Hong Kong, Australia, and Beijing

Sep 1-10
AC103 YYZ-YVR, AC7 YVR-HKG, SQ1 HKG-SIN, SQ231 SIN-SYD, SQ218 MEL-SIN, SQ802 SIN-PEK, AC32 PEK-YYZ

One of the main reasons that I collect points is to try unique travel experiences.  Suites Class on the Singapore Airlines A380 has been an aspirational product since it was introduced 10 years ago, and has been exclusive to Singapore Airlines frequent fliers.  The main distinguishing feature is a private cabin with a door, with adjoining suites creating a double bed.  We were lucky enough to find availability from Singapore to Australia, so built a vacation with time in Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne and Beijing, with first class travel between Asia and Australia.  Beyond the airline experience, we enjoyed getting back to Australia and exploring new places.

Sep 1-2

We made our way to Hong Kong on Air Canada. Luckily, we were upgraded, and traveled in relative comfort. As we had a morning flight to Singapore to start our journey to Australia, we just stayed near the airport and didn’t venture too far. It was a rainy night, so we didn’t really miss much.

Sep 3

We had an 08:00 am flight to Singapore, so got to the airport quite early, and took the time to check-out of a few of the first class lounge options in Hong Kong. For the novelty, I ended up sampling 3 lounges, but ultimately the Singapore Airlines Lounge was the most interesting, but nothing compared to the Private Room Lounge in Singapore. We had a number of hours in Singapore before our overnight to Sydney.

First class on the 777 was a pretty comfortable ride to Singapore

Trying to fill in the large seat

Tom dwarfed by the wide seat

Some morning Krug Champagne

After breakfast tested out the lie flat bed for a quick rest

The butterfly gallery is one of the many unique features of the SIngapore’s airport that helped to pass the time

Airport butterflies

More airport butterflies

A final closeup before we head back to the lounge

Checking out our A380 before the flight. We’ll be at the front of the first floor

Preflight photos.

Getting my forms ready for Australia

The walls and windows of the A380 suite

Relaxing in my First Class PJs with some caviar

As we didn’t have side by side suites, single bed made up for me

Sep 4

After our overnight flight, we made our way to our hotel and were lucky to be able to check in early to refresh, grab a quick breakfast and explore the city. We were staying in Darling Harbour, but purchased a boat pass that allowed us to move freely around the Sydney Harbour, including a day at the zoo, and getting as far away as Manly Beach and Watson Bay before heading back to the hotel.

Darling Harbour and our hotel

Convention centre and Ferris wheel

The iconic Opera House still looking great

Harbour Bridge

Bridge walkers enjoying the view

Fort Denison

Koala at Taronga Zoo

Relaxing kangaroo

Up close with kangaroo

Emu

Young orangutan

Recent elephant arrival

Sumatran Tiger

Sumatran Tiger

Looking back at Sydney from the zoo

Parrot

Very engaged

Hippo

Watson Bay after a stop an Manly Beach

Sep 5

For our last full day in Sydney, we continued to get around on boat, and headed back out to Watson Bay and South Head, before finding our way to the very scenic Bondi to Confee trail. We caught a bus back to the central business district, and finally to our hotel, ultimately going out to meet an old friend from Canada for drinks.

Sunny morning from our hotel window

Looking back at Sydney from Watson Bay

Protecting the coastline from drones

Up close with the pelican

Walking the Bondi to Coogee Trail

Time for some whale watching along the way

Cemetery with a view along the trail

Back in the CBD and the Government House

Up close at the Opera House

Seal next to the opera house

Opera House at sunset as we boat back to our hotel

Last look at the Harbour Bridge

Some of the newer construction near Darling

Sep 6

We had a morning flight to Melbourne, and had the afternoon in evening to reacquaint ourselves with the city.

Modern buildings of Federation Square

Looking across the Yarra River to Art Centre Melbourne

Street art in Hosier Lane

Even the garbage bins get the art treatment

Some pretty unique creations

The creations continue for a few blocks

A different kind of street art in the CBD

Sep 7

Another full day in Melbourne to explore the city. We explored the waterfront parks, the home of the Australian Open, the old Jail and a museum. Melbourne doesn’t have the same shiny attractions of Sydney, but really enjoyed the time here and the livable vibe.

View of the Yarra River from our hotel

From across the river, looking back towards the CBD and our hotel

Practice courts for the Australian Open

Making our way back to the city

Some modern art

Melbourne Gaol

Processing area

Padded cell

State Library of Victoria

Sep 8

As we were enjoying our time in Melbourne, we extended our stay of one last day before our overnight flight to Beijing via Singapore.

Old Treasury Building

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Parliament Gardens

Royal Exhibition Building

Carlton Gardens Fountain

Impressive interior of the State Library

The famous makeshift armor of Ned Kelly on display in the library

A final walk along the river

The grand staircase on the A380

A few pics before take off

Adjoining Suites

A nice perspective on the suites, with the blinds and door open

Singapore Airline’s famous Lobster Thermidor

Double bed in the adjoining suites

Sep 8

After an overnight flight, more lounge time in Singapore, and a connection to Beijing we arrive in the late afternoon, and don’t get to head out until after dark. After a long day of travel, we just spent time explore Tiananmen Square the and the Imperial Palace,

Government buildings flanking the Square

The opposite side of the square

Well fortified Monument to the People’s Heros

Imperial Palace

Well lit and free of tourists for the night

Sep 9

Before our afternoon flight back to Toronto, we have a number of hours to explore the city. Unfortunately, it was quite smoggy and ultimately rainy, but we made the most of the time.

Very smog covered Imperial Palace

Tiananmen Square with a few more people

A lot more crowded during the day

Zhengyang Gate on the south end of the square

Exterior of the Mao Zedong Mausoleum

Park around Houhai Lake

Trees draped along the shore

Sheltering from the rain

Exploring the historic shops in the area

The Lama Temple

Deeper in the Lama Temple

After a good day of touring, we headed the airport for the evening non-stop flight to Toronto and ultimately on to Houston, ending our epic flying journey.