I was working at 3pm yesterday, so this was more of an ‘Australian Afternoon’ experience. I took a walk around Sydney Harbour to see what it was offering for those that were there before sunset. Despite the cloudy day my sensitive eyes started stinging from the constant looking up toward the helicopters as they dragged huge Australian flags behind them. I am unsure if you know the layout of the Opera House but I went into the shaded section underneath the main stair set (that leads to the main entrance) to rest my eyes from the occasional bright sunburst through the clouds and to check the photos I had taken.
It was then that I heard a huge roar of engines overhead and I knew that this would be related to the day. I got up and walked back into the open to see a huge Qantas Airbus A380 emerging from the low clouds. It was certainly a sight to behold.
I can only image how good this looked from the Harbour Bridge. I also wonder how much it cost to participate in the climb on Australia Day. It would certainly be a sight to remember!
Lining Circular Quay were two flags. One, the Australia Flag that many know worldwide.
Next to it, the Australian Aboriginal Flag.
This is a flag that was designed in 1971 and is a symbol of the Aboriginal people of Australia.
There is a some controversy around Australia Day. Some celebrate the landing of the First Fleet by the British back in 1788. Others label it ‘Invasion Day’. I won’t use this post to talk about this, if you want to read a little more into the controversies and history of the day, this can be read here.
Back to the Harbour. A very busy harbour with boats.
A very busy harbour with helicopters.
A busy harbour with unicyclists and 8 foot tall women equipped with tennis balls that are a danger for any faces in close proximity.
Even for midday, the place was full. There were a bunch of stalls to keep people fed and hydrated. There were a bunch of people giving away both sets of flags and it seemed like people were happy to fly both at the same time. It was nice and I didn’t feel any kind of division, maybe there were protests elsewhere but Circular Quay had a very happy and chilled vibe.
Now, the best view for me personally was to cross back over from the west side of the quay to the east and Opera House. Climbing the stairs and looking east was pretty impressive. Boats and boats and boats. And a cruise that seems to be anchored away from the harbour to free up the space for the evening fireworks show.
Unfortunately, this was the last of my Australia Day. I did enjoy the fireworks on the evening from the large windows at work, although pretty obscured and I have no decent footage. It was a very decent show considering how recently the New Years Eve fireworks were fired, and although a lot smaller in budget, was definitely worth the visit for the thousands that did. Here is a nice shot from ground level from an uploader on YouTube.
Did you do anything for Australia Day?
Also, happy belated Republic Day to any Indian readers! I work with an Indian girl that was watching the Republic Day parade live on YouTube, also shout out to Matt for reminding me on WordPress.
I hope you enjoyed the update and the 26th January, whatever it meant for you.
Please share!
Categories: Blog, Travel Diary
I think you are lucky to have been there! I would love all that!
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It was pretty cool! It is a shame I didn’t stay out the whole evening, but I was happy with what I had seen that afternoon 🙂
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Wow! This is awesome. I had no idea about some of the controversy. Really happy it was a peaceful day though. Love the pictures! So much culture, and really like all of the boats. Seems like quite an experience!
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It was a great experience and there were protests, particularly in Melbourne I think, and probably elsewhere in Sydney. Circular Quay was certainly a fun place to be though and I am pleased I went. Thanks!
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Busy, busy, busy! Traffic jam on water. Such good photos, as usual.
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Thanks Pat, the waters were very busy! I bet it was an even better view on the ocean.
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That is, if you’re not looking out for traffic…..hahahaha.
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Happy 26th January, I guess! 😄
The photos look so amazing! They really captured the day in its spirit! Must’ve been an awesome day to witness live, I’m sure!
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Thanks, it was! A very fun day and I am pleased to have experienced it here in Sydney.
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Wonderful place to be in on Australia Day. Great post Sam.
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Thanks Miriam, I am very pleased I was on Sydney Harbour!
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Stunning pictures, really great post Sam ❤
Charlotte | https://charlotteidek.com/
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Thanks Charlotte!
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Ah love Australia! Would so like to go back! Great post and pictures!
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Thanks, I am loving it too, hopefully you will come back!
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I’m glad you got to enjoy a little bit of the celebrations before work!
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Yeah I wasn’t sure what was happening earlier on in the day, but I was pleased with what was going on!
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That’s good it didn’t disappoint:)
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Beautiful photos and well-written post. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for stopping by and reading! I appreciate it 🙂
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Wow, what a great experience. When is Australia day? I would love to plan a trip to the land down under during this time.
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It was Friday, 26th January… It was a fun time to be around! I would definitely recommend Sydney for it.
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Great experience. You are so lucky to visit this beautiful country. A lot of people want to visit this place but haven’t given a chance. I hope you enjoyed it so much venturing aroung. Anyhow, I will look forward to more of your travels. Good luck.
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This is true, I feel very fortunate. Thank you for your lovely comment!
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