by Phil Darling, eXpresso
How to choose. We have the quietness and solitude (mostly) of Bantry Bay. The innercity bustle and excitement of Lavender Bay, just under the Harbour Bridge. The suburban charm of Hen and Chicken Bay. The upmarket shelter and rub-shoulders-with-the-rich of Vaucluse Bay. Or the “let’s pretend we are really a million miles away” bushland of Taylors Bay, just around Bradley’s Head from the City. Or even the “lets party on” atmosphere of Athol Bight off the zoo.
One of my favourites, though, has to be Blackwattle Bay. It is a peaceful oasis masquerading as an inner-city destination. Just next to the fish markets, it is protected from the elements (from whatever direction) by buildings, expressways, parks, headlands and bridges. At night it is amazingly quiet – considering all that traffic is whizzing past not too far over our heads.
Approach it with caution. The entry is under the new(ish) Anzac Bridge, which has enough clearance for all except for the tallest rigs. Take care through the old Glebe Island Bridge, which is kept open for our access on all except for a very few times (not sure if it can close any more). Take the port side (eastern) channel – the other one has some debris and is dangerous – and always obey the priority instructions and traffic lights as big ships do occasionally still enter.
Once inside, anchoring is only permitted within the marked areas against the Glebe shore. You will often find world sailors there – it is a recognized stopping place for our international friends. Mind your Ps and Qs too – the office for the Maritime is opposite and the patrol officers come past regularly at the beginning and end of their duty shifts.
Once securely anchored you can chill out on board, or go ashore as you wish. There are some lovely little wharfs along the park for your dinghy (I would leave it on a locked chain though – just in case). You can stroll along the shore, look at the historic artifacts (an incinerator designed by Walter Burley Griffen while he was taking a break from designing Canberra I guess), or catch the bus into the city.
Or just go across to the Fish markets for a lazy lunch and afternoon. What a bay!
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