World Cruise 2013: BURNIE, TASMANIA & SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

World Tour of 2013
With Brigit and Sophia (Sonya)

BURNIE, TASMANIA, March 1

Leaving behind the adventures of Auckland, the Pacific Princess crosses the Bass Strait and Tasman Sea for our next port, Burnie, Tasmania. Tasmania is an island state of Australia, located 150 miles to the south of the Australian continent. The state includes the island of Tasmania, 26th largest island in the world, and the surrounding 334 islands.

Beneath our balcony several dolphins escort our ship into Emu Bay

Today Burnie boasts a population of just over 19,000 and is Tasmania's fourth-largest city. Now a major industrial centre and one of Australia's largest and most deep water shipping container ports handling over two million tons of cargo each year. Burnie's productive wharf area sends much of Tasmania's products to the world marketplace. Honey, the finest cheeses (think goat cheese), oriental poppies and avast array of fruits, vegetables and similar produce are available in abundance for exporting at the peak of each season. Burnie, surrounded by prime productive farmlands is the gateway to scenic northwest Tasmania, an area rich in picturesque old villages, homesteads and historic homes. The area's beauty remains unspoiled and in many places little has changed since the Aborigines roamed the region hundreds of years ago.

From this beautiful west coast region of the state we set off to discover the unique wildlife that make up Tasmania. We head to the countryside of Gunns Plains where the valley's soil is rich with red volcanic minerals formed from the eroded basalt that makes up the coastline. We see expanse of hearty cool climate crops, such as potatoes and poppies, as well as cattle ranches, dairy farms and wineries. Many glorious views of beautiful Leven Canyon, mountains and rivers.

An hour drive up a winding, narrow road we reach Wing's Wildlife Park to discover what a special place this is. This three-generation family business is a sanctuary for injured wildlife and home to a most extensive collection of Tasmanian wildlife.

We have an opportunity to interact with the animals, getting close and personal. An experience we won't forget! We met all of our favorite animals from Down Under, including the famous Tasmanian Devil, and the beloved Koala Bear and Wallaby. Plus hundreds of other animals, including exotics, farm animals, birds, reptiles, rodents, aquatic life and more. We wander the many wildlife exhibits while guides stationed throughout the park offer narratives on the various animals, their habitats, history, eating habits and more. Bidding farewell to the new furry friends we've made, we descend to the water with Bass Strait in the distance stretching to the horizon.

Oh what a face!

Wombat - what a cutie!

Three mischievous Tasmanian Devils

Lunch time for the Tasmanian Devils

(can bite with 3000lb force)

Emu - the largest native bird in Australia

Pretty bird

En route to the pier we pass the town of Penguin. This small town is where Tasmania's Fairy Penguins return each spring to build their rookeries and incubate their eggs. Note the giant penguin statue. We continue on through small picturesque towns that grace the beautiful beaches before we return to the ship.

Beautiful coastline of Burnie

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, March 3

The Pacific Princess steams along for 1 day in a Northerly direction following the coastline of Eastern Australia to reach Sydney. The city's harbor is instantly recognizable not simply for its magnificent beauty, but for two of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Upon its discovery in 1788, British Captain Arthur Phillip labeled it "the finest harbor in the world." Few since have disagreed.

This is Sydney -- cosmopolitan center, capital of New South Wales and home to almost 4 million residents. High-tec and high rises, residential and recreational, vibrant and Victorian, industrious and independent -- Sydney is one city that has it all.

Our ship berths between the Harbour Bridge and Opera House

Spanning Sydney Harbour from the central business district to the North Shore, this icon, nicknamed the "coat hanger" by locals, is the world's widest long- span bridge and tallest steel-arch bridge. - Brigit had the satisfaction of conquering the upper arch of the bridge climbing steadily along the upper span of the Bridge's arch on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, more than a half mile above Sydney Harbour.

Sydney skyline

This masterpiece of late modern architecture is a symbol of both Sydney and Australia. It has earned a reputation as a world-class performing arts center and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Invisible Man

Woman in a box

Here she is: inside an 18" cube.

Brings to mind a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson:

"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compare to what lies within us."

Our day begins with a narrated drive to the city sites and Bondi Beach. We travel to The Rocks, Sydney's birthplace and historic city center. The Rocks was established shortly after the colony's formation in 1788. The original buildings were made mostly of sandstone from which its name is derived. Now a popular tourist attraction, The Rocks features 5 star hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops, galleries and museums.

Gave our crystal gift to Jasnah who impressed us with her unique style.

Continuing on through the city over the bridge, our tour takes in Hyde Park and the Botanical Garden. We drive through the King's Cross, the reputed red light district, and on to Rushcutters Bay, home of the Royal Cruising Yacht Club. We also pass through the affluent communities of Double Bay and Rose Bay. Afterwards we head to Bondi Beach, one of Sydney's most eclectic precincts and the most celebrated beach in the country.

This beach, Bondi Beach is one of Australia's most popular for residents and tourists. At a little over a half-mile long, this stretch of sand plays host to numerous festivals and events each year.

Can you see the dragon guardian?

After taking in the city sites we were off to the Sydney Sealife Aquarium to find some amazing discoveries. We venture through the shark walk, a tropical bay of rays, mangrove swamps and the ocean tunnel walk-through - shark valley! Along the way we encounter some of the world's most incredible animals, including the bizarre but beautiful dugongs - 2 of only 6 on display in the world, huge sharks, massive sting rays, majestic turtles, jellyfish, platypuses, penguins, sea dragons, thousands of tropical fish and much, much more.

Have a look around the aquarium. Enjoy!