Anzac Bridge

One of my favourite bridges is the Anzac Bridge in Sydney, Australia.  It is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Australia – it is 32.3 metres wide (105.6ft) and the main span is 345 metres long (1131.9'). 

The bridge was completed in 1996 to replace the Glebe Island Bridge which had been in operation since 1901 as an electrically operated swing bridge.

When it opened in 1996 it had seven lanes and came under criticism as being "over-engineered".   This proved unfounded as the bridge was reconfigured to eight traffic lanes in 2005!

The bridge was given its name on Remembrance Day 1998 to honour the memory of the Anzac soldiers (Australian & New Zealand Army Corps) who served in WW1.   The Australian flag flies on top of the eastern pylon and the New Zealand flag atop the western pylon.

In previous visits home I have stayed with a friend in the Eastern Suburbs and travelled over this bridge every day to visit my children.  On one such crossing I was overcome with a sudden (and dangerous) impulse to take a photo of the bridge as I was driving across it at 80 kph (50mph).  Even if you are not impressed with the photos it is amazing that I managed to take them without going out of my lane, hitting another car or being fined for neg driving! 🙂

Anzac Bridge 1

Anzac bridge

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Change in location..

Today we are going to Australia  – at least my photos are!

Last year I went home for my birthday – a major milestone birthday – and my "bestest friend in the whole wide world" took me out to an over the top lunch.  Penny & I started Kindergarten together many, many years ago and have remained best friends through many phases and seperations in our lives.  She has been a teacher since graduating and is now trying to instill the love of books into children in outback Australia.

Anyway, she chose Bondi Icebergs Restaurant for the occasion and what a fabulous choice it was.  I was somewhat aghast at the prices on the menu and tried to keep that in mind when ordering but I could not resist the Australian lamb – even though it was a ridiculous $49 !!!!!!    

Their location overlooks Bondi Beach – million dollar views:

 

Bondi

Another spot that I enjoy when I go home is Darling Harbour.  I just like the ambience of the place even though it is touristy.   It does have some fabulous restaurants though – including the Lindt Cafe (yes, as of Lindt chocolate!!) I did actually take this photo but for some reason it has become bordered by white and looks a bit like a photo of a painting!   I didn't notice this when I opened the file so I'm not sure why it is like this here: (I wonder if I "posterised" it last year and have forgotten!).

Darling harbour

Both these photos were taken in July – which is winter in Oz – note the contrast between the glorious sky & blue water of the beach which is definitely summer-looking and the wintry mix sky & water of the harbour! 

 

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