the house, strolled and admired old charm and historic houses, pubs, cafes and restaurants in the area, passed by Observatory Hill, The Rocks Visitors Centre, towards the Museum of Contemporary Art and finally Circular Quay. The girls didn't complain a word about walking everyday and night. For the record, this was the very first time for us staying in the heart of a city. It was pretty extraordinary. 

NSW 2013: Koolewong Foreshore Reserve

This is Koolewong Foreshore Reserve, overlooking at the calm water of Brisbane Water. The expanse of blue amid the untamed green, together with some boats moored quietly there, it formed a picturesque landscape. It is incredibly beautiful!

You can see more about Koolewong Foreshore Reserve here.

It was a surprise found when we drove our way to Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf for our late lunch. As you can see from the map below, Keelowong Foreshore located between West Gosford and Woy Woy along a stretch of waterfront on Brisbane Water Drive. The scenery caught our attention while SC was driving along Brisbane Water Drive. He made an impromptu decision to park at one of the car park area. The girls were asking, "Why are we stopping here?"

No reason, just felt nice to find a place to stretch out. The tranquil blue reminded me of the glorious blue horizon in Busselton and why I wanted to re-visit Australia again. I love the expanse of blue.

And lucky us, we got to pass by the foreshore twice.