Friday 10 November 2017

Sydney With Two Toddlers: What We Did and What I Wore

In October we took the boys on their first flight down to Sydney for a few days. I'm sharing what we did and things to see in Sydney if you're travelling with toddlers. If you want to skip that, I've included my regular outfits too.

Toddler T is 3, and Baby Boy is 19 months. Both are good walkers. We took a travel stroller and I had my Ergobaby carrier. The stroller was great for carrying the baby bag, layers to wear and food and snacks for the boys but we didn't think Sydney was very stroller friendly. Sydney had daylight savings time but it was only an hour different from Brisbane so we stuck to Brisbane time as normal.

What I wore:

Sydney Darling Harbour sightseeing outfit maxi skirt cardigan converse balenciaga hobo bag | awayfromblue
JacketJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TankFrench Connection feather foil singlet
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagBalenciaga Day bag in 2005 magenta (20% off with code 'REAL')


Why I wore it:

I was looking forward to this day the most! I didn't have a lot of space as we packed light, mostly taking extra clothes for the boys. I still prioritised so while I wore the same Converse every day, I had room for a change of bag and instead of my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere I swapped out to this magenta Balenciaga day bag for our morning at the aquarium and spending the afternoon with my bestie. She has a magenta Balenciaga bag too so I had to wear this for the occasion!

Did wish I'd packed another jacket, as it was an overcast and colder day and this purple cardigan was the warmest piece I'd packed.


Last worn: purple cardigan, black tank, grey jersey maxi skirt, Converse, Balenciaga magenta day bag.

Other ways to wearpurple cardigan and chambray dress, black tank and printed shorts, grey jersey maxi skirt in monochrome outfit, Converse and printed dresses, Balenciaga magenta day bag with button up breastfeeding dresses.

Perfect for pregnancy: black tank in first trimester, maxi skirt for second trimester travel, magenta Balenciaga and maternity denim.



4 Days in Sydney With Toddlers: Itinerary


Day One


We landed in Sydney in the afternoon, and it was off to where we were staying for nap time. I will not be sharing the name of the place we stayed as it was the worst place I have ever stayed and if there had been other options available I would have demanded a refund and moved out.

After failed nap time for Toddler T, I took him with me on my bloggy date with Rachel from a Nesting Nomad. It was great to catch up with her again, after meeting her in Brisbane a while back. I followed Google Maps but failed to realise the route resulted in walking up a very long hill to get to the meeting point. Only slightly late. Sorry again Rachel!

We walked through Hyde Park to let Toddler T run around a bit, then met up with Hubby and Baby Boy once he'd woken up. We went for a walk around Paddy's markets and through Chinatown before going to Darling Harbour.

sydney with toddlers darling harbour playground | awayfromblue


Tip: Darling Harbour playground is perfect for toddlers. 

The boys had the chance to run around and play to expend some energy after sitting still on the flight. Lots of lovely restaurants nearby for dinner options too, although we went back to where we were staying and ordered takeout!


Day Two 

Sydney aquarium shark tunnel outfit maxi skirt tank converse teething necklace | away from the blue

A cold and dull day, it was supposed to rain so we headed to the aquarium as we suspected we might. We hadn't bought our tickets in advance, not wanting to tie ourselves down to anything much with two toddlers.

Tip: Buy your aquarium ticket in advance. The line to purchase was extremely slow.

Sydney Aquarium shark tank selfie | away from the blue blog


The aquarium was worth the wait though, the boys loved it. Despite it being perfect indoors weather and a weekend, there was plenty of space for the boys to run around from exhibit to exhibit as it wasn't too crowded. There were roving staff members in a few rooms presenting and talking about things to see, as well as lots of helpful educational information near each tank. Made it easy to explain to the boys what they were seeing, even though they were a little young to read for themselves.



Tip: Take toddlers to the bathroom before you enter. The bathrooms are at the end of the aquarium which is not what you want to discover halfway round.

After the aquarium, we attempted to head over the Pyrmont bridge to get to the shopping centre for lunch. I have fond memories of walking along the bridge on holiday as a kid, back when the monorail was still there! So difficult to do with a stroller though. We'd walked past the lift a few times before we found it, and then getting the lift down into the shopping centre on the other side of the harbour involved getting out on the top floor, walking through the shopping centre, getting another lift down then walking back to go to where we wanted to eat for lunch. On our way back we just walked around the harbour in the cold rather than attempt the silly lift system again.



As the boys napped, my bestie arrived and I snuck out leaving hubby and the boys to rest as we went to the Lindt Cafe for some chocolate and a catch up. It might have just been the company, but it was easily one of my favourite meals in Sydney, as we shared the 'dome of decadence' between 3 of us.




Tip: Lindt Cafe might be a little too chocolate filled to be a good option with a toddler, but they do takeaway!


After an amazing afternoon catching up, it was dinner time and we just headed to the nearest McDonalds for a fuss-free meal, perfect for toddlers!



Day Three


The day Toddler T was looking forward to most - a trip to the zoo and a ride on a Sydney Ferry!

After a slight detour into the Rocks, we eventually made our way to Circular Quay and had the chance to take photos with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

sydney with toddlers circular quay opera house | Away from the blue


Tip: The Rocks is NOT stroller friendly, don't even try it. Or you'll end up stuck looking down on the harbour realising the only way down is a very long flight of stairs with a stroller. Thanks again Google Maps!

I expected some excitement from the toddlers about the landmarks we'd been pointing out in books for weeks, but it was of course all about the boats! There was a big cruise liner docked while we were there which was exciting to see.

After buying our tickets we hopped on the ferry to go to Taronga Zoo. It's a short trip, just enough time for the toddlers to enjoy being on a boat and you to point out and take photos of all the landmarks before you arrive at the zoo.

Tip: You don't need to travel round all of Circular Quay to get landmark photos with toddlers - just hop on the Manly ferry and take photos from the boat!

selfie with sydney harbour bridge from manly ferry | away from the blue


When we arrived at the zoo, as we had bought our tickets in advance we were able to take the gondola up over the animals to the very top, with amazing views of the harbour. Of course it was the animals you fly over that the boys enjoyed more than the view!

Tip: buy your zoo ticket in advance, even if just at the ferry terminal. It gives you the ability to take a gondola up to the top of the hill and work your way down.


sydney with toddlers taronga zoo giraffe selfie and harbour bridge backdrop | awayfromblue


Starting at the top of the zoo made getting around with the stroller very easy, no need to push up any hills. While we didn't see all the animals (we skipped the aquatic section after the aquarium the day before, and the line for the tiger experience was too long for a toddler's attention span) the boys had a great time running around and getting up close with the animals we did see.

Sydney with toddlers: taronga zoo red bellied black snake behind glass


We had lunch at 'The Fish Stop' which does have non-seafood options, and was less busy than the central 'Food Market' although it does have less choices. It was so easy to get food and then sit in one of the many picnic areas right next to it, with incredible views of the Sydney city and the harbour.

Tip: Grab a bite to eat at 'The Fish Stop' or bring a picnic and sit back on the lawns for an amazing view out over the harbour!


sydney with toddlers taronga zoo 4wd | awayfromblue


While the monkeys were the favourite animal of the day (and it was incredible watching one of them mesmerised by my teething necklace!) there were so many to choose from. There was a lovely playground in the farm animal section. Although it was geared towards older kids the boys really enjoyed playing there for a break from animal-watching.

Sydney with Toddlers: skyline and harbour view from Taronga zoo with giraffes | Away from the blue blog


The walk back to the ferry was a really nice downhill stretch, and while you do have to go through a gift shop as you exit the big shark tank and presentation that was on around the sharks meant the boys were nicely distracted as we left, souvenir free. If only that had been the case at the aquarium, ha!


Once we got back to Sydney, we headed to Helm Bar for dinner. I'd looked up a few places online for food and Helm bar was highly recommended, but seemed like a noisy party bar every time we passed it before. Having no luck finding anywhere else open on a Sunday night in our price range, we went there as it was listed as wheelchair accessible. While there's no easy way to get a stroller up the stairs to the bar, there is a lovely beer garden you can sit in and order food and drinks. It was perfect for families.

Food was so well priced, especially for Sydney, and the boys loved their kids meal. I'm still sad we tried it on the last night so I couldn't go back for another schnitzel burger - definitely will be next time I'm in Sydney!

Sydney with toddlers place to eat helm bar darling harbour | away from blue


Day Four


This was our travel day, we didn't do much other than pack up, prepare another lunchbox full of snacks for the plane trip home, and make our way to the airport.


Top Tips for Travelling With Toddlers


Have transport options
The toddlers can walk, and we had the stroller and Ergo Baby carrier for babywearing so there were options when the boys didn't want to walk any more.

Be flexible
We had a general list of the sights we wanted to see but didn't buy any tickets in advance so that our days could change if necessary, and we weren't feeling rushed as we didn't try to do too much each day. One activity or outing is fine, and just wing it for the rest of the day.

Pack snacks
This works for the plane flight too, but when you're in a new place you might not know how far away the next kid-friendly place to eat is, so having snacks with you for the toddlers and yourself comes in helpful.

Take lots of photos
The only regret I had in Sydney was that I didn't take a lot of photos (a few hundred over the 4 days instead of my usual couple of hundred I take a day when something exciting is going on!).


Would we do it again?
Not until the boys are bigger and the stroller isn't needed - it was a real pain trying to fit the stroller in places - even though we packed a small umbrella travel stroller instead of our usual big one. Sydney definitely felt a lot more cramped and less stroller friendly than Brisbane.


What I wore:
Targona zoo and ferry ride outfit babywearing Sydney Circular Quay Harbour | away from the blue

Away from blue polka dot tee LV speedy damier Sydney Opera House tourist pic from ferry | awayfromblue
JacketJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Abacus teething necklace in pop
TeeJeanswest Flavia foil printed polka dot tee deep iris
Skirt: Target grey marle maxi skirt
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
Bracelets: the usual plus Cora purpleheart and mother of pearl watch C/O JORD
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

Unlike the outfit above, I actually found it too warm to wear the cardigan on this day and wished I hadn't brought it! We took the boys to see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House at last (our third day in Sydney...) and hopped on the Manly Ferry over to Taronga Zoo.

The benefit of wearing the Ergo Baby carrier in the back carry position (you can just see Baby Boy's little foot peeking out in the pic!) is that it's easy to wear a cross body bag, and my Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere was perfect for keeping my camera close by for walking around the zoo.


Last worn: purple cardigan (above), polka dot tee, jersey maxi skirt (above), Converse (above), Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere bag.

Other ways to wearpurple cardigan and button down tank, polka dot tee and mustard cardi, jersey maxi skirt and graphic tee, Converse and colourful jeans, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere bag and skinny jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: maxi skirt in third trimester, Converse in the second trimesterLouis Vuitton speedy Bandouliere and maternity denim.


Linking up with Friday Faves, Style Wise, Mix It Monday, Modest Monday, Hello Monday, On Monday We Link Up, On Trend, Confident Twosday, Trend Spin, Turning Heads.



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76 comments:

  1. Looks like you had an amazing time! Loved the look of the aquarium and the Lindt Cafe. Have a great weekend.

    Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  2. Finally, you posted your adventure in Sydney. Had fun reading it, so good to know how you feel about this city. You've done quite a lot of activities, it's good you didn't skip the aquarium and the zoo. I find it hard too taking kids in stroller when travelling. But at least you've taken your kids here and had a fun time.

    www.busyandfab.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it was a long post so took a while to put together! :) And we did have a very fun time!

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  3. Hi! It looks like you and your family had a beautiful time! The chocolate looks delish! I feel the aquarium are exciting spots to visit when traveling.
    Have a beautiful rest of the week!

    Tiff
    http://www.dashoffashandfinance.com

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  4. Sounds like your trip was awesome. There is definitely a lot to do in Sydney, I want to visit there someday.
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

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  5. What a fun stay in Sydney! I haven't been before however it looks like so much fun and especially like the photographs with the Penguins :)

    Your outfits look gorgeous my lovely!

    Laura xo
    www.shehearts.net

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  6. This looked like such a fun trip! You guys did a lot which I am so impressed especially with a toddler!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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    Replies
    1. Yes they were both really good and let us fit so much in! :)

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  7. Yayyy!!! It looks like so much fun!! Hopefully I'll get to Australia (and New Zealand) in the next few years....
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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    Replies
    1. You should! Australia is beautiful! I'd love to visit New Zealand too, never been!

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  8. It looks like you all had such a great trip! It's fun seeing more of the boys and your family. The chocolate cake looks sooo good. I'd love to visit some day.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! It's hard to share and respect their privacy, it's a balance, but it is nice to share some pics of what they got up to now and then :)

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  9. What a cool trip! I've always wanted to visit Sydney but it's definitely a big trip to make it from the States. Maybe one day!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

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  10. I remember being in Sidney and constantly walking up and down stairs. Back then I was kids free, but now I would probably suffer as you did. Funny how things change once you have kids!

    Anne - Linda, Libra, Loca

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you definitely look at holidays differently with kids! And stairs when you have a stroller, haha!

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  11. What a great travelogue - makes me want to go to Sydney! Hmmm...I have relatives (my uncle) in Melbourne...

    I like your tips - I've found that it really helps for most touristy things to buy tickets in advance, if possible, otherwise you end up spending so much time in lines!

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    Replies
    1. If you ever come to Australia let me know - it's a great place although a long trip!

      Yes, I'm definitely going to buy tickets in advance next time!

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  12. Ahh I just love aquariums (though haven't visited one in absolutely forever!), that seems like such a fun time out with your little ones. You look lovely in the jersey maxi skirt by the way, such a practical and yet stylish piece to have in your wardrobe - and in any season too! :)

    aglassofice.com
    x

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  13. Sounds like such a fun time together! Maybe one day we will make it over to Australia!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

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  14. Oh wow! Sounded like you all had a fab time at Sydney. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful tips. Don't have a toddler anymore, but it's always good to know what places are stroller-friendly:) And OMG! That Dome of Decadence.....aaaaaaaaaah!
    PS Your outfits are great as always:) Perfect for travel and still stylish.

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    Replies
    1. haha thank you! The dome of decadence was just the best!

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  15. Such a fun trip. I need to go to this aquarium someday. Love your outfits too!

    x,
    Chanel | Je M'appelle Chanel

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  16. Looks like a fun family trip! I thought we had seen the last of the stroller but met up with Mum for a shopping day last week and Miss L was tired and sketchy . . . luckily Mum kept her stroller in the boot and we were able to bust it out for a nap even though she did look a bit ridic in it. I do miss the pram for hanging bags and shopping off it though!

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    Replies
    1. Yes it's so good for throwing everything in! I'm going to need to cut down on the baby bag contents so it's easier to carry once we give up the stroller!

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  17. What a fabulous trip, Mica!!! I love to see the boys having fun!!!
    And how wonderful to see you in your maxi!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  18. A LINDT CAFE?!! Sounds like heaven haha!
    Aleeha xXx
    http://www.halesaaw.co.uk/

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  19. This sounds like a wonderful and fun outing with family! Sad that Sydney isn't much stroller friendly. Love all of your outfits btw and cute photos! :)

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  20. Looks like a great trip! Great pictures, have a great weekend x
    A Blushing Beauty Blog

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  21. Travel is never easy or light with kids and there are always lots of planning ahead involved too. LOL! Snacks are MUST when travelling with little ones, I learned that lesson the hard way.

    Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity

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    Replies
    1. I think snacks are a must have in general with toddlers, haha!

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  22. Such cuties!! YOu look lovely dear!
    Nistha
    https://www.fashionistha.com/red-romance-with-chambray-culottes/

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  23. Your boys are so cute and I adore your casual chic look! Thanks for these great tips.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  24. How fun! That dome of decadence looks amazing :)

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  25. It was so lovely to see you! I'm glad you had a good trip overall, even if the weather wasn't the best and stroller access was bad. It's something I don't really think about but it must make things such a nightmare.

    I'm impressed at your light packing, especially with two little ones!

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    Replies
    1. haha, I definitely overpacked for them which made it easier to be light for me as there was less space! And it was lovely to see you! It was a great trip :)

      Delete
  26. Although it sounds like their were lots of difficult moments with that stroller, it seems like you still managed to have a fun holiday!

    Kez | acaciasdreams.com

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  27. wow Ive never traveled with the kids, but it must be pretty challenging right? And those food <3


    http://www.thequinoxfashion.com

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  28. There's something adorable about having the kids with you and watching them wide eyed curiosity over everything until it's time to eat. I trust you guys had a wonderful time out there and as we say in french " tu as une bonne mine"

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  29. It looks like you guys had a great time
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  30. Aww these photos are adorable!!! Despite having some unexpected issues. it seems like you and your lovely family had tons of fun. So many activities to do! The aquaium experience must have been awesome, I'd LOVE to go there. And i'd also love to take classic tourist photos like in the bridge or with the Opera House behind me <3 Such an iconic city! Thanks for sharing, lovely.
    xx

    www.stylebydeb.com

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I was so determined to get the classic tourist photos, haha! Glad we got them on the ferry.

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  31. I've been wanting to visit Sydney! This looks like a fun time and the outfit looks comfy!

    http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/

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  32. great photos luv!
    kisses from the sandpit ❤︎
    www.mahryska.com

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  33. How lovely is Rachel?! What a shame about the weather - but I'm pleased you still had fun. The aquarium is one of my favourites - did you see the dugongs?! I'm not a fan of zoos per se, but the gondola ride and the views from the top at Taronga are hard to beat! And that chocolate dome! Swoon!

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    Replies
    1. We didn't get to see the dugongs, which is a shame as they were my favourite part! Sadly there was a toddler related bathroom emergency, haha!

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  34. Sounds like you had a really fun and successful first trip with the boys! Your dome of decadence certainly caught my eye! Yum!
    I can't imagine how you can baby wear and carry your large crossbody bag - my shoulder starts aching after a while just carrying a medium sized bag.
    http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/

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    Replies
    1. The speedy is super light which helps! And I try not to over fill it.

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  35. It sounds like you and your family had a blast! I'm sure hauling around the stroller got tiring though--little ones always need so much STUFF!! I appreciated all your travel tips too--I still haven't done any big trips (other than a long weekend road trip) with the kids just yet, maybe one of these days.

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    Replies
    1. We haven't done big road trips yet (although I have one coming up) as I'm not sure how I'd keep them entertained from the front seat!

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  36. This looks like an awesome trip! Packing snacks is VITAL in the world of parenting. So many things can be fixed with, "You want a snack?" So glad you had a great time!

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  37. Love how you colour coordinated with the weather. Grey skirt for a grey sky.

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    Replies
    1. Didn't think of it like that, but it does! :)

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  38. If I ever get to Australia one day, maybe we can have a bloggy meet-up! :) The Lindt Cafe looks AMAZING!!

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    Replies
    1. Yes! They have them in Sydney and Melbourne, so lots of choices!

      Delete
  39. This sounds a wonderful trip, hard work with the kiddies I expect but you are so organised - well done. Sydney is one of the places I'd like to visit one day. My dad lives near Brisbane, so It would be nice to visit him too. Thanks for sharing Mica, have a super week. x Jacqui
    www.mummabstylish.com
    PS You look fab too.

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    Replies
    1. Oh yey, I'm Brisbane based too! :) Let me know if you come over!

      Delete
  40. Fabulous post! You're making me so nostalgic for Sydney! I never did make it to the zoo, though...sounds like a good excuse to go back. Haha.

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  41. How good is the aquarium with the penguins!! Glad you went to the Lindt cafe, that's a definite must when in Sydney, yummo! x

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  42. Besides the trouble with the hotel and the stroller it sounds like you all had a good time! I wish I could take a short plane flight and be in Sydney haha!

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  43. As as I live in Sydney and have been to all the places that you visited with your family less toddlers, it was very interesting to read the different view of my beloved city. Sorry about the bad weather but your outfits were spot on for this super trendy city
    https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au/

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Anna! I felt a bit out of place sometimes - everyone is so stylish!

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  44. Do you know it takes ONE entire day and 4 hours for me to get to Sydney ?!! How amazing that you were able to take the boys on this educational trip and look good the entire way :)

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  45. What an awesome trip!!! Loved that grey maxi and i wish i could have some of that Lindt Chocolate!

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  46. Traveling with kids is never easy, but you can make things less stressful. Great job dear. Also, those little boys are sooo adorable!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  47. It looks like you and your family had an amazing time! When it comes to travelling I am always stressed about travelling with two little ones but from your experience, I think I need to plan a trip with my kids. All the pictures look amazing and you look so pretty.

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  48. Looks like you had an amazing time!!! Love your outfit choice :)

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  49. Mica, you handled everything really well. Penguins are always funny. Love the different places you guys went. Always a fan of the zoo and aquarium.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  50. Thanks all for your lovely comments - we did have a great time in Sydney!

    ReplyDelete

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