Cool Canberra, Sweaty Sydney — Days of Wandering

Cool Canberra, Sweaty Sydney — Days of Wandering

Ipsita Ghosh (12 years)

Earlier this year in the sunny February weather, we were still basking in the excitement of being senior school students. It was a time filled with anticipation and the promise of new adventures and achievements. An email about a 7-day Canberra/Sydney tour ignited conversations among us—the year 7 students of a local high school, with some expressing joy and nervousness. Some said, “I could never be away from my parents for so long,” while others talked about how their parents would never allow them to go. Additionally, we would have no communication with our parents once we boarded our flights. I was a bit nervous, but the idea of spending time with my friends and exploring two new cities overcame my apprehensions. Flying was probably the least of my concerns, but for some of my classmates, it was a different story. Some had never been out of WA, while others had previously experienced airsickness.

The check-in at Perth Airport was one of excitement and anxiety. Part of me was ready to rush off with my friends, while the other part was glued to my parents, not wanting to leave. But as we boarded, that scary feeling went away, letting the excitement take over. The journey began with an immersive visit to the National Capital Exhibition Centre in Canberra, where I delved into the rich history and urban layout of the city. Our exploration of the esteemed National Art Gallery left me spellbound by the vast art collection, which included the iconic Ned Kelly series in the Sidney Nolan Gallery and the controversial Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock. These remarkable artworks ignited my curiosity and deepened my appreciation for diverse forms of creativity.

A standout moment of the tour was experiencing the Senate’s bell ringing in the parliament, and the disappointment on our faces when we were told we weren’t allowed to watch (for no apparent reason).
The visit to Floriade, Canberra’s annual flower festival, was truly enchanting. The vibrant hues and fragrant blossoms created a picturesque ambience, and I cherished the opportunity to stroll through stunning floral displays and take part in various engaging events. It was also, conveniently, a great opportunity to go shopping. Shopping at Floriade differed greatly from shopping at everyday department stores in Perth. The shops were filled with unique creations ranging from exotic lollies to beautifully knitted sweaters, not to mention the iconic Floriade flora at every corner. When I returned to the cabin, I realised that my time in Canberra was almost over, and I had to start packing for Sydney and the long bus ride the next day. Overall, Canberra was extremely chilly. It was so cold that on the first day, everyone’s lips cracked after a drive to Mt Ainslie, where we watched Canberra’s cityscape.
The trip to Sydney was mainly filled with picturesque scenes of fields teeming with horses, sheep, and cows. In Sydney, I was captivated by the iconic sights and sounds of the city. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylons Tour offered a captivating narrative behind the construction of this landmark, and crossing the bridge provided breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Touring the Sydney Opera House provided insight into its unique architecture and controversial construction.

A visit to Taronga Zoo not only showcased native animals but also offered sweeping views of the city. I was fascinated by the diverse range of animals and the zoo’s conservation efforts, which deepened my appreciation for wildlife and environmental awareness.
Exploring the archaeological digs in The Rocks area and attending a vibrant production called “The Sister Act” at the Capitol Theatre added depth to my understanding of Sydney’s history and culture. The historical artifacts and interactive exhibits offered a glimpse into the early European settlement of Sydney Cove, while the theatre production brought the arts to life in a way I had never experienced before.

The meticulous planning of our flights and travel arrangements ensured that every aspect of our trip was seamless, and the opportunity to fly without my parents for the first time added a sense of independence and adventure to the entire experience. Overcoming the initial nervousness of flying alone and navigating through airports gave me a newfound sense of confidence and self-reliance.
Overall, this 7-day trip was an enriching experience. It broadened my horizons and provided me with a newfound sense of confidence and curiosity about the world around me. It was an experience that I will treasure for years to come.