Sydney
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Sydney harbor bridge
Officially known as Port Jackson, Sydney Harbor reaches 12 miles (20 km) inland, where it joins the mouth of the Parramatta River. But on the ocean side of the harbor is a much more interesting sight: the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Completed in 1932, the bridge is unquestionably one of the most famous of that famed city's landmarks. Coming in the middle of the Depression, which was world-wide not merely in the U.S., it was an economic as well as an engineering marvel.
Prior to the bridge the only routes between the center of Sydney in the south and the outlying residential areas in the north were by ferry or a 20km road. The road route required traversing five bridges.
Known locally by some as 'the coat hanger', it is a double-arch style, anchored on both sides of the harbor, with a flat road running beneath the arches. Arches are tied together with short trusses, forming a strong and attractive web. Like many bridges, it brilliantly combines esthetic beauty and technical ingenuity.
Among its many clever aspects is a hinging mechanism at each end that allows the steel structure to expand and flex without cracking. Due to thermal expansion the peak of the arch changes by as much as 18cm/7in. Turning the Golden Gate on its head, so to speak, the roadway runs under the arches, not above them.
Construction began at the end of 1926, with foundations 12m (39ft) deep, set in sandstone, and the arch spans 503m (1650ft). Not the world's longest single arch bridge, even at the time, it is one of the most beautiful, owing to its elegant simplicity and the setting.
Thanks to the six million rivets and the 58,000 tons of steel it is, however, one of the heaviest of its kind. In order to test the load bearing capacity, nearly 100 locomotives were positioned along the roadway in 1932.
By today's standards the 6.25 million Australian pounds ($12.5M) construction cost seems modest, but at the height of the Depression it was a substantial sum. It was paid off - by tolls that started at 6 pence (5 cents) and even now is only $3 - only in 1988. Today, more than 150,000 vehicles, which once included horses, cross the bridge daily.
The structure includes a lookout point, called Pylon Lookout, from which visitors can see the magnificent harbor, including the much newer Sydney Opera House.
But for those who want a real workout, consider joining the Bridge Club for a stroll. Thanks to the Bridge Club, founded in 1998, visitors can don suitable clothing and, tied to a safety line, actually walk over the arch above the roadway. The view is breathtaking. For the truly bold, there are even night climbs.
Entry is via the pedestrian walkway, reached via stairs from Cumberland Street at the edge of The Rocks. With some 200 steps to the lookout, visitors should be prepared for a healthy climb.
Harbor boat tours
The Sydney Harbor -technically speaking, Port Jackson- offers a number of stunning views. But how much more delightful to see them from a different angle on the water, while moving at top speed in a jet boat, or cruising along on a sailboat.
There are a dozen or more companies that offer boat rides of the harbor.
Some are leisurely sail boat trips, where the gentle winds of the sea blow through your hair while you sip gin and talk about the weather. From that vantage point, you can relax and see how closely the sails on the ship match the curves of the Sydney Opera House.
Others offer high speed chases around and under the Harbor Bridge. Let the spray wet your face as the boat dances over waves, bouncing until you're nearly tossed out. Tighten up your safety vest and put your face to the sun to dry off. Not all companies require life vests, since the boats are equipped with seat belts and safety bars.
Fish tails, powerbrake stops -in which the boat stops dead within two boat lengths- spins and more beat any theme park ride by a mile, the locals say. 700 horsepower diesels take the brave and the terrified on rides up to 48mi/hr (80km/hr). Rides last up to 30 minutes and some hold as many as 23 passengers.
Take a fishing cruise and find out why the Great Barrier Reef is considered one of the best spots for anglers in the world. Whether you're interested in just a couple of hours of relaxing pole dipping or want an all-day excursion, Sydney's fishing cruise companies have what you're looking for.
For those who want just to watch, not to catch, there are variety of scenic cruises that offer whale watching, along with views of Fairy penguins, seals, dolphins and many of the birds native to the area.
Depart from the Opera House, the Taronga Zoo or Darling harbor to catch any one of a dozen different excursions. Four leave from Circular Quay every two hours. Spend a couple of hours and cruise up the southern shore to Watsons Bay, cross to the north shore to explore Middle harbor, then return to Circular Quay.
Lunch, dinner or sunset cruises are offered, too. There are afternoon cruises that last 2,5 hours and take a scenic tour of the eastern suburbs and the upscale Middle harbor. The 1,5 hour evening cruise takes riders into Darling harbor, where you get an excellent nighttime view of Sydney. The ship passes Garden Island naval base for a stunning view of the Opera House with all lights blazing.
Fully crewed yachts and captained charters are available for those with a higher budget. One company offers a 45-foot sailing catamaran, fully equipped with TV/DVD, CD/radio, air-conditioning, refrigerator and even a BBQ.
There are even day or evening gondola rides for the romantically inclined. Set off from Cockle Bay and gently glide around the inner western area of Sydney Harbor. Rides are uncatered or catered, as you choose, and seat up to four.
Whatever your interest, if it involves moving over the sea, Sydney has something within your time and money budget. Be sure to visit more than once, you won't be able to see everything you want in just one trip.
Where to go from here? Taste Oceania through ist food, enjoy the exhuberance of Oceania and its wine, or return to World Food and Wine home page and seek a new adventure.
