Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour
Fort Denison, Sydney Harbour
Our holiday in New South Wales
September 2007
An interesting little slice of Australian history sits on a prominent island in the middle of Sydney Harbour, not far from the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is clearly visible from near Mrs Macquaries Chair as shown in the photo above. This is the closest we have been to this interesting island. Next time we are in Sydney we must take the time to visit this historic site.
This fortress on an island in Sydney Harbour was commenced in 1841 and completed in 1857 to protect the small colony of New South Wales against a feared Russian invasion during the Crimean War. It is now a museum and tourist attraction. You can take a boat trip to the island and a tour of the island and the museum. The island is now administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Further reading
- Check out the Wikipedia article about Fort Denison.
Fort Denison, Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour Bridge and photography
Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House
Our holiday in New South Wales
September 2007
It doesn’t take much imagination to realise that the Sydney Harbour Bridge is probably one of the most photographed features of Australia. It may even be the most popular photographic subject of both local and foreign visitors to Sydney. It is certain that it is instantly recognisable as one of our most popular landmarks.
On our recent visit to Sydney we had a beautiful day exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens and nearby parks. Late in the afternoon however, the weather changed the lighting conditions. Light cloud came in and the light became diffused and more subdued. This made an interesting challenge for photographers that afternoon, myself included. Because we get to Sydney so infrequently – this was only our third visit in eight years – I wanted to capture some images of the old “coathanger”, a term of endearment given to the bridge by many Aussies.
I was also on the wrong side of the bridge in the late afternoon. Shooting into the sun presents many challenges – and can bring interesting results. Although on the dull side I am still quite pleased with the above shot. It could perhaps have been improved by including a little more of the Opera House. I think, however, that it captures the mood of the harbour that afternoon.
Views of Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour
Our holidays in New South Wales
September 2007
When we visited the central part of Sydney on our last day of our holiday there this year, we visited the Royal Botanic Gardens. Later we walked around Farm Cove to Mrs Macquaries Chair. Here we had an icecream and sat looking at the wonderful views of Sydney Harbour.
This area is popular with locals and tourists alike. From the point one can get wonderful photos of the harbour and its vast range of water craft constantly on the move, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydney Harbour
Mrs Macquaries Chair, Sydney
Near Mrs Macquaries Chair, Sydney Harbour
Our holiday in New South Wales
September 2007
From the Royal Botanic Gardens we walked around Farm Cove towards Mrs Macquaries Chair. This famous Sydney landmark is where Mrs Macquarie, the wife of an early governor of New South Wales, had a chair where she had a magnificent view of Sydney Harbour. This is now a popular tourist spot because it gives the visitor excellent views of the harbour.
Today there is constant movement on the harbour with ferries, boats, yachts and all kinds of water craft moving people around the harbour. It is a very relaxing place to just sit and watch the constant movement. Sometimes the bird watching is quite good too; back in 2000 we saw a Little Penguin chasing tiny fish in the water nearby. This time we just bought an icecream and sat watching the waves, the boats the birds and anything that took our interest.
Near Mrs Macquaries Chair, Sydney Harbour
Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour
No Comments »20th October, 2007; Category: Botanic Gardens, New South Wales, Parks and Gardens, Sydney
Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour
Our hoilday in New South Wales
September 2007
On our visit this year to the Royal Botanic Gardens we walked around Farm Cove. This inlet is a part of the greater Sydney Harbour. It is a great spot to stroll along the sea wall watching the numerous water craft that use the harbour waters every day. Many tourists also come along this walkway because it gives such great views of the harbour, and further along, the bridge and the Opera House.
Local people also use the pathway along Farm Cove. While on our walk we must have been passed by fifty or more joggers and people exercising. It is also a great place for photographers. The path is adjacent extensive lawns and many people use these lawns to enjoy picnics, playing with their children or just lying down and relaxing in the sun. This is one of our favourite spots in Sydney.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Harbour