I’ve been to Sydney a couple of times before, always headed for the city centre and the bright lights. It’s busy, no doubt about that, busier than any other Australian city by a long way.
But this weekend I saw the other side of Sydney.
North Shore.
We arrived at our hotel later than we had hoped, it was just about dusk. We found our way to a neighbouring suburb, Neutral Bay, and headed straight to the local pub…
It’s called The Oaks on account of the great big oak tree in the middle of their beer garden.
We ate under the tree, but we could have eaten in any one of maybe 15 or 20 restaurants sprinkled around this busy and lively suburb. We weren’t staying here though; we’d booked ourselves into Cremorne Point Manor…
… a cosy and unique boutique hotel with bundles of history, situated in the gloriously peaceful suburb of Cremorne Point.
The view from the balcony from the front of the hotel was good enough…
… but that’s not the half of it.
To get to the city, we needed to cross the road and go down a few steps to join a pathway that leads to the ferry point just five minutes away…
Views from this pathway weren’t bad either…
Then from the ferry point, which you can just about see to the left of this picture, there’s a pretty good view of the city. You can clearly see Sydney Opera House to the right…
…and if we look further to the right…
… you can see Harbour Bridge.
About eight minutes later, although it seemed much less to us, the ferry had reached Harbour Bridge…
… with a head on view of the Opera House from the port side…
… at which point the ferry turns a sharp left treating you to a side-view of Sydney’s most famous attraction…
…before docking at Circular Quay.
It’s a jaw dropping journey that takes you from tranquillity to the hustle and bustle of the city in less than 15 awesome minutes in all. They say Sydney Harbour is the best harbour in the world; not sure if that’s true but if there is a better one, I’d like to hear about it.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Cremorne Point Manor, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, but most of all we really enjoyed seeing the other side of Sydney. This area is obviously expensive, property prices are very high and the boats don’t come cheap either.
I’m sure quite a few millionaires live in these parts, this weekend we lived like millionaires ourselves. If you’re thinking of visiting Sydney, I highly recommend you check out the other side for yourself.
HI Bob,
Good day to you. Im get a job offer with office in liverpool NSW2170. Wonder which place is best to choose to stay as public transport is easy connect to liverpool and a lower rental rate and safe place to stay. I’m also think of how to choose a good state primary school. Appreciate your advice. Thanks in advanced.
Cheers
I’ve only been to Sydney for holidays, you’d be better off asking on my page about Sydney, lots of people who live there help out in the comments. Have a good read of the comments already made as well, you’ll find lots of interesting information.
Just click on Australian Cities in the main menu above and then Sydney. Good luck, Bob
My apologies, I need to add that this WWWebsite you have put together Bob is really well done!!
Thanks Alan, I appreciate your compliments. I’ve heard some good things about Wollongong as well, I’ve not specifically been, but driven past that way and it is a nice part of the country.
No need for an answer. We have friends south of Sydney in Wollongong, my best mate who left South Africa over 35 years ago. This is a “village” nicely out of the way of the big cities. We were amazed at the beaches and the life Australians live. I really wished it was easier leaving South Africa!
Oh, and love the pictures Bob 🙂
Thanks Sanja!
I can’t wait to see it all again after so many years:)
Hi Bob,
I’m an Aussie expat who’s been living in Europe for many years. Next year I’ll be returning to Oz for good. Stumbled over your blog and find it a great read. After reading about your Sydney trip I noticed the link to the article about Tasmania at the bottom.
I usually get down home once or twice a year and last year I spent a week in Tasmania. I believe that we should be rather secretive about the place as it is, in my opinion, one of the earth’s few paradises. Let’s not tell everyone about it. Let’s be protective and egoistical. Let’s just keep it for ourselves. If the rest of the world finds out about it’ll be buggered.
Cheers
I know exactly what you mean, the place would not be the same if it had 6 billion people living there 🙂 or even 2 million. It’s like going back in time, to a quiet peaceful world of old…
But I’d better shut up now, we’ve got to keep this to ourselves.
Cheers Anthony!
We lived here for a year, absolutely beautiful. The North Shore is stellar, and surely this IS the most beautiful harbour in the world. It is good to be back in the U.S. – much easier life and lower cost of loving, but never have I experienced heartache over a place – not even close – as I do whenever I recall this most spectacular and lovely city.
Well you lasted longer than we did Phil, we were only there for 2 days. It is amazing, but expensive. I get what you mean about the heartache, but as they say, better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
Cheers
Bob