SYDNEY!

Ive been in Sydney for 6 days and I absolutely love it! Its so chilled out and there's such a wide range of stuff to do. Its pretty easy to navigate you're way round too which is a bonus for someone with a sense if direction like mine.
I got here quite late in the evening on 7th and had a bit of a wander but not much else. The next day was a trip to the blue mountains, which are about an hour outside sydney. They're called the Blue Mountains cos of a blue like haze that hovers over the mountains (which are 10 times older than the Grand Canyon - fun fact #1!). We went to somewhere called Scenic World and the railway there had the steepest incline in the world - fun fact #2! There was a nice walk through a forest and we got some spectacular views of the Three Sisters. That night I had a night out with some people from the trip.
The following day the hostel organised a free BBQ and a walk between Bondi Beach and Bronte Beach which was a lovely day. The weather was fantastic and it was a great way to meet people. This was also where I discovered Goon, which is a really cheap wine sort of thing and it is pretty lethal. We went out again that night too. We went to The Ivy as that night was free entry and it was one of the prettiest bars I've been to. Afterwards we went to an Irish Bar called Scruffy Murphys which I would definitely reccomend. There was a live band playing decent songs and it was cool to mix with the locals too. The next morning I woke up and thought I was dying; the goon is definitely to blame! We all freshened up and forced ourselves out for a walk around Circular Quay to see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Afterwards we walked through the botanic Gardens which are stunning and then sunbathed next to the most amazing view of the Bridge and Opera House. That night also involved goon and going out but I didn't last too long. My room mate entered a jelly wrestling competition which was pretty funny.
I also got to meet up with a friend I'd made in New Zealand and we unintentionally got to see The Rocks and some less touristy places after we'd got lost. I also went to Paddy Markets which were awesome; think Camden but a bit smaller. That night we went to go and watch some fireworks over the harbour and they were actually really good fireworks. Afterwards we went to a cute little roof top bar.
I've spent my last day relaxing at Darling Harbour which is absolutely stunning on a day like today. It was 23° and the sun was shining. I could definitely get used to it here.
And now for fun fact #3 - at every McDonalds you can get a cone of ice cream for 30 cents!
Tonight I'm off on a night bus to Byron Bay so that's saved on accommodation but other than that I've not got anything planned. As great as the Kiwi Experience was I definitely think I prefer the independence over here.