The Fleet Review - 100 years since Australian Navy was formed. What a wonderful celebration! We couldn't believe our luck in being in Sydney for all the festivities. On Friday Peter and I walked to Cremorne Point and found a good vantage point to view the Naval Fleet entering the harbour. Chinese, Japanese, British, American and many other countries were represented with various naval ships already anchored or moored in the harbour. The harbour was full of ships, ferries, tourist boats, motor boats and yachts of all descriptions as well as some very brave (read crazy!) people in kayaks and canoes. Helicopters buzzing around with huge Aussie flags and Welcome to the Review flags and thousands of people lining the shore completed the scene. Sydney Harbour is the most amazing place to view such an event as there is so much public open space and parkland lining it that I don't think anyone would miss out on a good view of the proceedings.
After lunch we met up with Leisha and took the Neutral Bay ferry to Circular Quay and then walked to Darling Harbour to see the Tall Ships. They had arrived on Thursday. The place was crowded and we enjoyed the atmosphere and admired the beautiful old boats lined up along the quay. There is something very romantic about the sight and sound of an old sailing vessel.
On Saturday Greg and Leisha joined us on Kurraba Point this time to watch the Ceremonial Fleet Review and formation flypast by naval and military aircraft. There was a hundred gun salute which excited some of the kids nearby and we watched Prince Harry and the Governor General inspect the fleet. (Didn't actually see them, too far away, had to use the imagination here!) The spectacle on the harbour kept us entertained all morning.
In the evening Maureen and John had invited us to a pizza and wine night with them at their accommodation in The Rocks. We probably had one of the best viewing platforms in the city, on the roof of their building for the Fireworks and Lightshow. It was fantastic. Barges and naval ships had been set out along the harbour from which the fireworks were launched. Images of historical significance to the navy were projected onto the Opera House sails and laser lights and search lights lit up the sky. As the show progressed fireworks sprouted from the rooves of city buildings. The noise that echoed from the city buildings down the harbour as the fireworks exploded was incredible. I loved it! The whole show was amazing. Something to remember for a very long time.
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