From Melbourne, our grand family vacation and end of high school trip for the summer of June and July continued to New South Wales. From Melbourne to Sydney, we took Quantas Airlines.

Below are photos I took and the itinerary for Sydney.

We stayed at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay. This is a perfect location for tours, the quay, and dining. Everything is in walking distance.

We bought a two day Big Bus tour pass. It brought you to the city and outer area of Sydney including the famous Opera House. While there, you can take a tour inside, see various rooms, and learn of the history. We also saw a musical, Assassins, while there.

 We took a tour going to the Featherdale Wildelife Park where baby kangaroos roam and hop around as you pet and feed them! Visitors are also allowed to pet koalas, and see other unique Australian animals.

—Luna Park

   1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point NSW, 2061

Australian differences and tips:

-Crisps are chips

-Lemonade is sprite

-Cheers is similar to saying ‘thanks’ or bye’. You’ll often hear it before the word ‘mate’

-Calling Australia ‘Down Under’ is a tourist slang. No local says this.

-Instead or saying ‘no problem’, you’ll hear ‘no worries’

-Go to a currency exchange in a Mall or in a store. The exchange rate is more!

-When in a store, they’ll ask if you’re “taking a look”

-The US summer months is during Australia’s winter. Make sure to bring cold weather clothing!

-For schooling: high school is referred to as college while university is reserved for (US) colleges and universities as a whole

-Digital maps aren’t accurate. Use the street names instead of relying on ‘current location’

-Most restaurants have guests pay at the register instead of waiting at the table