Fort Denison – View of Mortello Tower

Fort Denison, a tiny, rocky island out on the Harbour has been on my 'places to visit' list for a good while. But with the island being so small and with only a restaurant, I needed a little more convincing to pay this place a visit.

Until now.

It so happened my good friend held her big 30th birthday lunch on the island restaurant. So armed with my latest acquirement of the Canon 70D, I headed out to the catch the first ferry for a day of photographing, good food and enjoying the harbour view.

Fort Denison – A Little Background

This sandstone island is only a quick five minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. A quick dig into this historic past revealed that the island has had many uses throughout its 150 years history. Though the name fort suggest a more defence related construction, it has also been used as a navigation guide, weather station and fishing spot to mention a few.

Fort Denison – On The Island

Fort Denison – Historic Entrance.

Close up of Mortello Tower.

Fort Denison – Looking up at zeppelin.

Fort Denison – The Restaurant

After about half an hour walking around and taking snaps, I sat down to a Christmas set menu of oysters, pork belly and Christmas pudding. Under the white canopy, it was also the perfect lighting condition for some candid birthday shots and I was more than happy to be the group's photographer in training.

Fort Denison – The Restaurant

Entree – Oysters.

Main – Pork Belly.

Have you been anywhere interesting lately? To see more photos, check out my Flickr and Instagram page.

For more information about Fort Denison visit: http://www.fortdenison.com.au

Grand Concert Hall foyer.

The Sydney Opera House opens its doors to the public annually, this free event allows the public to explore some of the rarely accessed areas of this landmark, such as backstage, dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, and even walk on the main stage! Though I've been inside the Opera House for various performances over the years, I was invited by my friend and colleague to join them for this event.

Interior vaulted ceiling.

I was prepared for a large crowd (or so I thought), but as I made my way along the wharf and saw a long queue backed up all the way along the wharf, I had some serious doubts as whether this was a good idea after all, surely this isn't good for an ochlophobic like myself. It was a test of my patience...luckily at the urging of my friends whom were already inside waiting...I couldn't MIA.
Regardless if you are an architecture aficionado, tourist or just an everyday folk like myself, there's no doubting the sculptural elegance of the Opera House as it takes centre stage out on the Harbour. It is (if I may say so) what put Sydney and Australia on the map! The forecourt and ceremonial stairway definitely lets any visitor know that they are about to enter a place of grandeur and magic.

Interior detail.

SOH Quick Facts

Architect:  Jørn Utzon
Interiors: Ted Farmer
Opening: 1973
World Heritage Listing: June 2007
The one thing I love the most about the Opera House is how the modular concrete wedges that comprise the vaulted ceiling are visible on the inside. One can walk up, touch and feel the concrete; its crevices and texture and in my opinion this creates a much more personal experience for any visitor. Not to mention the linear lines, juxtaposition of different materials (concrete and timber) make for great architectural photography!
As we made our way through the various performances spaces (Joan Sutherland Theatre, Drama Theatre, Playhouse etc) , the highlight was definitely The Grand Concert Hall, the Opera House's largest and most majestic space, with high vaulted ceiling and timber paneling. It is a space that is grand yet feels warm and intimate at the same time. Today, it put on a show with lighting displays and also an organ performance.

Grand Concert Hall with organ in background.

It is a place that the more you learn about its history, its creation and the people that helped to realise Utzon's vision, the more you come to appreciate its beauty and grandeur. It is both a sculpture and an architectural masterpiece. With a quick bite at the Opera Kitchen after the tour, I'd say it's a pretty good way to spend some time with friends on a Sunday.

For more visit the Sydney Opera House website.

View of the city.

Out on the Waverton Peninsula (and just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the City) is Balls Head Reserve, this bushland oasis offers spectacular views of the Harbour, the City skyline and industrial relics on Goat Island. It is one of many sandstone headlands along the Harbour with a variety of walking tracks for all experience levels. This has to be one of my favourite discoveries of the year (thanks to Instagram!), it is a spectacular reserve boasting postcard perfect views at every turn, perfect for both people and their dogs, as well as photography lovers.

The day was made to be spent outdoors with the sun beckoning and mild Spring temperatures. Upon arrival, we decided to tackle the Harbour View Walk, an easy 340m walk offering fantastic views towards the City. Though I travel across the Harbour Bridge every day, I was still mesmerised by the beauty in front of me – the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Headlands and the blue glistening water, it was simply magic!

View of Goat Island.

Up in the canopy.

Before we knew it one trail led to another as we were led on by an endless offering of iconic views and meandering paths, good thing I was ready with my camera! After a quick lunch and browse through the market held in the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, we found ourselves at the entrance of a tunnel which was once part of Sydney Coal Bunkering Company's coal loading system, and it was this image I saw on my Instagram feed that piqued my curiosity.

Coal Loader Tunnel.

But just when we thought we were done for the day, a quick peek near Berry's Bay Marina led us to Waverton Peninsula Reserve (another photography hot spot) which was once an oil storage facility adapted in 2005 as a public domain. Well constructed pathways led us up and around the sandstone cliff to a lookout above with some pretty enviable views all around.

All in all, it was a picture perfect day, words simply cannot capture the sheer magnificence and beauty of this place. Definitely a place worth revisiting!