In 2010, we took advantage of the Island Hopping experience on Sydney harbour to explore several of the islands that are dotted around the bays & coves.
Normally, these islands are only open for special events or by appointment.
The first stop was Goat Island (which is the largest island in Sydney Harbour). We regularly pass it on the ferry to & from our place & the city. From the ferry we can see lots of old buildings and paths, but little else.
As you can see, Goat Island has a wonderful view of the harbour and the bridge from the former home of the Harbour Master. It's a shame that the house has been allowed to fall into disrepair.
Memel (the eye) was renamed Goat Island during the early settlement phase of Sydney Town for the simple fact that the early Europeans grazed goats there.
Goat Island became the first home for the Sydney Water Police and Harbour Fire Brigade.
During the month of Island Hopping they used the forecourt (below) for traditional military displays & parades.
The Queen's Gunpowder Magazine was opened in 1836.
It was built with convict labour and sandstone.
It was used to store large amounts of explosives.
Next week: Clark Island
Normally, these islands are only open for special events or by appointment.
The first stop was Goat Island (which is the largest island in Sydney Harbour). We regularly pass it on the ferry to & from our place & the city. From the ferry we can see lots of old buildings and paths, but little else.
Goat Island is situated on the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
As you can see, Goat Island has a wonderful view of the harbour and the bridge from the former home of the Harbour Master. It's a shame that the house has been allowed to fall into disrepair.
Mr Seasons & I on the lawn in front of the Harbour Masters Residence.
Memel (the eye) was renamed Goat Island during the early settlement phase of Sydney Town for the simple fact that the early Europeans grazed goats there.
Goat Island became the first home for the Sydney Water Police and Harbour Fire Brigade.
During the month of Island Hopping they used the forecourt (below) for traditional military displays & parades.
The Queen's Gunpowder Magazine was opened in 1836.
It was built with convict labour and sandstone.
It was used to store large amounts of explosives.
The islands are such a special Sydney experience- I got to Cockatoo Island for the first time a few weeks ago when I was in Sydney- I meant to show the pictures this week but that didn't happen. Is Goat bigger than Cockatoo? I thought Cockatoo was bigger. I love all your pictures today.
ReplyDeleteCockatoo is quite a bit bigger than Goat Island. Cockatoo Island has now also been listed as a World Heritage historic convict site. You would have gone past Goat Island on the ferry from Circular Quay to Cockatoo though :-)
DeleteI look forward to your Biennale shots...next week?
That would have been a great experience. We went by it on a harbour cruise last year. If I am ever in Sydney at the right time I will have to take advantage of the opportunity to visit.
ReplyDeleteSean at His and Her Hobbies
Unfortunately there has not been another Island Hopping weekend since the one we did in 2010.
DeleteHow nice to have the islands nearby, even if they don't open them up to tours very often. I live inland, in the middle of the US, so I have to travel pretty far for an experience like that.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting tour. Isn't it wonderful that a little island can have so much history. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love visiting islands, and while I have never yet been to Australia, I loved seeing this island through your photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks! And here's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST
Very interesting. So close to Sydney, it was great to take the opportunity to visit when you could.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be the Harbour Master and live in that lovely home! We have a Goat Island at Niagara Falls, but it's tiny.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting - I had no idea there were islands in Sydney harbour, and so worth seeing too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete