Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2016 | Page 51

Holiday scene

beach of Bronti, taking in the stunning
scenery and at the same time observing
the highly skilled surfers from a distance.
It was clear that Bondi was not a beach for
the inexperienced swimmer, and during
our visit to many beaches including Manley
across from Sydney Harbour, we saw that
the Australians take lifeguarding and
protection of individuals on the beaches
very seriously.
I expressed a desire to see wild
Kangaroos, which I presumed would
present no difficulty - but I couldn’t have
been more wrong as throughout our five
week stay the only one I saw was in one of
the world’s best zoos, Taronga. We made

every effort to observe them in their most
natural surroundings, by including a one
night’s stay ‘glamping’ in the Bush, with me
being seconded for Kangaroo duty at 4am
in the morning - but still no sightings! As
our visit was in the height of the summer
season with temperatures in the high 30s,
I was reliably informed that Kangaroos
sensibly stay well hidden in the shade and
it is quite usual for them not to be seen
during this period. However I was able
to see hundreds of wallabies gathering
in fields and often along the side of the
roads who seemed to be quite interested
in tourists.
Sydney has so much to offer both in

terms of good food, good wine and real
genuine hospitality. It certainly did not
strike me as a large and impersonal city,
offering a bustling harbour with various
boat trips and daily regular ferries to
Manley, Taronga Zoo, Fort Dennison
and neighbouring resorts. We were
especially fortunate to be treated to a
special Australian Lunch party at Fort
Dennison on Australia Day, and learnt
so much of its history. Just along from
Sydney’s famous Opera House and Bridge
lies Darling Harbour, which presented
its own fascination with an array of
varied restaurants, individual water taxis,
boat trips and a Ferris Wheel attracting
www.visitilife.com

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