One Night in Sydney

On my last day in Byron Bay I was just walking around town, then this guy from Happy Travels stopped me and asked where I'm from. I said Canada, and he was super excited because he was Canadian as well. I should've known it's one of the first tactics them travel agents use. He asked me about my plans, I told him I was thinking of doing the east coast, then he pulled me into the shop and showed me a bunch of stuff I could do. After everything, I basically got bought into booking tours to Fraser Island and Whitsunday, plus the Premier Bus Pass for just over a grand. He gave me somewhat of a discount because I told him I was tight on money, and a bunch of freebie vouchers that I doubt would be much use to me. Soon as I bought the package I checked my bank account and regretted it instantly. Also found out that the Premier Bus only has one service a day, and only includes one luggage. I have 2 luggages with me, so every time I travel I'd need to pay $10, and that's only if they've got room. I wasn't told about any of that, except that it's about $100 cheaper than Greyhound. So I went back and was freaking out and wanted a refund, but their manager explained to me that the bus pass has no refund, and I'd only get about 50% back for the tours. The tours are good for a year, so I'll just have to settle with that I guess.

Next morning I got up early and was ready for my Greyhound to Sydney at 7AM. It was raining and there were a lot of people waiting at the bus stop. Buses came and went, most of them were heading north. I saw one bus that wasn't a red Greyhound bus that said Sydney Express, so I figured maybe it's another company that's doing the same route. I watched that bus leave. I waited 2 more hrs, more Greyhounds pulled up and they were all heading north, so I finally asked one of the drivers if the Sydney bus was coming and he said that bus already left 2hrs ago! He said that Greyhound sometimes operates with other coaches and that I should always check with the driver. I was speechless. I didn't know what to do and it was only 9AM and nothing was open, even UltimateOZ doesn't open till 9.30AM. I was on the brink of tears. It's a 12hr ride to Sydney and I didn't want to waste my accommodation there so I HAVE to get onto the next available bus!!

Soon as 9.30 hit I emailed UltimateOZ, luckily they were able to respond right away and got me the next bus at 11.30AM. So another 2hrs to go and $100 gone, but at least I got a ticket outta here. I sat and waited and told my friends back home what happened. Andy right away called and we face timed which made me feel much better. I made sure I get on that bus and it was 1hr late. There were only about 5 of us on the entire bus, some got off at Port Macquarie and Newcastle. We had a 45min break where I got to talk to a couple from Nanaimo, BC who were in Australia for their son's wedding at Coffs Harbour. We finally made it to Sydney around 1.30AM. I rolled up to Railway hoping someone I know might still be there, and there they were, none other than my 2 favourite boys from Sydney, Cam and Scott!!!!!!

After I checked in I went out to our usual spot at the Railway entrance to catch up with my boys. Cam said that he was actually planning to leave half an hr ago. I was just glad that he happened to stay and I got to see some familiar faces. He introduced me to some of his newfound friends from Railway. Scott left soon after because he was staying somewhere else. Me and Cam stayed up to catch up. He told me that Jana found a job working at a farm but the guy was a creep and he felt terrible for her. It always sucks for girls to go all the way out to a farm by herself only to find a terrible employer. Cam was actually staying at Silvia's old room in Newtown, she's gone to Melbourne now. I ended up going over to his place and we stayed up talking, drinking beers. After only 2hrs of sleep, I took the morning bus back to Sydney Central, checked out and headed for the train at 9AM to Tamworth. Central Train Station was still confusing to me after all this time. When trying to get to my platform I got onto the wrong lift. There were 2 right next to each other, but they take you to different platforms! A train attendant had to help me out... Also when looking for my train, apparently it separates and go to different destinations, so you have to make sure you're in the right section of the train... I had to ask for help yet again. Why does Australia make everything so confusing! Anyway, Jackaroo here I come!