Exchange to Oz: Jet Boating on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve day was a beautiful sunny and warm day in Sydney. Today was the day we had set aside to tour Sydney and to visit Manly beach. We got up early and took the train downtown from a nearby station. The ride was a relaxing 45 minutes with no traffic and no parking - ahhh, bliss!

The boys on the steps of the Opera House and the Opera House from the sea.

Here we are standing in front of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge at Circular Quay

We arrived at Circular Quay where the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are the main attraction. The weather was fine and the view was even more fine. We walked around and watched street performers and took in the sites. The boys didn't know it but we had booked a jet boat ride for them on the harbour with Oz Jet Boating (click the link to check out their site)

A friendly didgeridoo street performer

At 12:45 we made our way over to the docking area and announced to the boys that part of our gift to them was this fast paced, wet boat ride. Sam, Jake and Dan had to get into rain jackets for their ride while Jack and I boarded the cruise boat for our one and a half hour guided tour. Jack would have loved the jet boat ride but he was about 15 cm's to short to take the trip. Sam said his favourite part of the ride was the 360's and Jake liked the speed best. Dan and I are glad they enjoyed it!

The jet boat ride includes 360's, breakneck turns and fast stops! They guarantee you'll get wet right down to your toes!

Jack and I enjoyed our cruise and learned a lot about the history of the Harbour and it's development along with key Australian's and where they live (Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman ...). The highlight of the trip though was when Jack got to drive the ship into Sydney harbour - he was so proud and excited!