Kookaburra

Easter egg hunt done with, it was time to make the most of our Sunday Funday opportunity (the $2.50 rail, ferry, bus & tram ticket available on Sundays in Sydney to families in possession of 1 or more children).

We only manage it when we're in Sydney for a long weekend, providing Grandma and L with months of travel planning excitement in the lead up to one of these rare events. The best is when it can be combined with Vivid and the Biennale in the middle of the year, but it seems the stars are not obliging this year, so today could be the Funday of 2012.

The plan was disrupted at the outset by a delayed train (mechanical problems, surprise surprise) but the rest of the travel arrangements proceeded almost without incident. Train from Riverwood to Circular Quay, ferry to Taronga, escape the zoocrowds to enjoy delightful walk to Balmoral Beach where we met up with the prodigal brother in a delightful mood, fish'n'chips all round, an autumn swim for the smallest member of the party, retrace the outward journey by bus, ferry and train back to Riverwood. Arrive home exhausted!

Along the way, we were treated to some gorgeous scenery and wildlife, including a number of waterdragons. But who could resist this kookaburra?

My limited understanding of Mike's camera has left the Opera House backdrop invisible - probably somewhat fortunately in the interests of avoiding complete cliche :)