Semi Circular Quay - Port Jackson - Sydney Harbour -

 

Circular Quay is one of Sydney's most iconic and historically significant areas, known for its stunning waterfront, bustling harbor, and role in the city's development. Here's a comprehensive overview of the complete history of Circular Quay:

Early Indigenous Use:

• Before European colonization, the area around Circular Quay was inhabited by the Eora Aboriginal people, who had a strong connection to the harbor and waterways.

Early European Settlement:

• In 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet established the first European settlement in Sydney Cove, near what is now Circular Quay.
• The area served as a landing point and a hub for early colonial activity.

Early Infrastructure:

• By the early 1800s, wharves, docks, and warehouses were built along the harbor, turning Circular Quay into a bustling maritime center.
• The area became a hub for trade, shipping, and transport.

Expansion and Development:

• Throughout the 19th century, Circular Quay continued to develop, with improvements to its infrastructure, including wharves and customs facilities.
• The construction of Circular Quay's first wharf, the Commissariat Store, and other structures enhanced its commercial importance.

Transportation Hub:

• The mid-19th century saw the introduction of steamships and improved maritime facilities, solidifying Circular Quay's role as a transportation hub.
• Ferries and steamships connected Circular Quay to other parts of Sydney and beyond.

Renovation and Modernization:

• In the early 20th century, Circular Quay underwent renovations and modernization projects, including the construction of the Circular Quay Railway Station (now Circular Quay Station).
• The area continued to evolve as a bustling commercial and transport center.

Harbor Bridge and Opera House:

• The opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932 transformed the area, connecting Circular Quay to North Sydney.
• In the later 20th century, the Sydney Opera House, a world-renowned architectural marvel, was constructed on Bennelong Point near Circular Quay.

Tourism and Cultural Center:

• Circular Quay's central location, stunning views of the harbor, and proximity to iconic landmarks made it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
• The area is home to numerous cultural institutions, dining establishments, and public spaces.

Urban Renewal:

• In recent decades, Circular Quay has undergone various urban renewal projects to enhance its accessibility, attractiveness, and cultural offerings.
• The area hosts events, festivals, and markets, contributing to its vibrancy and cultural significance.

Transport and Accessibility:

• Circular Quay remains a major transportation interchange, with ferries, trains, buses, and light rail connecting the area to different parts of Sydney.

Today, Circular Quay stands as a vibrant and historic precinct that embodies Sydney's past, present, and future. Its role as a transportation hub, cultural center, and iconic harborside location continues to shape the city's identity and draw people from around the world.

 Wedding Cake Island - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales 

Wedding Cake Island is a small rocky island located in the eastern part of Sydney Harbour, off the coast of Coogee Beach in New South Wales, Australia. Here's some information about Wedding Cake Island:

1. Name: Wedding Cake Island gets its name due to its distinctive shape, which is said to resemble a tiered wedding cake. The name is derived from its appearance when viewed from a distance, particularly from Coogee Beach or other vantage points along the coast.

2. Geological Formation: The island is a rocky outcrop that emerged due to geological processes over millions of years. It is composed of sandstone, which is a common rock type in the Sydney region.

3. Marine Life and Surrounding Area: The island is part of a marine reserve and is known for its diverse marine ecosystem. The surrounding waters are popular for snorkeling and diving due to the presence of coral reefs and a variety of fish and other marine creatures.

4. Access and Conservation: Wedding Cake Island is located offshore and can be seen from various coastal viewpoints. Access to the island itself is restricted to protect the local environment and wildlife. Visitors are not permitted to land on the island.

5. Importance to the Local Community: Wedding Cake Island is a significant landmark for the local community, particularly for residents and visitors of Coogee Beach. It adds to the natural beauty of the area and is often featured in photographs and artwork depicting the Sydney coastline.

6. Music Connection: Wedding Cake Island gained additional recognition through its association with the Australian rock band Midnight Oil. The band released a song titled "Wedding Cake Island" in 1979, which contributed to the island's cultural significance.

Wedding Cake Island is a distinctive geological feature and a notable landmark in Sydney Harbour. Its unique shape, marine biodiversity, and connection to the local community make it a memorable part of the coastal landscape.

 Bare Island - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales 

Glebe Island - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales

 Snapper Island - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales 

 Snapper Island - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales 

 Spectacle Island - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales 

 Garden Island - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales 

 Clark Island - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales 

 Shark Island - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales 

 Goat Island - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales 

 Pinch Gut Island - Fort Denison - Sydney Harbour - Port Jackson - New South Wales 

Farm Cove - Next To The Royal Botanical Gardens - Sydney - New South Wales

Farm Cove - Westrn Side 

Farm Cove Is A Wide Crescent Bay Between Sydney Cove & Woolloomooloo Bay. Sloping Down To The Roomy Foreshores Are Government House Grounds, The Botanical Gardens (An Arboreal Sanctuary of 66 Acres, & The Domain 125 Acres. 

A. Tree Shaded Creek Flow Through the Gardens Where A Memorial Plaque States "In These Gardens Began The Agriculture & Horticulture Of A Continant. The First Farm In Australia Was Established On This Site With Seeds &Plants Brought By The First Fleet in 1788." Here, Where Kangaroos & Emus Had Browsed On The Tough Grass Since Time Began, convicts With Axes Destroyed Trees Or hoed &Harrowed The Fertile Soil. 

In 1813 A Road Three Miles And 367 Yards Long Was Built Through The Farm To The Eastern Portion Of The Cove (Native Name Yourong) Where On The 13th June 1816 An Inscription was Etched On A Huge Sandstone Rock Known As Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Here The Governor's Wife Could Rest After Her Long Walk from Government House In Bridge Street, Or Watch The Panorama Of Pinchgut Rock.,, Where Unruly Convicts Were Banished For Their Sins And Fed ON Bread And Water Until Their "Pinched Guts" Made Them More Reasonable To Discipline. 

Governor Phillip Lived On The Warship "Sirius" Until The 18th Of February 1788..... 

"When He Left The "Sirius" And Took Up His Residence In Shore"

Before Leaving London The Governor Had Ordered, At A Cost Of £125, Frpm Smith Of St George's Fields, A Canvas House To Be Erected On Numbered Frames And Used As A Temporary Residence. 

David Collons - Judge Advocate, Wrote In His Account Of The English Colony

"A Portable Canvas House, Brought Over For The Governor, Was Erected On The East Side Of The Cove.... Where Also A Small Body Of Convicts Was Out Under Tent The Detachment Of Marines Was Emcamped At The Head Of The Cove, Near The Stream, And On The West Side  Was Placed The Main Body Of Convicts." 

This Government House Was Built Where Governor Phillip Wrote - "Ships Can Anchor Close To The Shore. At A Very Small Expense Quays May Be Constructed At Which The Largest Vessels May Unload. The Cove Is About A Half Mile In Length, And A Quarter Of A Mile Across The Entrance." 

Farm Cove is a small, picturesque bay located on the southern shore of Sydney Harbor, adjacent to the Sydney Central Business District (CBD). It has a rich history that dates back to the early colonial period of Australia. Here's an overview of the history of Farm Cove:

1. Indigenous Land: Prior to European settlement, the land around Farm Cove was inhabited by the Gadigal people, an indigenous group of the Eora nation. They had lived in the Sydney area for thousands of years, and the cove would have been a part of their traditional lands.

2. Colonial Settlement: When the British First Fleet arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788 and established the first European settlement, Farm Cove was included within the boundaries of what became Sydney. Governor Arthur Phillip, the first governor of New South Wales, selected the area around Farm Cove for the government garden and farm.

3. Government Garden: Governor Phillip established a garden in the Farm Cove area in 1788 to grow food crops to supplement the colony's limited food supply. This garden, known as the Government Garden, was one of the earliest European-style gardens in Australia.

4. Botanic Gardens: In 1816, Governor Lachlan Macquarie expanded and formalized the Government Garden, transforming it into the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. This marked the beginning of the garden's role as a center for the study and cultivation of plants. The Botanic Garden is now one of the oldest scientific institutions in Australia.

5. Cultural Significance: Farm Cove and the Royal Botanic Garden have played a significant role in Sydney's cultural and scientific life. The garden houses a diverse collection of plants, including many rare and exotic species. It is also home to scientific research and educational programs.

6. Landmarks: Farm Cove is home to several notable landmarks, including the iconic Sydney Opera House, which was completed in 1973. The Opera House's unique design has made it one of the most recognizable and celebrated buildings in the world.

7. Recreational Use: Today, Farm Cove and the surrounding area are used for various recreational purposes. People can stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, enjoy picnics, or simply take in the stunning views of Sydney Harbor. The cove's location also makes it a popular spot for events, including the annual New Year's Eve fireworks display.

8. Preservation: Efforts have been made to preserve and protect the natural beauty and historical significance of Farm Cove and the Royal Botanic Garden. Conservation initiatives aim to protect the native flora and fauna in the area and maintain the cultural heritage associated with the garden.

Farm Cove, with its historical importance and scenic beauty, continues to be a cherished part of Sydney's landscape. It reflects the city's colonial past and its ongoing commitment to horticulture, botany, and the natural environment.