Paddy's Markets and day 1 of the trip home

Marie, Jacqs, Melissa, Charlotte and Elessa at Market City

Today was our last day (or really half day) in Sydney. We packed up early, but our parking at Citigate gave us parking until 7pm. Given the premium of parking and the opportunity, we decided to wander 2-3 minutes down the street to Paddy's Markets and  Market City for a browse and a family get together with Elessa and Marie.

Marie, Elessa and Cos

We arrived early (a feat for us normally) at 9:30am and met Elessa and Marie. It was great to catch-up, and the poor things endured a window shop with us for the next four hours. The Markets and shops above had a little bit everything for almost any shopper. Certainly the girls managed to find things to buy. We wish Marie and Nick all the best in their up coming move.

Overall Sydney was worth a visit, and the suburbs we passed through north were leafy and well kept. Traffic was less aggressive than Toowoomba drivers, and less pushy than Brisbane drivers. On the whole, driving in Sydney was less stressful  than driving in Brisbane.

Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Mid afternoon we finally headed north for home. We crossed the Sydney harbour Bridge, then ended up in a tunnel (Lane Cove) system, before our GPS and Melissa found a route back to the Pacific highway. Travelling along Pacific Highway to Newcastle, then turning inland to arrive in Tamworth around 8:30pm local time.  The inland route was slower but certainly more scenic with the multiple of historic towns and hamlets along the way. The country was generally green and enjoyable to pass through. We found accommodation at Budget Motabelle Motel, which is inexpensive, roomy, a relatively modern finish and has dining/kitchen and two separate bedrooms. It also has free wireless Internet, a rarity these days in motels. We certainly will consider it again next time we pass through Tamworth.

Day 9 Sydney to Tamworth

Tomorrow will be our last leg home, some 6 hours driving time inland and eventually passing through Warwick.