I’m not a big fan of Sydney. But then I suspect Sydney cares very little for me too. As I’m not a fan, I will be brief. We’ll take a quick look around and then we’ll call it a day. Is that OK with you?
What is my problem with Sydney? I am going to talk from the viewpoint of someone who is thinking of quitting the UK (or anywhere) to emigrate to Australia. I think that makes sense given the nature of this blog.
I can’t see the big advantage of moving to Sydney. It is, of course, a big city. The biggest in Australia. It’s pretty crowded. Housing is expensive. Something like the 13th most expensive city in the world. There’s lots of traffic. Cost of living in Sydney is high, being around the 21st most expensive city in the world in which to live.
Is this reminding you of somewhere? Unless you are moving out of London into Sydney, it’s going to be dearer than what you’re used to and busier than what you’re used to. Don’t get me wrong. I’d rather live in Sydney than anywhere in the UK and I’d definitely rather live in Sydney than in London. But if you’re going to be coming all this way, AND you have a choice (if you have to come to Sydney because of a job then just do it, don’t let me put you off), I’d choose somewhere other than Sydney. Well I did. Brisbane!
What did I like?
I really enjoyed watching the techno-didgeridoo guys around the harbour. So much so, I bought a CD by “The Web” called Spirit Of The Land. Aborigines meet Hawkwind.
Sydney also has a couple of cool beaches. Some prefer Bondi, some Coogee. I say, spot the difference……
Bondi Beach
Coogee Beach
And from the other angle…..
Bondi Beach
Coogee Beach
That’s Sydney covered, now I want to talk about the weather. Come on! I’m British. It’s my favourite subject. When we left Port MacQuarie yesterday, it was 37°C. We knew from reading a newspaper that in Sydney it had been 41°C the previous day. When we got to Sydney, although it was early evening, it was still pretty and hot. Next day, from the comfort of our air-conditioned hotel room we looked out of the window at clear skies. We were in for another hot day. Not so! As we hit the streets wearing just T shirts and shorts it wasn’t long before my little daughter was saying ” daddy, I’m cold” – and it was. Just 17°C. How about that for a temperature swing. It wouldn’t be the first time either.
It’s easy to make the mistake of thinking Sydney, largest city in Australia, population of around 4.2 million, is the capital. But, of course, it isn’t. Here’s what happened (apparently). Sydney, which is in New South Wales, (NSW) wanted to be the capital. Melbourne, which is in Victoria and is the second largest city in Australia at 3.6 million, wanted to be the capital. Heated discussions between Sydney and Melbourne ensue. More heated discussions between NSW and Victoria ensue. Neither wants to come second. No-one wants to loose face. Wadayagonnado?
That’s easy. Stick the capital somewhere in between. But hold on, in between is fine but it still has to be in NSW or Victoria? Wadayagonnadonow? Hmmm.
That’s easy. We’ll give the area it’s own name, we’ll call it Australian Capital Territory (ACT). And so, Canberra, population of around 340,000 in ACT is the capital of Australia. Saved faces all round. That’s politics!
Next, the long drive to Melbourne.
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