Waverley Cemetery slopes down the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is between Bronte Beach and Clovelly Beach, both iconic to Sydneysiders - and nicer than Bondi Beach, by the way. The cemetery is administered by a Trust, yet somehow the local council is also involved. As you can see, it is massive. I was there an hour and a half on Sunday (catching the 378 bus at 7:09am) , and it would take 100 visits this length to walk all the paths. But it is drop-dead gorgeous. Oops ...
The first interment was in August 1877 in a cemetery that spreads over 40 acres. There have been over 80,000 interments now, but quite a few share plots. In comparison with many other cemeteries I have traipsed, Waverley appears 'tall'. Maybe it is the effect of walking up the hill with everything towering above me.
There were storm clouds to the west, but they did not come to anything until later Sunday night, when the skies opened and the rain pelted down.
It certainly looks like a beautiful
ReplyDeleteresting place,quite the nicest I've
ever seen.
Wonderful top shot Julie, almost in silhouette. I think Waverley Cemetery holds it's own against any around the world for position, interest and beauty. I admire it every time I come to Sydney! Next time we should have a walk around there together, what say you?
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous cemetery! I love the setting and all those yucca plants, or whatever you call them down your way. These are wonderful shots. I'm sure the hill helps them feel tall, but all those crosses on top reach for the sky, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing cemetery. And wonderful views for the visitors of the interred.
ReplyDeleteI am of course aware of this cemetery but have never visited it and didn't realise it was tiered like that.
ReplyDeleteMany of my cliff walks took a detour into this cemetery. It really is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Dina. And to take that zig-zag of a coastal walk, and to sit at the bench way up there on that southern headland, is sublime.
ReplyDeleteGrace, it's a date. Next time you are over.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I picked Waverley as a favourite out of several from a recent post of yours? That top picture confirms my good judgement. Amazing shot, Julie!
ReplyDeleteResting forever overlooking the sea. Lovely. The top shot in silhouette got me.
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Nice to see two posts on the same day from this cemetery. I like the dramatic setting so close to the ocean.
ReplyDeleteI have featured a very different looking shot from Waverley Cemetery today.
ReplyDeleteThe top photo is superb.
ReplyDeleteIt looks to be a rather crowded - and therefore popular? - place.
GORGEOUS...I love the terraced look of this cemetery, and its in a beautiful spot for sure.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a cemetery with terraces leading down into the ocean. Menton has a somewhat similar plan but it's high on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean with the Old Town below. That first image has an end-of-the-world feel to it.
ReplyDeleteThe silhouette is wonderful. I keep meaning to get over there but never do. I'm getting quite a list of must visit cemeteries.
ReplyDeleteI was just at Jim's post - and was not prepared for this view!! This is stunningly prime real estate!
ReplyDeleteSanna: next time I will visit in the early evening when the sun is at my back as I face the ocean. You have not yet even BEGUN to see stunning!
ReplyDeleteA scenic cemetery indeed! Take away the palm trees and you have the feel of Dromana cemetery on Port Phillip Bay, Mornington Peninsula! At least Waverley has navigable walkways! Dromana tends to be a little challenging to wander!
ReplyDeleteIt feels like an invitation to sit down and reflect... such a feel with the yuccas.
ReplyDeleteLove the third shot Julie. The headstones give the impression of marching up the hill. And the grey clouds are perfect. Nice one.
ReplyDelete"Drop dead gorgeuous"
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed! People are just dying to get in there!
*grin* ... Paul, it was tempting to use that one, too.
ReplyDeleteGemma, there are a variety of walkways, even bitumen 'roads' where joggers cut through. However, I found the (mown) grass a challenge because it was so thick and spongy and I am unstable when on bitumen, so my stick got a good workout.
Four wonderful shots, Julie! Great series. The blooming Yuccas are lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou are really dedicated to the Taphophil Tragics to take a busride so early. But it was worth it, you made beautiful pictures and I can imagine you spent so much time at this cemetery. It is situated at an amzing place so close to the ocean.
ReplyDeleteWow. Stunning. What I wouldn't give to looks round that cemetery.
ReplyDeleteHerding Cats
http://seathreepeeo.blogspot.com
Love that silhouette! The sky is so striking and the cross so stark.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of this beautiful cemetery, Julie. Quite a lot of cemeteries are built on sites with wonderful views...
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be laid to rest facing the sea for all eternity!
ReplyDeleteThey sure rest in the most beautiful place. The views are to die for...ooops.
ReplyDeletevery pretty. now "my cemetery" suddenly does not seem that impressive anymore. ah well, i guess its different.
ReplyDeletei like it, with all the plants and palm trees. so many crosses and white graves! dont really see that around here..