Anyone who has read our travel blog knows that Mardi and I are creatures of habit. Just take a peek at our ten trips to New York – same hotel, same flights. However, in late September 2024, we decided to break that mould and try something new. While it was only a short trip—six nights in total—it certainly got us out of our comfort zone. We revisited the familiar cities of Sydney and Melbourne but opted for a fresh approach this time. This trip had its complexities: Sydney’s weather was less than cooperative, I was nursing my arm in a sling (you can read about my shoulder saga here), and to top it off, the AFL Grand Final was taking place in Melbourne.
We departed from Canberra on a sunny Tuesday afternoon and arrived in Sydney right on schedule. After dropping our bags at the hotel, we headed to Mardi’s doctor’s appointment. Once that was out of the way, we ventured back into the city.
For this trip, we stayed at The Porter House Sydney – M Gallery, conveniently located at the intersection of Castlereagh and Bathurst Streets. This was our first stay at the Porter House; historically, we’ve opted for the QT on Market Street. Embracing a little variety, we decided to try something new. Our ninth-floor room provided a lovely view of Bathurst Street, featuring a king-sized bed, two lounge chairs, and a table. The bathroom was spacious and included a separate toilet—something Mardi appreciates. The room itself was very comfortable, offering ample space for both of us to catch up on some work and relax. The room was also fully automated using a tablet. So lighting, curtains, and the television were operated from that simple console.
After an exhausting day traveling and visiting the doctor, we chose to dine at the hotel’s restaurant, Henry’s Bread and Wine. Instead of the sizable à la carte meals, we opted for a selection of salads and tasting dishes accompanied by fresh bread. The food was delightful and made for a pleasant introduction to the trip.
On Wednesday, I spent the day working in Parramatta while Mardi indulged in some sightseeing, shopping, and updating our YouTube channel.
That evening, dinner took a more exciting turn when we met up with my brother David and his wife Kerrie. We travelled to Paddington to dine at Saint Peter. David and I were also born at Paddington, at the Paddington Women’s Hospital which is no longer there but would’ve been just around the corner from Saint Peter.
Saint Peter is a culinary gem in the vibrant Paddington area, showcasing the remarkable talents of owner and chef Josh Nyland. With a strong focus on sustainable seafood, Nyland has crafted a unique dining experience that celebrates the ocean’s fresh Flavors while emphasising responsible sourcing practices.
From the moment we stepped into Saint Peter, the warm atmosphere and earthy decor set the stage for a memorable meal. The menu, known for creativity and innovation, changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients and the freshest catch. Nyland’s commitment to sustainability resonates in every dish, emphasizing whole fish preparation and minimizing waste.
We were seated at the Chef’s Table, positioned directly in front of the kitchen—a truly exquisite experience. The Chef’s Table offers an intimate, immersive dining adventure that showcases the culinary prowess of Josh Nyland and his team. Instantly, we felt enveloped in the vibrant atmosphere of the open kitchen, inviting and energetic, a perfect backdrop for food enthusiasts.
Throughout our evening, we were treated to a curated tasting menu that highlighted Chef Nyland’s skill and creativity. Each dish showcased high-quality, sustainable seafood sourced from local purveyors. We savoured an array of tasting plates, including John Dory, coral trout, calamari, mackerel, sardines, Pipi minestrone, sea urchin, and even some intriguing seafood-inspired chocolates.
One of the most memorable aspects was the interaction with Nyland and his culinary team, who shared insights into their techniques and the inspiration behind each dish. This personal touch transformed our meal into an engaging dialogue, adding depth to the entire experience.
After an incredible night enjoying a surprising selection of seafood, we experienced a sudden downpour as we made our way home, bidding farewell to David and Kerrie on Castlereagh Street before returning for our second night at the Porter House.
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Thursday morning in Sydney welcomed us with weather straight from a drizzly storybook—wet, windy, and cold. We braved the elements, jumping on the light rail headed to Circular Quay, where our next adventure awaited aboard the Diamond Princess.
The Diamond Princess is an elegant cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, renowned for its luxurious design and array of amenities catering to diverse traveller preferences. Launched in 2004 and refurbished in 2019, the ship offers spacious accommodations, including luxurious suites and comfortable staterooms with stunning ocean views. Onboard, guests can indulge in various dining options featuring international cuisine, as well as multiple pools, hot tubs, and engaging entertainment such as Broadway-style shows and live music performances.
Just a few months prior, we planned to take the Diamond Princess from Sydney to Melbourne, marking a short vacation bracketed by fantastic dinners in both cities. It felt like a long-overdue return to the cruising experience, especially since we have two more cruises planned for later this year. The pandemic had effectively paused our travel adventures for far too long, and we were eager to get our sea legs back.
For us, ultra-short cruises like this one—lasting about 40 hours—offer a unique way to “suspend reality.” At one end is the bustling life of Sydney, complete with its unpredictable weather; at the other end is the vibrant atmosphere of Melbourne, which, ironically, was basking in glorious sunshine during our visit. The 40 hours in between felt like a refreshing escape, where time loses its strict hold on us; you can eat when you want, sleep when you like, and simply enjoy the joy of being at sea.
The transition from land to sea was swift and exhilarating as we moved through the passenger terminal, onto the gangplank, and aboard the ship. The boarding experience was flawless, allowing us to quickly familiarise ourselves with the Diamond Princess and settle down for a leisurely lunch.
After our meal, we located our stateroom—a beautiful room with a balcony on deck 14—and headed to the stern of the ship to witness one of the most captivating moments in travel: the sail away from Sydney Harbour. The sight was nothing short of enchanting: the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge loomed overhead like a giant coat hanger, while the sails of the Opera House seemed to wave goodbye to us. As Kirribilli House faded into view, we admired the multi-million-dollar properties lining the harbor, marvelling at the luxurious real estate.
As the vessel made its way out of the heads, we observed the tugboats expertly manoeuvring the 290-meter-long ship into a safe passage out to open water. The swell of the ocean increased, causing us to rock gently as the offshore southerly wind whipped rain across our faces; sometimes, it felt like icy razor blades! Yet, we couldn’t bear to take our eyes off the glorious sight of Sydney Harbour as it transitioned into the open ocean.
Once we were out at sea, we retreated to our stateroom, watching the coastline slip away.
Practicing what we like to call “Mardi Magic,” within a few minutes, our room was perfectly organised, and everything had a designated place for easy access.
As we continued our exploration of the ship, the weather began to clear, and we enjoyed visiting the various decks.
Click here for a brief overview of the amenities we discovered.
After exploring, we made a stop at the Explorer’s Lounge for drinks and participated in a Beatles trivia contest. The ship had a distinctly Beatles theme, and judging by the attire of many passengers, the AFL Grand Final wasn’t just a game; it felt like a festival, with many sporting the red and white of the Sydney Swans.
After a well-deserved rest, we opted for a casual dinner at the Trident Grill. Being just down the hallway from our room made it a convenient choice, and we relished a selection of pizza, hot dogs, and burgers washed down with a couple of drinks. Later, we attended a performance by an Australian Beatles cover band, who truly brought the excitement with their renditions of classic hits.
Following the show, I decided to try my luck at the casino. While I’m not a regular gambler, I enjoy the social aspect of shooting craps. Unfortunately, I found myself alone at the craps table on the Diamond Princess, which took some of the fun out of it. With no fellow players to share in the excitement and banter, I quickly grew bored and decided to switch gears and try my hand at roulette instead.
At the roulette table, we encountered a livelier atmosphere. Bets were low—only a dollar each—so it felt fun and casual as we watched the wheel spin and the white ball dance between the numbers. It was a quintessential cruise experience, firmly rooted in the thrill of chance.
Eventually, we ended our night and returned to our stateroom, where the ocean had calmed a bit. We opened the door to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the ship, which quickly lulled us to sleep.
Friday morning greeted us with bright sunshine and smooth sailing; a stark contrast to the tumultuous weather we had experienced just a day earlier. We decided to take it easy, finally coaxing ourselves out of our stateroom for a stroll around the promenade deck. We observed a couple of cargo ships pass in the nearby channel and spent some time admiring the ocean views.
After looping back from our short exploration, we enjoyed lunch at the buffet, where we embraced the smorgasbord of offerings without concern for timing. With a medley of sausages, eggs, nachos, moose and charcuterie piled on our plates, we felt satiated and ready for the day.
In the afternoon, we joined a photography scavenger hunt, an entertaining challenge that involved capturing images of items beginning with each letter of the alphabet. To our surprise, we won! We also participated in a spelling bee, where much to our astonishment, we didn’t come away with a victory, despite Mardi’s impressive spelling abilities.
Needing a moment to relax, we made our way to the Promenade Galleria, where we found a cozy spot to unwind. Mardi picked up a book while I jotted down notes on our experiences so far. A few drinks and light snacks later, we ventured to the Wheelhouse Bar for another trivia competition, fully immersing ourselves in the light-hearted fun that the cruise offers.
Suspending reality for these 40 hours had allowed us to enjoy activities like spelling bees, trivia games, and even indulging in ice cream at ten in the morning without a second thought.
As we sat at the bar, we answered trivia questions and shared laughs with fellow passengers, even when the host’s method of scoring seemed a bit unconventional. Regardless, we revelled in the congeniality of our cruise fellowships and soaked in the delightful atmosphere.
Once we felt sufficiently entertained, we returned to our stateroom to recharge before dinner at Kai Sushi, a beautiful Japanese restaurant onboard. Our meal was a feast for the senses, featuring lavish sashimi, sushi, and miso soup that left us satisfied.
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Yet again, we returned to the casino after dinner. Unfortunately, the craps table remained deserted, but we joined other guests at the roulette table, where we spent a couple of hours relaxing and mingling.
As the clock ticked down on our 40-hour escape, we bid farewell to our fellow players and retreated to our stateroom to pack, preparing for disembarkation the following morning. The process was straightforward: instructions in our room outlined where to go and what time to gather. After a quick breakfast, we exited the ship as easily as we had boarded, stepping onto the dock in Melbourne.
Mardi expertly charted our tram route to our hotel, and within half an hour, we found ourselves in the heart of Melbourne, checking into the Ovolo Laneways on Little Burke Street.
Some things never change we return to the Ovolo because of its fantastic location near Chinatown and the tram lines, and it has always been a solid choice. However, this time, we felt a bit disappointed. Our last stay in 2022 had provided us with a different experience. Though the hotel had undergone a facelift, it did not match our expectations; everything seemed to be suffering from shrinkflation, with the once-cherished amenities noticeably absent and the rooms feeling dated and tired. It is likely we won’t return again.
We unpacked and soon met up with our friends Michael and Kathryn. We always enjoy traveling together, having previously explored Japan and visited Sydney and Melbourne multiple times. This time in Melbourne, we had an exciting dinner planned at Reine and La Rue, located in the historic old stock exchange building on Collins Street.
But first, we indulged in a bit of shopping before heading off to the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. The day was glorious and vibrant, though it was also grand final day; as we wandered through the gardens, the roars of the Brisbane Lions supporters echoed around us every time their team scored.
After a couple of hours soaking in the beauty of the gardens and revelling in the festive atmosphere around us, Mardi and I made our way back to our hotel room. We then met up with Michael and Kathryn around 6 o’clock for drinks before dinner. We savoured delicious cocktails at Nick and Nora’s, a chic rooftop bar that offered stunning views of the city skyline as the sun began to set. The ambiance was perfect for catching up with friends and celebrating our shared travel adventures.
After our refreshing drinks, we strolled the ten minutes to the old stock exchange building where Reine and La Rue is located. This restaurant, which opened in August 2023, features a stunning interior that honours the building’s historic significance. The high ceilings are adorned with intricate mouldings, creating an airy and elegant atmosphere that invites diners to linger.
Once seated at a spacious table, we decided to indulge in the set menu, which promised a variety of carefully curated dishes. Of course, Michael, Kathryn, and Mardi all eagerly ordered oysters, while I opted for a warm baguette, as I’m not particularly fond of the briny delicacy.
The evening unfolded beautifully as we enjoyed a series of exquisite courses, including perfectly seared scallops, fresh kingfish, and rich duck liver. The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the sharing of a magnificent 600-gram dry-aged ribeye. The Flavors were simply superb, and each bite left us raving about the quality of the meal.
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As we savoured our delicious dishes and shared stories, the atmosphere in the restaurant grew warmer and livelier, making for a wonderful dining experience. The deep conversations and shared laughter enriched our night, adding to the enjoyments of our culinary adventure.
Sadly, Sunday morning arrived with a rainy forecast in Melbourne. We took our time in the morning and opted for a casual lunch of dumplings from a Hutong Dumplings, a favourite of ours. The food was comforting and hit the spot perfectly on a drizzly day. Following our meal, we explored some local shops before making our way to the Old Melbourne Jail, where we delved into the fascinating history surrounding Ned Kelly and his fellow inmates.
The jail experience was both educational and intriguing, shedding light on not just Kelly’s notorious exploits but also the trials and tribulations of other prisoners throughout history. We toured the exterior of the jail, learned about the various roles of prison guards and wardens, and marvelled at the historical architecture. It was a captivating afternoon, offering us a glimpse into another era of Melbourne’s past.
For dinner on Sunday night, we kept things casual with a visit to Mamasitas, a beloved Mexican restaurant just around the corner from our hotel. We enjoyed vibrant flavours and the lively atmosphere, capping off our culinary adventures in both Sydney and Melbourne.
And just like that, our escapade of three rooms, two dinners, and one ship came to a close. I prepared to head back to work on Monday in Melbourne, while Mardi and her friends Kathryn and Michael would fly home together.
Reflecting on our time, we realised how amazing it was to have two wonderful meals bookended by a 40-hour suspension of reality aboard the Diamond Princess. This trip truly recharged our spirits and reminded us why we love exploring new places and flavours, even during a brief getaway.
With our travel cravings reignited and more adventures on the horizon, we left this trip with wonderful memories and eager anticipation for our future journeys together.
Was that photos of Mardi without makeup? 🙂