Sydney: Mecca of South Pacific Symbolism (Sydney Harbour National Park)

Member Name: tiaw

Product:	Sydney Harbour National Park
Date:	20/06/07 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Symbolism, Fun, Sights

Disadvantages: Very few

As I arrive, i'm fatigued by cantankerous immigration staff, an extorionate chocolate milk and the sweetest (not neccesarily nice), most expensive do-nuts i've ever had the mispleasure of eating, all while waiting for the bus to the hostel on a bitterly cold Sydney morning.

A half moon is still visible. There's not a cloud in the sky. I can see my breath. It's that cold. And i'm incredibly tired.

After some sleep, I walk through Alfred Park, past Central Station and into the long spanning Central Business District along Pitt Street. I know i'm getting close.

Suddenly, the sight i've been longing to see begins revealing itself from behind trees and buildings. I'm euphoric. I walk towards the steps I barely managed to climb as a 4 year old and just try to take it in - What a feeling, to have arrived in Australia only this morning, and within a few hours to see for real it's most recognizeable landmark.

I walk around Circular Quay, past the buskers and open air restaurants. I walk back to the Opera House, looking out upon the steady flow of ships and ferries as they passage the choppy waters.

I stare in amazement as the sun drops below Harbour Bridge and the accompanying skyline. It shines upon the Opera house to turn it a strange orange.

I touch the tiles of the famous building and feel the urge to wash my hands shortly after. English voices, Japanese chatter, the odd New York twang. The whole world is here, in this Mecca of South Pacific symbolism.

There's no doubting Sydney is one of the more visually pleasing western cities. The centre is filled with skyscrapers, hotels, museums and victorian style government buildings and town hall.

While (relatively) nearby Canberra is the official capital of Australia, Sydney feels like the New York to America's Washington - the financial and cultural centre. There is afterall, a whole financial district and the country's stock exchange. There are also many, many pubs and bars, as well as several large parks that compliment the urban sprawl.

Although it's generally without trouble, the city itself does reward vigilence, having witnessed several fights nearly break out in the street.

I explore 'the Rocks', an older historical area of Sydney to side of Circular Quay and right underneath Harbour Bridge. It's recently had a spot of redevelopment, which makes for a very trendy fusion between authentic colonial Australian streets and buildings, and modern artistic boutiques and eating places.

Not far from here is the Museum of Contempary Art. The poignancy and shere oddity of many of it's exhibitions really impress me.

Later, I walk the full distance across Harbour Bridge and back. It's decievingly high, and from the many vantage points along the way, you cant help but catch a spectacular view of the city and the cast white pearls of the Opera house, all against a backdrop of monet like clouds and joggers routinely sprinting past.

I take the ferry across to Manly - famous for it's beaches, surfing and seafront area. Arcades, Ice Cream stalls and sweet shops line the coast. I relax on the beach to the sound of live acoustic music not far away.

I walk around Darling Harbour on ANZAC day, and watch as drunken Aussies play "two-up" to celebrate their war dead. Most of the city is closed off to traffic. Street performers take advantage of the crowds. Australian flags hang from every lampost and building. The streets are littered with ticker tape and rubbish. Navy men throw their hats into the air. Walking by the bars, it sounds like a riot is in progress.

I seek refuge 250 metres up inside the Centre Point tower - otherwise known as Sydney Tower. Naturally, it's a great view of the city and of the nearby islands from this angle - even if the main attraction - Sydney Opera House is itself hidden by grey buildings.

Culturally, Australia (predictably) wasn't as exotically unfamiliar as the places i'd come from. I generally get more of a buzz from visiting places as far removed from the West as possible. Sydney and it's surrounding area did however remind me of a more attractive version of home (the UK).

The draw of the place both to tourists and immigrants is clear and understandable. Having the freedom to explore it for 4 days with the accompanyment of perfect weather really did therefore make for a very enjoyable time.

Summary: Draw of the place to tourists and immigrants is clear and understandable.