COVID-19 may have changed the way we travel but not the way we all dream of taking holidays. David Bowden sows the seeds for future vacations with his tales, ‘Wish You Were Here’.
The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are the iconic landmarks that continue to attract global travellers to Sydney. Both landmarks are located within walking distance of each other in a precinct that includes Circular Quay and The Rocks.
In 1788, the ‘First Fleet’ arrived from England to establish the colony of New South Wales. They stopped briefly at Botany Bay but the site was unsuitable and they sailed onwards to Sydney Cove.
The setters moored at Port Jackson on the harbour’s southern shores where the bridge now stands. It was a motley crew of 1,300 including convicts banished from England for petty crimes, naval officers, sailors and their families. A freshwater stream named the Tank Stream ensured the colony’s success.
Tank Stream
The Tank Stream Hotel is located above the subterranean watercourse in downtown Sydney. The original stream still flows beneath the hotel and is part of Sydney’s underground drainage network.
The hotel is adjacent to Australia Square, Market, a short walk to trams, Circular Quay, 15 minutes to the Opera House, Botanic Gardens, The Rocks and Harbour Bridge.
The hotel offers an all-inclusive rate proposition that value-adds to the guest experience. This includes complimentary wi-fi, movies and mini-bar (non-alcoholic) plus premium coffee and tea.
Dine in the hotel’s Le Petit Flot Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While boutique wines feature on a compact list.
The Rocks
Many historic landmarks located in a precinct called the Rocks, have been restored to make it one of Sydney’s premier tourist destinations.
Despite its connection to the penal colony, most Sydneysiders are proud of The Rocks and its wealth of history. However, in the late 1960’s, there was a stigma attached to The Rocks and it became forgotten as Sydney sprawled westward. Had developers had their way in the 1970’s, much of The Rocks would have been demolished. Bitter protests, led by trade unionists were staged to preserve the historic buildings and these struggles paid off, as the area has become one of the favourite tourist destinations.
Pubs like the Lord Nelson, Australian, Observer, Orient and Hero of Waterloo have withstood the test of time and are iconic pubs serving chilled ales and enticing food
Restoration hasn’t just favoured the pubs with the Church of the Holy Trinity (Garrison Church) being a much visited and popular weddings venue. There always seems to be a bridal party somewhere in The Rocks or by the harbour posing for photos.
Rock Central
Today, The Rocks is full of tourists who flock to pubs, restaurants and museums. Thousands of commuters disembark at Circular Quay from ferries that cross Sydney Harbour. They arrive in a variety of boats while others arrive by cruise ship or rail at Circular Quay Station.
Circular Quay is more than a transportation hub as there is a constant buzz of activity, a performance art and a place to stroll, dine and relax.
Theatregoers and music lovers head to the Opera House to be entertained by the world’s best performers.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the world’s best-located art galleries. Its artwork is displayed in the beautiful sandstone building that was once the Maritime Services Board. Works by Lichtenstein and Warhol are displayed alongside local contemporary artists.
Each evening, the area is just as lively with diners and pub goers. Some of Sydney’s finest restaurants are located here with Aria and Quay (in the Overseas Passenger Terminal) being two not to miss.
Catch a ferry beneath the Harbour Bridge, the western extremities of The Rocks, past several wharves, Barangaroo Reserve and into Darling Harbour to dine at King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay Wharf.
Rock Shops
While duty free shops here stock familiar designer labels, Australian products are very popular. Australian souvenirs, opals, pearls and wines are popular with tourists.
Nearby, Miller’s Point is separated from The Rocks by the overhead roadway leading to Sydney Harbour Bridge. It has been retained as residential land, giving a peaceful contrast to the bustling entertainment and commercial zones of The Rocks.
Most visitors agree that Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s most spectacular stretches of water.
Travel File
Where to Stay:
The Tank Stream Hotel
About David Bowden
David Bowden is a freelance journalist based in Malaysia, specializing in travel and the environment. While Australian, he’s been living in Asia longer than he can remember, and returns to his home country as a tourist. When not travelling the world, he enjoys relaxing with his equally adventurous wife Maria and daughter Zoe. He’s the author of Enchanting Borneo, Enchanting Malaysia and Enchanting Singapore. Also in this series you will find Enchanting Vietnam, Enchanting Penang, Enchanting Indonesia, and Enchanting Langkawi
