New Year, New Adventure: Part 3
The next leg of our adventure started when the ship headed out in to Port Phillip Bay. The wind filled in and the ship’s master advised the passengers that we would spend the next week racing to stay ahead of a developing weather system. This race required the ship to skip its first scheduled port call in Eden and proceed directly to Sydney
Wind and waves welcomed us aboard the ship, and kept us company for the rest of the trip.
36 hours after leaving Melbourne, the ship made its way around the southeast corner of the continent and arrived off Sydney just as the sun rose above the eastern horizon.
Perhaps the calmest port entry of the trip, the ship motored up the Sydney Harbor with passengers lining the rails or observing the iconic port from their breakfast tables.
As common as sea birds, the green and tan Sydney Harbor Ferry boats criss-cross the waterway, connecting the many points of land that make up the metropolitan area.
At the end of Bradley’s Head, among the 1800s defensive fortifications, the main mast of the HMAS Sydney commemorates the first naval engagement between an Australian and German ship during WWI and the naval personnel lost in action.
Fort Denison Island sits squarely in the middle of the harbor, guarding the navy base.
The iconic architectural symbol of Australia, the Sydney Opera House, opened in 1973. It is considered one of the most photographed buildings ever.
Passing under the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Later in the day, The Captain and I climber to the top of the center span.
Our ship along side in White Bay as seen from Barangaroo. The Balmain neighborhood lies at the top of the hill.
The Sydney Cove and Circular Quay viewed from the Cahill Walk Lookout.
We walked the grounds of the Government house and Bennelong Lawn and enjoyed the land side view of the Sydney Opera House.
Along side the Government House, we walked the Royal Botanic Garden. This Ficus Macrophylla Columnaris was amazing.
Like the exotic Ficus from Lord Howe Island, it was amazing to see the exotic maize from America.
Our busy day in Sydney ended with a beautiful sunset over White Bay.