We were able to check our luggage at our previous hotel (Capitol Hotel) for the afternoon and decided to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens that are adjacent to the opera house. The gardens cover a large area, some with gardens and some just lovely lawn as well as themed areas around the parklands.

A large modern research enclosure was at one end with educational displays of different plant species such as orchids. The wall overing was made of patterned, live leaves.

As we were leaving the gardens Dirk was happy we found the rose garden area. There were many varieties to be sniffed but some were past their prime.

Time in Sydney was up. We took the tram back to the hotels, picked up our luggage and took another tram direct to the train station. Love Sydney and it’s easy way to get about. We left Sydney at 10pm March 8th and arrive in Honolulu at around noon, also on March 8th (due to the Pacific Date Line of course!)