The weather hadn’t improved much, but we had to make the most of our limited time, so we head out on another journey on foot. At the end of Victoria Street were the McElhone Stairs, over a hundred of them, leading down to Cowper Wharf Road, which runs along Wooloomooloo Bay. Not too far from there we were able to cut up to The Domain and The Botanic Gardens, following the contour of the bay and reading tidbits about how this part of the park was enjoyed by Mrs. Macquarie, wife of the first governor of New South Wales. Lachlan Macquarie started many lavish public works, some with the design/architectural work done by talented ex-convict Francis Greenway. Many of these were unfinished, but there are lots of reminders around town. Early on we also passed the Andrew “Boy” Charlton Pool, where we watched some hearty souls doing laps.
Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair was carved out of a rock ledge for Elizabeth Macquarie, and now lies at the eastern edge of the Botanic Gardens. The panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Harbour and the mountains in the distance are spectacular. Our walk continued out of the Botanic Gardens and past The Opera House itself at Bennelong Point. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Opera House is, of course, an icon. Classified as Modern Expressionist in style, the shapes, curves, lines, tiles and platforms create an unforgettable image overlooking the harbor, and we spent quite a while admiring it from all angles.
Our next stops were Circular Quay, where all the ferries take off, and The Rocks, lined with fancy boutiques, galleries and cafes contained within historic colonial buildings. Cadman’s Cottage (1816) is Sydney’s oldest house. It used to be right on the beach of Sydney Cove! It was used as coxswain’s barracks, Water Police Headquarters and a Sailor’s Home Trust. Now, there is some good archaeological information downstairs, while the top of the house has be renovated to house some Parks offices.
Needing to get out of the rain for a bit, we entered the Pylon at the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (nicknamed “the old coathanger,” the bridge was opened in 1932)and climbed up for a view from the top. It was a god one, and we learned a lot about the bridge’s history and construction along the way. Back at the bottom, we walked across the bridge itself and into North Sydney.
We hopped the train back over, and head to Newtown. We loved our walk up and down King Street. This neighborhood seemed funky and comfortable, with a cool music scene and lots of restaurants and pubs to choose from. Dinner with cousin Dave, (Thai at “Thaitanic”) was delicious, and a perfect way to cap off a busy day.
More photos of Sydney
