Family vacation in Sydney to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Total of 19 family members who travelled together for this great holiday in Australia. We did not book the all inclusive vacation package but opted for a free and easy holiday as we felt that a package would be too tiring for the elderly in our group. Attached will be pictures of Sydney Australia.
Day 1
Supposed to leave Singapore on 22nd Jan, Thursday, at 2040hrs on SQ221. However flight on the A380, yes, the latest plane, was delayed and we finally left an hour later. It was quite turbulent at the beginning and space was pretty crammed in the economy section. The upper deck seemed more quiet and cozy. Touched down in Sydney airport at 0825 hrs, approximately 7 ½ hours later. Sydney is three hours ahead of Singapore.
Day 1
Supposed to leave Singapore on 22nd Jan, Thursday, at 2040hrs on SQ221. However flight on the A380, yes, the latest plane, was delayed and we finally left an hour later. It was quite turbulent at the beginning and space was pretty crammed in the economy section. The upper deck seemed more quiet and cozy. Touched down in Sydney airport at 0825 hrs, approximately 7 ½ hours later. Sydney is three hours ahead of Singapore.
Spiral steps to upper deck of A380The upper deck ...........
Day 2
There was a long queue to go through immigration. And then another queue to go through the Australian customs. As Australia is an island, they are very strict about what you bring into the country. Any medicine, plants, animals, etc that you bring in, you need to declare. Their slogan:- Declare, or beware! If you are not sure what you are carrying is permissible to be brought into Australia or not, just declare it and you will be advised accordingly. Understand that certain Chinese medications are also not allowed into Australia. By the time we got through all the formalities, it was almost 1000 hrs.
Walking towards the coach All luggages in the coach? 
There was a coach to take us to Star City Hotel, our accommodation for the week. We were warmly greeted by one of the guest relations officer who went through with our group leader on the various formalities as well familiarized us with the facilities of the whole building. As it was still early, there was only one room ready for our group at that point of time. The rooms were nice and spacious and even had a couch where you could recline on.
Star City is the place where adults gather to play as well. Here in the complex, you will find New South Wale’s only casino with a multitude of gaming rooms and betting tables. The complex also houses eight bars, seven restaurants, two theatres, a nightclub and the five-star Star City Hotel as well as serviced apartments.
Here are pictures of Sydney Australia.
Here are pictures of Sydney Australia.
Star City complex .... 
Star City swimming pool
One of Star City's limousines ....
Views from Star City - spot the Sydney Tower
Spot the Harbour Bridge 
...Another view from the roomHad Chinese lunch at the Chinese noodle restaurant in Star City. Prices for noodles and rice ranged from AUD11 – 18 (AUD1 = SGD1). The portions were huge. If you are not a BIG eater, suggest you share with someone and then order another portion if necessary.
Chinese New Year decoration in Star City driveway
Afternoon was free and easy. We took the light rail from the Star City station which was at the lower ground of the building to Paddy’s Market which is where Chinatown is as well. Return journey costs AUD5.70 per adult. There are concession rates for kids below 16 and senior citizens.
Sitting in the light rail...Visited Paddy’s Market at Haymarket which is just like a flea market. Lots of bargain items if you are looking for something not too expensive and if you are not brand conscious. Savvy shoppers have been flocking to this Chinatown institution for decades to pick up weekly provisions and join the crowd, browsing hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh food to fashion and souvenirs. This is located at the corner of Hay and Thomas Streets, Haymarket and is open from Thursdays through Sundays. 9am – 5pm.
Paddy's Market 
Above Paddy’s Market is Market City. Here you can find the Thai Kee IGA Supermarket on Level 1 and factory outlet stores with discounts of up to seventy per cent on Level 2. Esprit, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Giordano, Cotton On Kids and many others can be found there. There is urban and street fashion and the added bonus of a Chinese food court on the top level.
Market City...
Sydney’s Paddy’s Markets have been a Sydney landmark, since th eir inception in the 1830s. Locals and tourists in search of a unique shopping experience, a bargain and some fun still flock to these markets.
Crossed over to Chinatown and saw many restaurants including Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese in the area. You will not go hungry for sure as you will be able to find an eclectic mix of mouth watering cuisine here, together with groovy Asian boutiques and food stores. There were a number of bakeries around the area as well. Fortunately for us, the weather was not burning hot today.
Chinatown 
As we were not able to book a Chinese restaurant for our traditional reunion dinner on Sunday, Chinese New Year eve, we decided to have it at Lotus Pond Restaurant in Star City that very evening itself. We ordered the set dinner. Food was not too bad. The Peking Duck was done slightly differently and the duck meat was very tender. It seems that the duck here is one of its more popular dishes.
Lotus Pond Restaurant in S tar City
Took a walk from Star City to Darling Harbour after dinner. By now, the weather was nice and windy and not hot, making it a lovely stroll by the piers and wharfs. Saw the warship and the Maritime Museum. Walked around Darling Harbour and we were fortunate enough to see some street busking fire eater. That made for an entertaining evening.
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