Sydney Harbor Used to Be Vegetated
The area that is now Sydney Harbor, used to be above sea level and was highly vegetated. The harbor was created when the continental ice caps melted, approximately 20,000 years ago, raising the sea level and submerging the lower lying land. Relics of shells have been found deep within the sandstone, located beneath the bed of the harbor, revealing the path of an ancient river.Sydney Harbor Bridge - Opening Hijacked
In 1932, the Sydney Harbor Bridge was completed and ready for its official unveiling. As customary with such events, there was a ribbon which was prepared to be cut during the ceremony. Just as it was about to cut an unknown man donning a military uniform, rode up on horseback and slashed the ribbon with his sword. He rode off, but was later identified and arrested.The City of Sin
Sydney is often referred to by locals as “Sin City,” which refers to its notorious convict roots of the past. The city’s history is rife with tales of sly, drunk criminals and all kinds of debauchery. It is estimated that 22% of today’s Australian population have some kind of convict ancestry and this can be further explored at the Sydney Living Museum.Fashion Show for Ducks
Every Easter, Sydney is the home to a special kind of fashion parade for those who are fans of webbed feet. The Pied Piper Duck Show, parades ducks in all kinds of fabulous duck attire as a part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show and is a fun and quirky event for young and old.Recycled Bronze Coins used in Olympic Medals
In 1991, the Australian government decided to phase out all of the bronze 1 and 2 cent coins, as inflation had reduced its value. As not to go to waste, these obsolete coins were melted down and used to produce the bronze medals for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.Sydney Cricket Ground is at the Heart of Australian Cricket
Cricket is one of Australia’s great loves and the Sydney Cricket Ground, or SCG as it is known locally, is at its heart. For cricket fans, any trip to Sydney would not be complete without a visit to the Sydney Cricket Ground and its museum, showcasing all of its sporting glory.Address: Moore Park Road, Moore Park, NSW, 2021
Website: Sydney Cricket Ground
Phone: +61 (02) 9360 6601
Manly Beach
Manly Beach, located just north of the Sydney CBD in the area known as the Northern Beaches, was named by Captain Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales. He named it so, as he was impressed with the masculine or “manly” behaviour and traits of the indigenous Australians he met in the area.Aboriginal History dates back 50000 years
The Aboriginal people of the coastal Sydney area are known as the Gadigal people and evidence of their inheritance of the land dates back over 50,000 years. It was reported that the Gadigal people and the European foreigners of the First Fleet had several encounters around the time of their initial landing at Botany Bay in 1788. The Rocks Discovery Museum has four permanent exhibitions that display how life was for the Gadigal people before and after the landing of the First Fleet.
Address: Kendall Lane, Sydney, NSW, 2000
Website: The rocks discovery museum
Phone: +61 (02) 9240 8680
Opera Sphere
In 1957, 38 year old Danish architect Jørn Utzon entered a bid to design the proposed Sydney Opera House. His design is now one of the most well known architectures in the world. However, what most people don’t know, is that if all the shells on the opera house were joined together, they would make the perfect sphere.Sydney Aquarium
The Sydney Aquarium is a wonderful way to discover more about Australian marine life. From sharks to penguins and tropical fish to dugongs, the aquarium has something for every inquisitive mind. With displays showcasing the best of the Great Barrier Reef to the shipwrecked coastline, the Sydney Aquarium truly is a special place to visit and to make special memories.Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney, NSW, 2000
Website: Sydney Aquarium
Phone: 1800 199 657
A Ship becomes a Floating Forest
In 1972, after its 102 year of service, the SS Ayrfield was sent to Homebush Bay in Sydney to be dismantled. However, instead of dismantling this historical vessel, which famously transported troops in World War II, the ship was left to rest and it has now become a floating forest.
The next time you are in Sydney, after visiting all of the major tourist attractions, try to take some time from the usual tours and explore some of Sydney’s best-kept secrets.
The next time you are in Sydney, after visiting all of the major tourist attractions, try to take some time from the usual tours and explore some of Sydney’s best-kept secrets.
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