Day 11: Night Greets our Arrival in Sydney

The stunning sights of Sydney unfold after flying from Cairns, and our downtown hotel provides a room with a view, or rather a room with “the” view: Sydney’s dazzling Opera House.

Iconic view out our hotel room window at the Intercontinental of Sydney

Without leaving the hotel our sightseeing has begun. From the 31st floor atop the Intercontinental the treat of a fabulous sunset unfolds beyond the city and creates a backdrop in the Blue Mountains that we will visit in three days’ time.

Special effects of this photo were provided entirely by Mother Nature as the sun sets beyond Sydney Harbor and washes the Blue Mountains with an orange meringue.

I’m all about great sunsets, but the view from this hotel perch has much more to offer.

The Opera House with the "painting" effect by Nikon — The Opera House with the “painting” effect by Nikon

The Sydney Harbor Bridge doesn't let the Opera House steal all the glamour, while Luna Park's amusements on the north shore provides extra color — The Sydney Harbor Bridge doesn’t let the Opera House steal all the glamour, while Luna Park’s amusements on the north shore provides extra color

After the sun sets, the lights come up and the Opera House puts on a show from our hotel

Later we walk the docks of Circular Quay (pronounced “key”) to view the icons from many angles. Sydney is a gal with a very photogenic face, and instantly I think, “If I had a nickel for every photo that’s been taken in this place …”. Shortly after sunrise tomorrow that thought will become, “If I had a nickel for every photo I’ve taken in this place …”

Sing it with us (almost) like Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote it: "Tourists of the Opera!" — Sing it with us (almost) like Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote it: “Tourists of the Opera!”

Up close and personal, the face of the Sydney Opera House from the south concourse

The massive Sydney Harbor Bridge with no support on the water is perfect for the endless boat traffic that passes beneath it daily

There isn’t really much verbiage that can enhance the portrayal that nighttime central Sydney provides in photographs, so I’ll just say to all: “good night!”