A full day in Sydney exploring Ives Steps, Bondi Beach, downtown sights and a memorable haircut, ending with a Captain Cook welcome dinner on the harbour.
After a great breakfast and an even better night’s sleep, I finally felt human again. Amazing what a shower and eight hours horizontal can do. With spirits restored, we boarded the Sydney sightseeing bus and set off for a full day of exploring.
Ives Steps & The First Photos of the Day.
Our first stop was Ives Steps, where we hopped off for a quick wander and, naturally, a barrage of photos. The harbour was already buzzing, the sun was out, and it felt like the perfect start to the day.
From there the coach took us past the old barracks and the Aboriginal Museum before dropping us at the Royal Botanic Gardens. We strolled through the greenery until we reached Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, the famous sandstone seat with postcard views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We all perched on the rock for the obligatory group photo before climbing back aboard.
Downtown Sydney & A Sad Story.
The tour continued through downtown Sydney, weaving through different districts and giving us a feel for the city’s mix of old and new. Then we stopped at a viewpoint the locals grimly call Suicide Point. The scenery was stunning, but the story behind the name was sobering.
We were told that the man who lives opposite has talked down hundreds of people over the years, a quiet hero whose kindness has saved countless lives. It was a moment that made everyone pause.
Bondi Beach, Beautiful, Surreal, & a Quick Paddle.
Next up: Bondi Beach. It was fantastic to see in person, though slightly surreal given the terrorist attack that had happened there only days earlier.
I peeled off the compression stockings (a glamorous look, I know) and headed straight for the water. Just a quick paddle, but enough to officially say I’ve been in the sea at Bondi.
Afterwards I wandered up to the promenade for a look around the shops. I picked up a couple of t‑shirts and a hat, then spotted some of the ladies from our group enjoying a drink at an outdoor bar. Naturally, I joined them, it would’ve been rude not to.
A stroll back along the promenade took me to the coach, and soon we were heading back through Sydney toward the hotel.
The Most Luxurious Haircut of My Life.
After a short rest I decided I needed a haircut and beard tidy. I found a salon practically next door to the hotel and walked over.
Enter Mimi, a beautiful Chinese hairdresser with the energy of someone who could cut hair, run a marathon, and host a talk show simultaneously. She talked non‑stop and before I knew it, I’d agreed to the full works:
- Head shave.
- Wet shave.
- Hot towel treatment.
- Head massage.
- Ear hair clipped and burnt.
- Eyebrows trimmed.
- Nose hair treatment.
- Beard pampering.
- More hot towels.
- More head massage.
The whole thing took over two hours. I was reclined almost horizontally in the chair, and I later discovered my Oura ring had registered me as asleep the entire time. That’s how relaxed I was.
Then came the bill. In Spain, my haircut and beard trim cost about €14. In Sydney, AU$160.
I nearly hit the floor. For that price I half‑expected a happy ending, but no, just the haircut & beard trim.
Captain Cook Welcome Dinner
Back at the hotel I got ready for our evening outing: the Welcome Meal aboard the Captain Cook Cruise Ship. “Cruise” is a generous term, the ship never left the dock, but the food was excellent and it was a great chance to meet more of the group, including some who’ll be continuing on to New Zealand.
After dinner we disembarked, the group split off in different directions, and a few of us walked back to the hotel.
By 21:00 I was in bed, feet aching from all the walking, and fast asleep within minutes.
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