Looking southwest, the hotels and casinos near the harbour are developments circa 2000.
The east side of the harbour is known as Cockle Bay Wharf, with restaurants, shopping and entertainment
The birds around the concrete pond looked delicate, but were sturdy metal sculptures.
We continued walking south down the east side of the harbour.
Underneath and around the overhead highways, the attractions are tightly packed in. As we turned westward, the IMAX theatre has the world’s largest movie screens.
Looking back over our shoulders, the proximity of the city towers to the water is impressive.
The south bank of Cockle Bay has a wide clearing, where visitors can congregate in the evening to see firewoorks and light shows.
The Olympic Games logo sculpture from an artifact from the 2000 summer event.
The spiral steps down are part of the Darling Harbour Water Feature by Robert Woodward.
It’s natural to be drawn to walk down into the centre.
Walking south away from the water, we encountered a playground with unusual recreational equipment. Our sons are probably not within the target audience age group for the arches.
We walked around the playground fort. There weren’t any children actively playing.
The playground slides were mostly empty.
Were the overhead covers to provide shade for children playing?
On the tubes, the family decided that we weren’t too old to climb.
Our sons were remarkably relaxed up there.
It seemed easier to climb up than to get down.
Continuing south, a ferris wheel was south of the big lawn of Tumbalong Park.
An urban stream marked the south end of the park.
Under the overhead highways, the water curtain was blowing spray in the wind, as we approached Pier Street.
Walking outside the Sydney Entertainment Centre, we encountered a break dancer. Noah joined in to show a few moves.
Across the street, the monorail is elevated over the sidewalk. At the end of this street is Paddy’s Market, a traditional venue that has become a tourist mecca.
Displays of watches such as these are common in Asia, with a emphasis on fashion over chronological precision.
Sheepskins and boots are common in the market.
Noah was looking for authentic Ugg boots, and was suspicious of knockoffs.
Having just left China, there was an irony for Eric looking at more cheap sunglasses.
The fine points on features currently in fashion cana be detailed.
On the ground floor of Paddy’s Market at one end are greengrocers. Our family eats a lot of fruit, so fresh markets are an attraction for us.
Carrying produce around in our backpacks led us to buy the basics.
The sausages were appealing for snacks and breakfasts.
At home, our family seems to go six different directions simultaneously. Sharing a whole day together exploring a city gave us an opportunity to regain our ties.
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