A visit to the old Quarantine Station

During our stay in Sydney, we decided to visit the old Sydney Quarantine Station which operated from 1832 to 1984, so we took a ferry across the harbour to Manly and then a short bus ride to the Station. It's on quite a bit of land, so lots of walking around to view all the old buildings and relics on display. Apparently, you can even stay there which would be interesting and it's in a fantastic position on North Head, so great views across the harbour.

                         

Any immigrant arriving in Sydney who might have had an infectious disease was quarantined here until they were cleared. We read that most people considered this a 'holiday' as they were looked after, fed, entertained and even had a beach for swimming.

                        

Back in those days, there were the different classes on ships and so the Station was set up with the different precincts, first, second and third class precincts. The first class passengers had a nice dining room with lovely crockery but the poor old third class passengers had a much different experience.

                        

                        

                                        

                                        

A walk down to the wharf to view the relics wouldn't be complete without a visit to the toilets, no guessing here as to which one to go in!

                                

Housesitting in Sydney

We flew into Sydney last week to do another housesit and look after 2 very cute whippet dogs. Today we took the train into the City to search out the old Paddington Reservoir which has been turned into a very trendy park. After a long uphill walk from the City, we found it and what a hidden treasure.

The water reservoir was completed in 1866 and operated until 1899 when it was decommissioned. Until it was turned into the present park in 2009, it had another life as an underground carpark and a service station. It is a delightful green piece of paradise in the City today.

                           

                          

                          

                          

                          

A Special Night

As members of the Accor Hotel group we receive a free night once a year in a hotel of our choice. Last year we were in Sydney and used it there but this year we stayed close to home in the City. Not just any hotel though but the lovely boutique hotel called The Inchcolm Hotel & Suites. The building was built in the 1920s for a group of medical specialists. Originally, the land was purchased in 1880 by a Dr Thomson who built his personal residence there.

                                              

We dined at the lovely hotel restaurant called Thomson's Reserve, a lovely small intimate room. There is also a very nice bar and a tiny little balcony to watch the world go by. The food was amazing and as the restaurant was full on a Thursday night, I'm guessing other people thought so too. We look forward to more dinners at this restaurant.

                                                

                                     

Our room was furnished beautifully, not your average hotel room. I really liked the quirky standard lamp in our room, quite unusual.

                                                     

                   

Tallest building in Brisbane

Last year was a bad year for my blog as I was very lazy but I promise to do better this year. It has been so hot in Brisbane this summer or maybe I am just feeling it more as I get older. As a volunteer Brisbane Greeter, I have had some very hot days showing visitors around our beautiful city but thankfully they appreciate it. Yesterday, some Greeters were invited to morning tea (as a thank you) to the top of our tallest building and the views were spectacular.

The building is called 1 William Street but Brisbanites have been affectionately calling it the Tower of Power because it houses our Premier of Queensland and about 5000 public servants. It was completed late last year and is now fully operational.

                                                 

The height of the building is 259.8m (852 ft) which includes the antenna spire which makes it the tallest building. We had a great view of South Bank Parklands and the beach.

                            

Also a great perspective looking down at the Botanic Gardens showing how green everything is despite our heat.

                           

A lovely building and quite a landmark in the city. Over the next 7 years the Queen's Wharf project will be added to this end of the city, changing the skyline once again.

    

     

Antarctica Part 2

DJan asked if there were more photos of our flight to Antarctica. I took lots! 

Just looking at them helps cools me down as it's summer here in Australia and we are havng very hot days.

Hope you enjoy these photos DJan.

Antarctica

I have been quiet this year in blogland but we did have a few trips away. I would say the most exciting one was our one day flight to Antarctica, yes, that's right, one day!

About 4 times a year, a company called Antarctica Flghts charters a Qantas jet and takes passengers off on an amazing 12 hour flight to the majestic continent. 

We flew to Sydney for 2 nights first before we had to be up early on the Sunday morning for our 7am flight. It took about 4 hours until our first sighting of ice in the water. Then for another 4 hours we flew all over the continent taking in spectacular views.

                           

Like any flight, there are different classes and you pay appropriately but all passengers enjoy the fabulous Qantas service. The staff love these flights and are just as excited as the passengers. It's a very electric atmosphere on board and apart from one class (economy class centre) you get to change seats halfway through the flight, so everyone gets a chance at a window seat. You can also freely walk around to look out of the plane from different points. There are former Antarctica expeditioners on board who comment on various subjects and were very interesting to listen to.

                          

                          

  

We flew over the bases of France and Australia and could even see Mawson's Hut. I was amazed at the mountain ranges and the clouds within the valleys.

                         

                         

It was the most amazing day and yes, THE most expensive day trip of our life but one I will never forget.