#26. Barangaroo

Not much changed in Sydney in the 8 yrs we were out, but one thing that is new is the Barangaroo precinct where the old wharves were along Hickson Road. So it's kind of like what they've done along the Hudson and even looks a bit like Hudson Yards

while there's a lot of development and plenty of restaurants and coffee shops, they've kept the headland for public space. A great spot for a picnic and we had fun walking, riding and throwing rocks in the harbor there today, a la Dumbo.

#25. Finding Dory - at the Australian Museum

... or at least the skeleton of Dory! It was museum weather this morning - gray skies, felt like 6 deg C (42 deg F) in the wind - so we visited the Australian Museum downtown

There were lots of other interesting things to see, even an American Bald Eagle,

as well as scary dinosaurs and even a kookaburra to pat.

It was good value ($15 adults, kids free), X. liked it, and we would go back again.

#24. Go fly a kite!

A 30 kph (20 mph) westerly wind, 16 deg C (62F), and a sunny sky made it great conditions for kite flying down at Bronte Park this morning

#23. Gundagai NSW farm stay

To get to the snow last week, we rented this new Nissan X-Trail SUV.

To break the 7-8 hr trip from Sydney to Falls Creek, we stayed overnight at this old fashioned shack along the road to Gundagai (from Junee). we also stayed there on the way home.

It's on a working farm called Kimo Estate and despite cold (-2C in the a.m.) the kids had a lot of fun seeing the cows, sheep and wool shed as well as strenuous walk up a hill.

We also checked out the sights of historic Gundagai which appeared to be dying if not dead, unlike Cootamundra half an hour away - but on the Syd-Melb train line as opposed to poor old Gundagai which is off the Hume Highway on a bypass.

Back in the day, Gundagai was on a brach line from Cootamundra to Tumut. It closed decades ago but the station is preserved, unlike like the old Pricne Alfred trestle bridge across the river flats (was the longest such structure in Australia at the time).

And how over-rated is the Dog on the Tuckerbox? Definitely not worth stopping for.

#22. Bondi winter festival

Went down to Bondi this morning for pancakes at Brown Sugar then a walk at the beach. Discovered the Bondi Winter Festival in full swing.

Australians aren't great ice skaters (it was max 17 min 11 today) and weird to see a rink set up in front of Bondi Pavilion - i guess they have an NHL team in LA and Orlando - but we love a camel ride on the beach a la Broome. Xavi not so sure at first but ended up loving it

#21. Skiing at Falls Creek, Vic

In view of the success of our ski trip to the Berkshires in January, we decided to give it a go in Australia, this time with Steve.

We were incredibly lucky they had about 50 cm (20 in.) the week before, even though the season wasn't officially open, and then another 20 cm (8 in.) while we were there, making for not only spectacular scenery but excellent conditions especially on Friday

The kids took up where they left off. And after the week in the ski school they were all doing Wombats Ramble unassisted by the end of the week, and Maxi was even careening down blue runs. They were very sorry to leave - unfortunately portending some serious damage to our wallets in the years ahead! But we all had a terrific time and looking forward to returning next year.

More pictures with a future post

#20 - Happy Fourth