We have just returned from a road trip to Sydney. I grew up in Sydney but now live on the Sunshine Coast. I decided to drive instead of fly for a few reasons:

1. I could not find a cheap flight from the Sunshine Coast on the days I wanted.
2. I have a new Prius iTech with great fuel economy which I wanted to test out on a long haul drive.
3. I wanted to take in the sights along the way.

I am really glad I took the time to do it this way. I took 3 days to get there and 2 days to return. Staying about a week in Sydney city.

Leaving the Sunshine Coast Queensland we made our way south across the border into New South Wales within a couple of hours. Some newly completed roadwork near the Coolangatta Airport made this leg of the journey quicker.

That night we stopped overnight with friends near Mooball National Park. Their home overlooks the forrest and you can sit on the deck, enjoy the sun going down and watch the native birds play in the trees. Beautiful and soooo peaceful. I think I truly relaxed for the first time in a LONG time.

Awoke to the sound of Kookaburras then drove to the central coast (past the big prawn, big banana and small Ullaru!) stopping overnight in Ettalong Beach NSW. Very picturesque with so many yachts swaying in the breeze...

A late morning start to Sydney. Across the harbour bridge (our GPS continually trying to send us via the eToll lane - ahhgh), past the Opera House and to the Stamford Double Bay for a few nights - very nice :-)

Terrible meal at a local Indian Restaurant, overpriced and very slow to arrive :-(. However, the next night we had an absolute blast with friends from Canberra at a great Thai place. Although it did have a little problem with the toilets. When you entered the area where the toilets were, the open door obscured the Gents sign. The result was all the men unwittingly went into the Ladies and did not realise the error or their ways until exiting. Giving the impression they were too drunk to go into the correct lavatory or just peculiar in an unsettling way!

We then left Double Bay and relocated to Pitt Street in the city centre at the Meriton Serviced Apartments. Great deal on accommodation for a self-contained studio apartment. The staff were great, price was right, location excellent, the only problem was the elevators were often awfully slow. It took 12 minutes for my elevator to reach me when I actually decided to time it. Not good when you are racing out the door to a meeting...

Highlights of the time in Sydney city: roaming Circular Quay in the evening, ferry trip to Manly, fantastic seafood meal at Golden Century Seafood Sydney in China Town and Cheese and Wine at GPO - red flight combo of 3 cheeses matched with red wines - delightful!

Time to return home arrived way too soon. Starting late we ended up on the windy Orara Way south of Grafton at nightfall. Where I was kept on the edge of my seat with rogue kangaroos on the road and bush fires. Our GPS told us the trip to Stokers Siding in Northern NSW would take 14 hours - it actually took just over 11 - go figure. Maybe I need to read the manual...

Awaking to the sounds of kookaburras again we had a lazy morning then headed back to the Sunshine Coast via Brisbane.

We took loads of photos and video and I shall post them up ASAP.