Parsley Bay

Today we visited Parsley Bay, which is a long narrow bay in the Eastern Suburbs. The water is very shallow so you can swim out quite a long way and there is also a shark net! One of our new favourites!

Here is a location map:

Looking over Parsley Bay from the Parsley Bay Reserve

Looking back towards Parsley Bay beach and bridge.

On the jetty at the end of Parsley Bay

Sirius Cove Reserve

This afternoon we treated Rusty to a play-date with Chris' childhood friend Julia's puppy, Brookie. We met Julia at Sirius Cove Reserve on the North Shore, which has a dog friendly beach.

We let the dogs play together on the beach for a while, then did the foreshore walk to the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf and back.

Here is a location map:

Sirius Cove Beach

Bruce and Rusty enjoying the view from a lookout along the Taronga foreshore walk.

Julia and Brookie, her Kelpie / Shar Pei cross puppy.

The Sydney skyline from the Taronga foreshore walk

Royal Australian Navy Fleet Review

Things have been a little quiet lately, mostly due to our recent move. We're just about settled now and will upload some pictures of the place as soon as our new furniture arrives!

This weekend was the Royal Australian Navy's International Fleet review, held to commemorate the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet into Sydney. 

On 4 October 1913 the flagship, HMAS Australia, led the new Australian Fleet Unit comprising HMA Ships Melbourne, Sydney, Encounter, Warrego, Parramatta and Yarra into Sydney Harbour for the first time to be greeted by thousands of cheering citizens lining the foreshore. 

This was a moment of great national pride and importance, one recognised as a key indicator of Australia's progress towards national maturity.

Looking out at the Navy ships from the Arthur McElhone Reserve in Elizabeth Bay at sunrise.

Looking towards Darling Point from the Arthur McElhone Reserve in Elizabeth Bay at sunrise.

The view of proceedings from our picnic spot!

The harbour getting busy with boats!

The HMAS Farncomb, the first submarine to be constructed completely in Australia.

Navy ships docked in Woolloomooloo Bay.

Looking towards the Sydney CBD with the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf and HMAS Tobruk in the foreground. 

Sailors lined up and waiting for Prince Harry's arrival on the review ship HMAS Tobruk

Native Callistemon plant.

The Navy band playing for Prince Harry's arrival.

The fleet review ship HMAS Leeuwin having just docked.

Quentin Bryce, the Governor General of Australian having just stepped ashore from the review ship HMAS Leeuwin.

Standing to attention whilst the Navy band plays the Australian National Anthem.

Prince Harry dis-embarking the review ship HMAS Leeuwin.

Prince Harry again.

Prince Harry looking straight at the camera!

Standing to attention whilst the Navy band plays the British National Anthem.

Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia stepping ashore from the HMAS Leeuwin.

Middle Harbour

Today we found one of Sydney's nature reserves which does allow dogs, the Harold Reid Reserve between Crag and Castle Cove, Middle Harbour. It's amazing that only seven miles away from the city you have what feels like wilderness, aside from some rather nice boats!

Here is a location map:


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Looking down at Crag Cove from the Harold Reid Reserve lookout

Bruce and Rusty at the lookout

Heading down to the foreshore walking trail

Many steps down!

Wilderness...

Mangroves in Crag Cove

Bruce deep in thought

Rusty fishing for crabs

Good spot for a picnic

Looking out into Middle Harbour

Rusty playing on the beach

Rose Bay

Today we walked all the way to the beach at Rose Bay, where Rusty learnt to swim! We had lunch at the Lynn Park Cafe and then sat on the grass for a few hours to restore our energy before the long walk home.

Here is a location map:


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Rose Bay looking towards Sydney CBD

Sea plane! I haven't yet persuaded Bruce to go on this...

Rusty, so serious!

Bruce, also serious!

How am I going to get that stick?

Oooh it's cold!

Thanks for helping Daddy.

Get me out of this water!!

Not impressed!

Woolwich Dock

Today we drove to Woolwich and had lunch at the Woolwich Pier Hotel. Afterwards, we walked around Woolwich Dock and Clarkes Point Reserve. Rusty loved the outing!

Here is a location map:


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Bruce and Rusty at the end of Woolwich Dock.

Looking into Woolwich Dock, once the largest in Australia.

Looking out from inside the dock.

Sailing boats being refurbished.

Another sailing boat being refurbished.

Bruce and Rusty enjoying a bit of winter sunshine at Clarkes Point Reserve.

Clarkes Point Reserve looking towards Drummoyne.