SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA February 23 & 24, 2008Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales, located on the east coast of Australia. The city was established in 1788 when Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet landed in Sidney Cove and claimed Australia for the British. With a metropolitan population of over 4 million people, it is the most populous city in the country of about 20 million.
Built around Sidney Harbor, which is sometimes considered one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, has on its shores structures such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, which are globally, recognized icons of the city. Sydney is a major domestic and international tourist destination, notable for its climate, famous beaches, culture, renowned landmarks and modern architecture. It is Australia’s main financial center and the skyscrapers of its financial district cluster around Circular Quay, making the city’s skyline one of the most distinctive in the world.
Queen Victoria made her first call on Sydney on February 23, 2008. Her famous sister Queen Elizabeth 2 who is on her farewell World Cruise, made her final call at the port exactly 30 years she made her first call here on February 24, 1978.
We docked at the Circular Quay with Jim and the Queen Victoria. You can also see the Sydney Opera House nearby. We were met by dear friends Barry and Louise Mc Lean and given a tour of the North Beaches, which were the most beautiful beaches with great surfing. See the Sydney Opera House again from the ferry.
On the second day in Sydney Maud, a friend of Barry and Louise, entertained us in her home with a lovely lunch with her friends and family; a warm and welcoming group of new friends.
The thousands of people who visited the harbor on land and sea to see the two queens were absolutely astounding. Take a look at the panoramic views taken from the air of the two Queens. The first shows the QE2 in the fore ground and the second the QE2 is on the right. In both cases the older QE2 has tugs guiding her in the harbor where as the QV tugs are not needed. The vast armadas of smaller pleasure boats were a sight to see.
As we pushed off from the dock and while we make our way out of the harbor the many scene of the mobs of people were memorable.
The last picture is of the crowds at the headlands waiting for a final view as she left the harbor.
