Family Adventure in Sydney

A Day of Aquatic Adventures and Starry Encounters

Today was a whirlwind of activity here in Sydney! Priya, Devon, and I packed our day with incredible sights, sounds, and flavors. From the depths of the ocean to rubbing elbows with celebrities (wax ones, at least), Sydney didn't disappoint. It's days like these that make me appreciate the spontaneous adventures we embark on as a family.

Our day kicked off with an early start at Harry’s Café de Wheels - Tempe. Now, I’ve heard tales about these pies, and being the adventurous foodie I am, I had to try one. I went for the classic Tiger pie. Priya opted for a sausage roll, while Devon, ever the traditionalist, chose a plain beef pie. Let me tell you, that Tiger pie was something else! The combination of chunky beef, mushy peas, mash, and gravy was a delightful explosion of flavors. It reminded me of the hearty meals back home in Trinidad, but with a uniquely Aussie twist. It definitely set the tone for the day – hearty and full of surprises. Priya enjoyed her sausage roll, but Devon was quiet and focused on his pie. I guess that means he approved! The Tempe location was bustling, and it was clear this place is a local institution. I can see why; it’s comfort food at its finest.


Discover Harry's Café de Wheels in Tempe, where iconic Australian pies meet casual dining in a vibrant setting.

With our bellies full, we headed to Darling Square, our base for the day’s main attractions. The plan was ambitious: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and Madame Tussauds Sydney, all in one day! I was a bit worried it might be too much, but Devon was buzzing with excitement, and Priya, ever the organized one, had mapped out a perfect route. First up: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. I must say, I was immediately impressed. The sheer variety of marine life was astounding. We walked through underwater tunnels, marveling at sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish. Devon was particularly fascinated by the dugongs; he couldn't stop asking questions about them. Priya loved the jellyfish exhibit, with its mesmerizing displays of these ethereal creatures. For me, the highlight was the Great Barrier Reef exhibit. It felt like diving into another world, with vibrant corals and an array of tropical fish. Devon was beside himself trying to spot Nemo! The aquarium was well-maintained, and the staff were knowledgeable and passionate, adding to the overall experience. It was a fantastic start to our day, and I felt like we all learned something new about the wonders of the ocean. Even though I grew up on an island, seeing marine life up close like this is always humbling. I was a bit disappointed we forgot Devon's favorite snacks, but he was too engrossed in the marine life to notice.


Explore the vibrant marine life at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, an unforgettable experience in the heart of Australia's iconic harbor city.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

Next, we ventured next door to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. It was a complete change of scenery, from the depths of the ocean to the heart of the Australian outback. This zoo focuses exclusively on Australian animals, which was a real treat. We wandered through various habitats, encountering kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and even a massive saltwater crocodile named Rocky. Devon was thrilled to see the kangaroos up close; he even tried to imitate their hopping! Priya was captivated by the koalas, and we spent a good amount of time watching them munch on eucalyptus leaves. I was personally fascinated by the Tasmanian devils. I had only ever seen them in cartoons, so seeing them in real life was quite something. The zoo is relatively small, but it packs a punch. The exhibits are well-designed, and the animals seem well-cared for. There were also informative keeper talks throughout the day, which added to the experience. It was a great way to learn about Australia’s unique wildlife and appreciate the importance of conservation efforts. The rooftop setting of the zoo offered stunning views of Darling Harbour, which was an added bonus. It was a bit surreal to see kangaroos with the city skyline as a backdrop! I even managed to grab a few good photos, indulging my photography hobby.


Experience Australia's unique wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, a sanctuary in the heart of Sydney showcasing iconic species and conservation efforts.

Our final stop was Madame Tussauds Sydney. Now, I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical about this one. Wax museums aren't usually my thing, but Devon was insistent, and Priya thought it would be a fun, lighthearted way to end the day. And you know what? It was! We had a blast posing with wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and even superheroes. Devon was particularly excited to see his favorite Marvel characters, while Priya enjoyed taking photos with the Bollywood stars. I couldn't resist striking a pose with Barack Obama; it was a surreal experience to stand next to a life-like figure of a former world leader. The museum was interactive, with opportunities to dress up and participate in various scenarios. We walked the red carpet, joined the Justice League, and even stepped onto a Bollywood movie set. It was all very silly and touristy, but we laughed a lot and made some fun memories. It was interesting to see how accurately the wax figures were made; some of them were eerily realistic. It was a fun way to learn about different personalities and events, and Devon certainly enjoyed the photo opportunities. It may not have been the most educational experience, but it was definitely entertaining. I am glad we went, even if it was just for the laughs.


Explore the world of stars and icons at Madame Tussauds Sydney, where lifelike wax figures come to life in an unforgettable experience.

After a full day of animal encounters and celebrity sightings, we were all feeling a bit peckish. So, we decided to explore Darling Square for a late lunch. This area is a vibrant hub of restaurants and shops, with a diverse range of cuisines on offer. We strolled through the laneways, taking in the sights and sounds, before settling on The Malaya, a Malaysian restaurant known for its authentic Nonya cuisine. Priya, being of Indian descent, was excited to try the flavors of Southeast Asia, and I was eager to sample some spicy dishes. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the Coconut Beef Rendang, Chicken Sambol, and Sichuan Eggplant. The food was absolutely delicious! The Rendang was rich and flavorful, with tender pieces of beef in a creamy coconut sauce. The Sambol was fiery and fragrant, with a perfect balance of spices. And the Eggplant was a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Devon, surprisingly, enjoyed the Rendang; he even asked for seconds! Priya was in her element, savoring the complex flavors and spices. I was impressed by the quality of the ingredients and the authenticity of the dishes. It reminded me of the street food I had tried during my travels in Southeast Asia. The Malaya was a perfect choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal, and it was a great way to end our day of exploration. The restaurant had a sophisticated ambiance, and the views of Darling Harbour were stunning. I will definitely come back here for date night with Priya! I am always on the lookout for great places to eat.


Experience exquisite South East Asian cuisine at The Malaya in Sydney – where every dish tells a story of rich flavors and culture.

As the sun began to set, we decided to take a leisurely stroll through Darling Harbour. The area was bustling with activity, with people enjoying the waterfront views, street performers entertaining the crowds, and families enjoying the playground. There was a wonderful atmosphere, and it felt like we were right in the heart of Sydney. I was surprised to see there was a Mother's Day garden high tea event happening. It gave me an idea for something to do for Priya next year. As we walked, we came across Darling Square, with a range of shops and boutiques. We popped into a few stores, browsing the unique items on offer. Priya found a beautiful scarf, while Devon picked out a souvenir t-shirt. I was tempted to buy a new camera lens, but I resisted. Darling Harbour is a fantastic place to shop, eat, and simply soak up the atmosphere. It's a vibrant and dynamic area that offers something for everyone. I am glad we took the time to explore it.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to visit Taronga Zoo, Circular Quay, and the Sydney Observatory. I’m particularly excited about Taronga Zoo; I’ve heard great things about its animal exhibits and stunning harbor views. I'm also looking forward to checking out Circular Quay and maybe taking a ferry ride. And the Sydney Observatory should be interesting, especially for Devon, who's been showing an interest in astronomy lately. We’ll be having breakfast at Botanic House, lunch at Fred's, and dinner at Bennelong. Plus, Priya wants to do some shopping at Westfield Sydney. It’s going to be another busy day, but I’m looking forward to it.

Today was a day of incredible experiences and cherished moments. Sydney has truly captured our hearts, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate the importance of family and the joy of travel. As I reflect on our adventures, I am reminded of the words of Ibn Battuta:

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

And I can't wait to share more stories from our family adventure in Sydney!

There was also a Soul Harbour party on Glass Island, but that's not really our scene. We're more about the family fun than the party scene these days!

I am also really glad I remembered to pack the sunscreen. It's something you can't forget when you're in Australia.

I am looking forward to seeing more of Sydney, but so far, it has been amazing. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!