La Perouse
La Perouse sounds very French but please don’t get misled by the name. We are not in the outskirts of Paris, but very much within the suburb limits of south-eastern Sydney. But let us not forget that the early white settlers to the continent country came from various nations. La Perouse is in fact in the state of New South Wales, which is approximately fourteen kilometers from the Sydney CBD (central business district.). This is one place, in the city of Randwick, teeming with visit sites that provide a real peek into the history, the botany and the geography of the area.
La Perouse was actually the French naval officer and explorer Jean Francois de Galaup, comte de La Perouse (1741-88), who landed in Australia in 1788. It is in his memory that this place has been named.
There are numerous attractions here that can keep a visitor occupied the whole day. Some notable land-marks are the Bare Island that served as a military post long ago, the Frenchmans Bay that provided a safe and secluded swimming area for the troops, and the Congwong Beach. However, the dominant attractions for tourists are the La Perouse History Museum and the Bare Island Fort, linked to the mainland by a foot-bridge.
The La Perouse Museum is a treasure trove of the early French explorer’s history, and if you thought Captain Cook was a fictional figure, then you need to think again. A short walk from the museum towards the Endeavour Lighthouse offers a fantastic view of the bay across where the famous pirate made his base. Interestingly, the La Perouse Museum was originally a home for orphaned children and run by the Salvation Army. The museum has on display a trove of maps, ship relics, instruments that were used by the French explorers, including an obelisk close by that suffices as the La Perouse Monument.
Today, La Perouse is also about the Aboriginal people who originally resided in that area. During the week, visitors can do an aboriginal guided round of the Yarra Bay House, or even purchase their artefacts as souvenirs. On weekends one can witness live the demonstrative skill of the aboriginal in the usage of the boomerang. On Sunday afternoons, people from Sydney city head down to ‘The Loop’ at La Perouse to watch the exclusive live reptile show. And they showcase many impressive reptiles. Yes the crocodile show is a big attraction with the tourists and the children.
In all, La Perouse has plenty to offer in terms of local history and original culture. There are very interesting guided tours and skill demonstrations that keep the interest in culture alive. If all that wandering around made you feel hungry, you could just head down towards the Frenchmans Bay and check the menu’s of the cafes and small restaurants. They are well reputed and serve excellent snacks.
For further information and clarification:
La Perouse Museum
Cable Station, Anzac Parade
La Perouse, Sydney
New South Wales 2036
Ph: (02) 9311 3379
Jenolan Caves
The Blue Mountains are a world heritage site which has many places to explore. Jenolan Caves are one such place. It is an entire limestone cave complex, comprising of nine show caves. The Jenolan Caves are easily accessible for day trips from Sydney. Once could always opt to stay at a hotel near the caves and then explore all of them.
The local Abrogines called the caves Binnomea or Dark Places. The European settlers discovered them and now all of them are mapped and explored. All the nine show caves can be lit, and they have stairs and walkways that make it very convenient for the tourists who would like to visit and explore them. All of them have the most awesome limestone formations, stalactites and stalagmites formed over the centuries of water dripping into the caves.
The most popular caves are Lucas cave, Chifley Cave and the Imperial and the Oriental. Most guided tours take a visitor to these caves. However you could always check the timing of the tours that are posted at the entrance of the caves and select the cave you want to visit, if you are running short of time.
A guided tour would take about 1 ½ hour and is certainly not for the faint hearted or the very elderly who are not able to negotiate the stairs and walkways. The tour would take you to see The Orient Cave which has the most lovely limestone formation in the shape delicate crystalline decoration; the Lucas Cave that features the much photographed Broken Column, the Temple of Baal Cave has the Angel’s Wing, the largest free-hanging shawl at Jenolan. There are pink and white rock-flows that form a terrace kind of formation and even an underground river that is beautiful with its unique blue-green colour.
Unless you are very claustrophobic or unable to walk an climb stairs, this is definitely worth a visit. The awesome views, lit and accompanied with sound effects makes it a unforgettable experience, definitely worth the strenuous effort of climbing the stairs and walking.
Tip : Carry camcorders or cameras to capture the unforgettable sights. You should wear comfortable walking shoes
The guided tours have different pricings for different caves and combination of caves. If you are in a group, look for family tickets that are available on a discount. Adventure Caving and the Sound and Light Shows are priced differently.
There is a very quaint old Victorian guesthouse that has lodging as well as a restaurant, lounge etc. called the Caves House, where you could stop for a drink after your caves visit.
Getting there :
It is not connected directly by bus or train. However, there are many conducted tours from Sydney which takes roughly 3 hours. You could also visit the caves from Katoomba which is just a short drive.
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace
Cremorne is a peaceful suburb located very close to the central business district in New South Wales, Sydney. It, like most suburbs is mainly residential. Cremorne is popular for is the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace.
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace is a charming blast from the past. A theatre that was built in 1935, it’s Art Deco exterior has been refurbished as recently as 1987 by its current owner, Mike Walsh, a familiar name in the world of television.
Hayden Orpheum has six theatres all of them done up in an ornate style, each of which is done in a completely unique way. The entire experience of watching a movie in any of the six theatres is quaint. The cinema hall has a retro feel to it with its 70 mm screen, the velvet curtains that actually get drawn up before the movie starts, and the Wurlitzer organ which plays at special events. They organize special screenings and events where very young children can be taken. They even provide the long forgotten facility of crying rooms where parents can take very young children so that other patrons can continue to watch the movie undisturbed.
The old world charm goes side by side with the latest technology. The movie hall may look like something from the past but it is fully equipped with modern cinematic technology. The films at new, images sharp and the movie hall offers digital surround sound.
The theatre has a distinct retro ambience, but does not compromise on quality and comfort. It has digital surround sound and other technological advances. In today’s world where the number of movie goers is steadily dwindling, Cremorne’s Orpheum has, with its six separate screens, its opulently decorated upstairs lounge bar succeeded in retaining its loyal patrons. Moreover, a smart selection of thrillers, blockbusters, classic and alternative films ensures that it does not have to screen its movies to an empty hall.
Going to the cinema is a great way to spend a few hours if the destination is Hayden Orpheum. It is plush, beautiful and glamorous. It is a place a person can go with family and even very young children. It is spacious and the little ones can run around while you watch the movie. They offer a wonderful scheme called “Wednesday Movie Lunches’ where for a mere $13 you can watch a movie and have a light lunch and finish with a cup of coffee. It is a perfect movie outing that stay at home mothers can enjoy with their children, or a group of friends can enjoy in the middle of the week. Oh yes, this is a special event they advertise on their website.
A visit to this theatre takes you to the past with 70 mm screens, terrazzo floors, art deco exteriors, glass fittings, the velvet curtains, comfortable seats, fresh flowers and for special events, pipe music that plays in the intervals. If you are in Sydney, you must visit this movie hall for a nostalgic trip to the past.