Wednesday 21st March

Today we decided to explore some of the city of Sydney.

As we walked into the centre these birdcages, hanging above an alleyway, caught our eye. We discovered later that they are an art instillation.

Our first stop was The Strand Arcade which was opened in 1892 with four levels of shops. It was restored in 1976 and is full of little designer shops that look very expensive but are local to Sydney.

The next block is covered by The Queen Victoria Building which was originally a market but is now a shopping arcade.

It has been described by Pierre Cardin as "the most beautiful shopping centre in the world". Hanging from the roof is this most unusual "Captain Cook" clock with rotating sections to show the month, day and time.

We escaped the bustle of the city by walking down the central avenue of Hyde Park and relaxing in the shade.

This city has many fine old buildings. This is St Mary's Cathedral.

We walked down through The Domain, a green space given to the people of the city, to the Art Gallery of NSW. One of the main exhibition spaces was taken up by artwork from sixth formers from all over the state.

Later we walked down to Mrs Macquarie's Point which gives one of the best views of the bay.

As we were returning through The Botanic Gardens some of the roosting bats began to wake and fly around.