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Plonked square in the middle of Sydney Harbour, immediately west of the bridge, lies Goat Island, so named because of its shape, so the Ranger sheepishly explained. The constant din of trains crossing the bridge would awaken the most gullible of trolls, should one happen to inhabit the island.
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The location and aspect of the island is enough to cause apoplexy in a den of property developers. Just imagine: 13.5 acres = 54 building blocks @ $10m each = *ker-ching*!!
The two aerial shots of the island are courtesy of the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the current custodians of the island.
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Looking directly east, and on full 250mm zoom, using the deck of the SHB as my spirit level, we experience the working harbour in all its glory. Under the bridge, on the left, is Admiralty House, the Sydney residence of the Australian Head of State. The fort like island in the centre is Fort Denison (or Pinchgut). From memory, the water tower on the ridge in the background is way out at Bellevue Hill. There are a coupla ferries and the square rigger is ... umm ... its not the replica Endeavour, nor is it the James Craig ... mmm ... it's the Southern Swan.
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In 1788 there were 14 islands in Port Jackson. Since 1788, five islands have been connected to the mainland via reclamation (Berry, Garden, Bennelong, Glebe and Darling Islands) and two small islands have been joined (Spectacle island). Eight islands remain – Fort Denison, Rodd, Cockatoo, Snapper, Shark, Clark, Spectacle and Goat.
Sydney-siders might care to enlarge the images of the city skyline. This is where property developers (and Paul Keating) are going to put a red monstrosity 500m out over the harbour and step (expensive) apartment buildings along Barrangaroo. All in the name of returning the foreshore to the people.
Harumphf ...
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Tomorrow: come with me to explore the Queen's Powder Keg and the spirit of convicts past.
24 comments:
You DO live in a beautiful city Julie. I think I might not go to the airport next Sunday and stay here instead. Oh, hang on... too many cars!
Such brilliant blues in those shots Julie. I'm not impressed with some of the plans I've seen for Barangaroo either. They want to spend billions of dollars creating a more 'natural' cove and headland but then want to plonk a massive hotel/apartment complex there. Madness.
Sydney - City and Suburbs
Wow - jumped over here from Riff (because I gave you an award on my blog and wanted to e-mail you - no e-mail address on your profile, Julie) and had no idea you did this, too. And more, judging from the sidebar. Wow.
I'll be back :)
How beautiful. I love the blue skies! And the shot of the chain link fence with the bridge in the background - both views - is spectacular!
Anybody who is considering suicide, should be forced to go for a trip on Sydney harbour. THAT, would change their mind.
Great photos! It's always neat to read your perspective about the goings on that you show us in your photos.
Can one cross the bridge on foot? And what would a Sydney troll look like, I wonder. Another great post, Julie.
One can, indeed, cross the bridge on foot. It is a very popular walk. however, because so many people like to climb and 'jump' it is encrusted with barbed-wire and netting. The experience is great, but the photos less so. Every so often, they close the bridge to traffic and peope can just saunter down the centre. I did this for "Sorry' Day in mmm in ... 2000 and again for the 75th Anniversary in 2007. I will be 84 when the SHB is 100. I'll give it a burl if I'm around.
It costs a lot of money and time to do the bridge climb. For a fraction of the cost you can go up the pylon nearest the CBD. It's nearly as good, view wise.
I am not prepared to shell out $300+ to walk across the arch. But I will pay the $7.50 to go up the pylon which I have not done for such a long time. Will rectify that when this weather clears. Not that I want it to clear. I quite like it cold, dark and wet!!
$7.50 WOW! The last time I was there the cost was 1/- (12c).........
Don't think I've ever been up the pylon, or it was so long ago that I don't remember.
If you don't mind me saying, I'm finding some of your shots so saturated as to appear unnatural.
They were teseting the lights on the Barracks last night, not very impressive, that one is mainly text (unless it cycles through - only saw one). Hope the others are more interesting.
The blues here are certainly in your face! I really only noticied it when I compared with the NP&W shots which are more turquoise. No, I don't mind your saying so. I always appreciate feedback. I was telling Peter that my Canon allows me to set a range of styles which I can choose between for any given day (or shot - but that is not realistic). I will reassess.
I hope the lighting is not just more of the same that we saw during the Sydney Festival. As with fireworks, must be bigger and better for each successive event.
Going up the pylon? Which pylon? Can you take photos up there? I climbed the Story Bridge in Brisbane but they wouldn't let me bring a camera with me - I had to pose for their cameras. Most unsatisfying!
By the way - the blues...WOW!
Yes you can climb the SE pylon. There are steps and I think, from memory, a lift. Cameras are all the go. But when you do 'BridgeClimb' cameras are banned. They say for safety reasons. Piffle ...
RED? Oh no!
You really live in a wonderful and thrilling city, Julie. I know it from my visit in 2003. I think there are many changings. What wonderful and colourful photos and numerous facts in your today's post. Thank you, Danke, Merci.
Thank you, Lewi. There are wonderful changes occurring but the underlying city is still visible for those with eyes to see and a heart to feel.
I have not forgotten your request for more on Darlinghurst. This is only 5 minutes from where I live so I am collecting stories. Next week, next week ...
A beautiful busy harbour. Not keen to hear about the planned redevelopment.
Sensational shots, Julie. City is so beautiful and you are right, wherever there is development there is beauty to be found if we only look.
Your camera made me jealous - love those settings as evidenced in the photos, I particularly like the bridge blurred behind the mesh. Sounds like another urban disaster down along the hungry mile ... where are the leaders?
Seems I differ from the rest of you ... I like what they have planned for Barrangaroo. It will be vibrant and exciting just like our lovely harbour.
Funny how so many of the islands got joined up with the mainland.
So little and so much things to tell!
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