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The
Port of Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is entered by a
remarkable gap in the sea cliffs, which line the coast like a wall,
from 400ft. to 500ft. high. Passing the bold, rocky headlands, known
as the North and South Heads, which are three - quarters of a mile
apart, we enter the land - locked, winding harbour, extending in
front for 14 miles, and large and deep enough to contain all the
navies of the world together. Here, too, one notices many islands,
inlets, and wooded hills, some of which are marked by forts. The
shores are feathered by clumps of gum and other trees, and on the
left - hand side you catch a view of the lofty lighthouse, while
as you advance farther, villas and handsome mansions appear everywhere.
The general appearance of Sydney is more like a European town than
its immediate predecessors in this album. There is no denying the
fact that the unwieldy steam tram - cars are a disfigurement to
the`thoroughfares, along which they puff and steam and whistle and
smoke. They are nevertheless very convenient, and maintain a uniform
speed of about eight miles an hour. The geographical position of
the harbour of Sydney is such that it was selected by the Admiralty
as the head - quarters of British naval forces in Australian and
Pacific waters. It is almost like visiting fairyland to sail down
this magnificent harbour on a bright, sunny day.
Taken
from * Round The World * London in the Year 1895
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thoroughfare may be called the Oxford Street of Sydney. It runs from
Dawes' Point away into the country towards the arramatta, and is one
of the great thoroughfares and the centre of retail business; altogether,
including its continuation, Parramatta Street, it is 2 ½ miles long.
It may be safely said that no one who ever had the good fortune to
visit this city, even for a few days, |
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can
ever lose the impression, which its natural beauties invariably create.
It may also be added that no businessman of experience and ability
to form a sound judgment can visit Sydney without discovering that
it is a centre of great commercial importance. This city and the country
immediately surrounding it form the only portion of the whole of Australia
that has entered upon the second century of its history under European
civilization.
During
the wool season, the ceaseless stream of drays loaded with that article
reminds one that the colony now possesses no fewer than 60 millions
of sheep, and is generally able to sell in the world's markets wool
to the value of the enormous amount of seven millions sterling per
annum. There are an amazing number of parks in Sydney: indeed, the
gardens and reserves exceed in number and extent those of almost any
other city in the world. In 1887, in honour of the centenary of the
colony, a new park was opened, called the Centennial Park, which covers
an area of 780 acres, and was dedicated to the use of the public,
so that the total area now reaches 1,556 acres. Some eighteen miles
to the south of Sydney lies the National Park, with an area of 36,320
acres, and with charming scenery, comprising mountain, forest, ocean,
and well-grassed land. |
| Conspicuous
among the public buildings of Sydney must be noted the General Post
Office, the tower of which is open to the public, and commands a magnificent
bird-eye view of the whole city. The Town Hall, a photograph of which
we reproduce here, is a really noble structure, which eclipses in
grandeur many buildings of the |
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kind
in larger cities. On admittance, for the small sum of 6d. The largest,
if not the finest, organ in the world can be thoroughly enjoyed
by lovers of music; especially as it is under the very able manipulation
of the city organist, who is not only a thorough musician, but has
amazing control over the mighty instrument. Before leaving Sydney,
a couple of days, at least, must be reserved for a trip by the zig-zag
railway to the Blue Mountains, where the principal places noted
for their beautiful scenery are Govett's Leap and the Mermaid Caves
at Blackheath; then Katoomba, Leura, and the Wentworth Falls. At
each of these spots the country is, as it were, rent asunder and
clothed in luxuriant vegetation.
London
in the Year 1895
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updated 05.02.2002 Dee Why Books |
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