Picturesque Sydney -
© David Newton
9/5/08
The settlement of Sydney began in haste in 1788 two years after the British lost the war of Independence to the USA in 1776. Since the British didn’t want a similar defeat they weren’t about to be red faced again while still holding the cards in the deck over Australia.
Botany Bay was the original site, but not for long. Even the French had their spot out at La Peruse too. However on Jan 26th 1788 a flag was planted on The Rocks area and all the work began for building the colony. Sydney Harbour would later turn into Circular Quay many years later and was one of the busiest southern ports the British had.
We have now extended Sydney from Palm Beach all the way down to Cronulla. These areas have been in habited by Aboriginal peoples for about the last 20,000 years before present day.
Looking Closely
Dee Why – a popular beach these days used by surfers and a lovely lookout near a golf course.
Manly – one of the most popular beaches and the place has a foodie spot with ferries regularly from Circular Quay.
Lady Jane Beach – inner harbour eastern suburbs. Is one of Australia first official nude beaches.
Bondi Beach – known world over and has a huge following. Cafes and pubs line the million dollar real-estate views of the Pacific at this location.
Cronulla – southern most beach – site of the 2005 riots. A very long beach front spans the area back to the sea.
Sydney siders are like New Yorkers, the city is brash, opinionated, unshockable and feisty. The incomes are about 20% higher in Sydney than most other places for the same work in other places around Australia. Since Sydney people see themselves as the birthplace of the nation capital – their self esteem is locked into that viewpoint.
Amazing Views
Manly
If you stand at the lookout at Lady Fairfax Walk on the North Head Manly you’ll be looking back to a 270 degree view of the habour.
Vaucluse
On the South Head – similarly you can see sweeping views of the harbour and Pacific. Nearby is a popular view point known as The Gap with views to die for of the Pacific Ocean, truly amazing!
West Head Lookout
From the Kuringia Chase National Park is a view spot with great views of Palm Beach and the upper northern beaches area.
Kirribilli
Even the city side views from Lower Nth Shore are just as exciting. What’s incredible is that many
Sydney people take it all so forgranted about what’s in their local areas. Maybe they see their own city too much on their TV sets at home and the occasional trip over the Sydney Harbour Bridge is enough for them?
Also due to the higher cost of living – its only natural that Sydney people are going to work even longer hours to cover that extra rent and expenses in this city.
So, what can you do for yourself in such a lovely city?
1. Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge – and visit the South Pillion Lookout and Museum.
2. Visit Manly Beach and the nice cafes there.
3. Go to the Summit Restaurant and have a meal or a drink while looking out at the views in this wonderful revolving establishment.
4. Take a day trip up to the Blue Mountains and go to Norman Lindsay home or see The Three Sisters Lookout.
There is a lot for you to enjoy and to be a part of this world class city. Enjoy it.
