So for as long as I can remember I always wanted to get a ferry from Circular Quay to Parramatta to see the sights. I should add right now that I live in Sydney, just a 5 minute drive from Sydney Harbour but I haven’t really spent much time on or near it in the many years I have lived in Sydney.
For those of you who don’t know, Sydney Harbour is the icon of our city. It stretches from Manly/Vaucluse all the way up the Parramatta River to just past Parramatta. While not the largest water way in Australia (Lake Macquarie in the Hunter is much larger) it is very beautiful, with many alcoves going off into different directions that just beg to be explored.
This Sunday I decided to finally jump on a ferry and head up the Parramatta River to see what’s there that can’t be seen from the car.
Unfortunately the trip was cut short by low tides. I didn’t realise that the ferry only runs to Rydalmere when the tide is low and is then replaced with buses. This is cuts off the last few kilometers of the trip. I guess next time I’ll have to time it with a hide tide. Anyway I traveled from Circular Quay to Rydalmere and back and took some great photos on the way back.
The Gladesville Bridge
Opened in 1964, the Gladesville Bridge crosses the Parramatta River at Gladesville and is part of Victoria Road. The bridge is a large concrete arch with the roadway on the top. It’s far more beautiful from the water than from the road.
Darling Harbour and Barangaroo
The city’s newest suburb, Barangaroo is home to high rises, a casino, hotel and many apartments. It is built on reclaimed land where shipping docks used to be. It is just around the harbour from Darling Harbour. Here’s some photos of Darling Harbour and Barangaroo.
Harbour Bridge / Circular Quay / Opera House
All tucked in next to each other, these landmarks are what people remember about Sydney. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Harbour Bridge and Opera House were the most photographed things in Australia. Anyway, the sun was setting and the sky was purple and it was beautiful so here’s some shots including some of the city itself in the background.
Circular Quay
Our many ferry terminal and right next door to the Opera House, Circular Quay is a hive of activity. At the moment they have Lunar New Year decorations up around the forecourts.
Wow, I’ve always wanted to visit Sydney and go on the ferry the Manly. Have you ever done that?
Manly ferry is good but most people take this. It’s sometimes rocky boating when there’s rough weather too but it’s not a bad trip and Manly is pretty good once you get there.
I hope to visit Sydney sometime soon, I will add these to my list of places to visit.
Sydney is great, but living here for almost 20 years you don’t really see it as a tourist spot anymore.