The Aboriginal people inhabited Australia for 60,000 years prior to the arrival of Abel Tasman, a Dutch Navigator, in 1642. More Europeans followed, and they brought diseases with them which eventually decimated the Aborigines. Today only about 2% of the Australian population is of Aboriginal descent.
In 1768, Capt. Cook set off from England in the Endeavour. By April 1770, King George III formally claimed possession of the Australian east coast. Later, due to the overcrowding of the jails and the loss of the American Colonies in the War of Independence, Britain decided to establish a penal colony in the new land. Thus, the First Fleet, consisting of 2 war ships and nine transports, arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788. The initial settlement was 750 convicts, 210 marines and 40 women and children. Tents were erected on the rocky shoreline and the first “village” was founded, forevermore to be known as “The Rocks.”
The Rocks along with Circular Quay are the oldest part of inner Sydney. The City Centre is the central business district and to its west lies Darling Harbour. These are the areas we revisited on this voyage.
Map of The Rocks and Circular QuayGood things begin with a good idea.Cadmans Cottage was built in 1816 to house the Superindendent of Govermnent Boats. His job was to manage the government boats and the coxswains, boat crews and laborers, most of whom were convicts.Cadmans CottageUnder a death sentence for stealing a horse, John Cadman received a commuted sentence to the penal colony being established in th new land. Eventually receiving a conditional pardon, he went on to become a public servant and inn owner.The Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay and The Rocks.Old warehouses now converted into art galleries at The Rocks.Approaching Sydney Harbor/Sydney Opera House and old Ft. Dennison.The Sydney Harbour Bridge aka “The Coat Hanger” and the Opera House as seen from Darling.Circular Quay/Sydney HarbourCircular Quay and The Museum of New Art.Town Hall with its distinctive clock tower.Statue pf Queen Victoria between the Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building.Queen Victoria Bldg, c1898 is a beautiful shopping emporium.Digeredo players along the Quay.Darling HarbourThere are lots of shops and eateries at Darling Harbour.Multi levels for viewing!The Aquarium and a Wild Life Park are along the dock also.The Maritime Museum is excellent!There’s a big shopping complex at Darling Harbour.Water taxis are readily available.Walking along Darling Harbour.The Pyrmont Swing Bridge at Darling Harbour as seen from the Maritime Museum..The walk bridge has closed because a boat is approaching.And the bridge swings open!The Star Casino and shopping complex is across the way.Ibis sharing the walkway.You could spend the whole day here!And a “cool one” at the end of the day!Darling Harbour
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