On our way back from our obligatory stop at the Travel Doctor for Peter we stop in at Dymock’s Books. They had several floors with every category of book imaginable, including a giant children’s section. It wasn’t long before my children found items of interest: the Disney movie playing in the video room and the climbable toys.
Dymock's Books (yes, there were books there)
We had lunch at a nearby urban mall. They should have malls like this in Manhattan – cool architecture, pretty, sunny, with yummy cafés in the medians. Sure they have good shopping in Manhattan, great stores, but if you could get a collection of great stores under one roof, this could be a step in the right direction to taking away its distinction of being The Most Inconvenient Shopping Experience On Earth.
Lunch.
Next it was across the Pyrmont Bridge to the National Maritime Museum. This stop was one of those rare venues that truly holds the interest of the entire age range of our group: 3 to 29 (or at least the age range I’m sure you would guess if you met us). I highly recommend a stop here if you ever find yourself in Sydney.
We tour the destroyer and submarine, then make a pass through the free-with-admission museum when we’re through, and of course make a pit stop in the souvenir shop, where we buy some expensive nautical-themed junk that will last approximately 36 hours, if we’re lucky.
Next (yes, next!) we hit Kingpin Bowling, and then a fudge shop on our way home (what says vacation more than fudge?!?!). A pretty full day today!!
Pyrmont Bridge
National Maritime Museum overlooking Darling Harbour, as seen from Pyrmont Bridge.
Entrance to National Maritime Museum.
On the boardwalk in front of the museum.
Graham overlooking the old schooner to tour; we chose the more modern vessels.
We toured the HMAS Vampire (HMAS = Her Majesty's Australian Ship, the designation for any Australian war ship), launched in 1959 and used in the Royal Australian Navy.
It was quite interesting to see the men's quarters. Obviously this was before Traditional Naval Home was available by subscription.
Everyone took a turn at the helm. Fortunately we were docked pretty securely.
Next it was across the walkway to explore the submarine, the HMAS Onslow, launched in 1968.
Where the missiles go.
One of the things I loved about this museum was how hands-on it was for the kids.
Plus there were naps.
Definitely not a life for the claustrophobic though!
A light you do actually want to go toward.
After we emerged, we headed back to the Vampire to see the rest of the ship.
This is the infirmary.
This is the ship store. Kind of surprising to me -- you'd think with the service they're giving their country and all, these guys might be allowed free Snickers bars!
Mess hall.
Wonder if the naval officers enjoyed a game of footsies before dozing off at night.
Kids enjoyed manning the artillery stations above deck the most.
Fashion shoot, like they used to when the ship was operational.
Kingpin Bowling.
Photo shoot by Graham.
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