The entire stretch of north Sydney has some of most spectacular sights and is dotted with beautiful and quaint suburbs like the Kiribilli, the Milson’s Point and the McMahon’s Point. Each of these sites is famous for their very unique village-type atmosphere and all provide a beautiful panoramic view across the harbour to Sydney city. Milson’s Point is a fantastic vantage point that overlooks the Harbour Bridge, and is named after an early Sydney settler named James Milson who was gifted the barren land for development, and who later returned most of it to the government for maintaining it as a denoted reserve. Today, Milson’s Point can boast of a Railway Station, besides the smattering of residential and commercial areas. If time permits, do browse though the quaint commercial area complete with numerous shops and restaurants. And do remember that the actual vantage points are devoid of any construction, commercial or residential. This also means that there is hardly any covered area.

Many tourists, with paucity of time and the urge to see it all in one go, do make a trip to the Darling Street Wharf at Balmain East with a quick stop-over at the Milson’s Point and then down to the McMahon’s Point. That is to cover three stops at one go. We would recommend that to really absorb the country-side and soak in the scenic views in your eyes and in the camera, do just two points at a time. From a plan perspective, some take a ferry ride to the McMahon’s Point Ferry Wharf; explore the lovely McMahons Point as well as the quaint little suburb whose commercial center is dotted with boutiques and cafes, and then move on to the Milson’s Point. Some even start their excursion with a train ride to Milson’s Point. Our point in mentioning these options is that if one does plan to cover the two points on a day, which is very much possible, it is recommended to make the trip one way by train and return by ferry, or vice-versa as per the tour agenda.

If one plans to drive down, the road is wonderful and lined with scenic beauty throughout the trip. Parking is not a problem in either place as there is ample parking space. It is recommended that one take the road called Olympic Drive straight to Milson’s Point and on return stop at McMahon’s Point. Both Milson’s Point and McMahon’s Point are open 24 hours and on all days, and the ideal time spend is about an hour or two at each point. There are no fees levied at either point for any of the available facilities. The excursion is ideal for all age groups in a family or group outing, as well as for couples and even solo travelers. As always, we are duty bound to remind you to be attired in comfortable clothes depending on the time of day and the season. The entire trip is in an open area that offers negligible cover, so a cap and shades would be handy. Most important, you certainly should not be moving to these breathtaking scenic sites without a camera.

Sydney is a booming city, and the 1932 built Harbour Bridge certainly needed company to cater to the expanding suburbs as well as the traffic congestion. Steadily, the Sydney skyline added Gladesville, Pyrmont, Spit, and Anzac bridges. Our focus here is on the ANZAC Bridge. The reason for writing in capitals is so that we understand that the name is actually an acronym for ‘Australian & New Zealand Army Corps’ that fought as one army during WW-I.

Much earlier, the Anzac Bridge was known as the Glebe Island Bridge. The Australians are known for their whacky sense of humour, so when Madonna strutted on stage with those famous conical covers, the locals were quick to refer Anzac Bridge as ‘Madonna’s Bra’, and for two very pointed reasons. Though in mirth and in true local spirit we shall here make reference to Madonna’s Bra, it should be known that on records the official name is very much Anzac Bridge, as it serves as a memorial.

Some vital statistics about Madonna, sorry, about Anzac Bridge will help in understanding the importance of this key link between the Sydney city and it’s western suburbs. The reinforced and new Anzac Bridge was constructed at a whopping cost of As $ 170 million, and it not just the longest cable-held bridge in Australia, but amongst the longest in the entire world. This almost 106 ft wide colossal has a span of nearly 1132 ft long with reinforced concrete pylons almost 394 ft high. The entire deck is supported by two planes of steel-ribboned cables which literally stand out in the sky-line, and therefore the seductive by-the-way christening to ‘Madonna’s Bra’.

The Anzac Bridge, or if you prefer Madonna’s Bra, in fact merits a closer look from the eyes of a tourist. The current name was officially given on Remembrance Day in 1988 to honour the memory of all soldiers who served and laid down their lives during WW-I. To further elaborate on the ANZAC as an acronym, check out the top of the eastern pylon and you cannot miss the fluttering Australian flag. On the western end of the bridge is a bronze statue of an Australian ANZAC soldier, fondly nicknamed the ‘digger’, holding a reversed rifle. Later in 2008, a bronze statue of a New Zealand ANZAC soldier was also added right across the plinth and opposite to the Australian soldier. Perched high on top of the western pylon flutters the flag of New Zealand.

So now we have the vital statistics of the Anzac Bridge which won’t exactly compare or compete with the vital statistics of Madonna’s pylons, and we know the history and significance of the term ANZAC, and also why that binds Australia and New Zealand even today. So while driving across or stopping over to check the memorial, do think of it as the Anzac Bridge. But from a distance when you gaze at the Sydney skyline and the various bridges all lit up, the Sydney Harbour Bridge will remind you of a coat hanger, whereas the Anzac Bridge will make you smile with the pet-name, ‘Madonna’s Bra’.

Luna Park Sydney
1 Olympic Drive
Milsons Point, NSW 2061
Telephone: 02 – 9922 6644
Fax: 02 – 9929 7580

Website: http://www.lunaparksydney.com/

Opening times:

Monday & Thursday: 11am-6pm
Tuesday & Wednesday: Rides not operating
Friday: 11am-11pm
Saturday: 10am-11pm
Sunday – 10am-6pm

When in Sydney do not miss out the historical fun and amusement Luna Park. Luna Park is the superbly restored 1930’s amusement park and is a hot favorite with tourist and locals even now. It is in a way an icon of Sydney.

It is impossible to miss because of the huge smiling face entrance, the Luna Park is open throughout the year, and during school holidays it operates 7 days a week.

You can see the spectacular Sydney Harbor and the opera house from there and enjoy the breathtaking, thrilling rides. The entry is free to the park. Apart from the usual tickets for rides, one can buy the annual or the unlimited pass for the whole day.

The park has a 1930 feel to it. Children and adults both love the rides some of which are truly vintage like the Rotor, the Dodgem cars and some of the old fashioned games like Laughin Clown and Goin fishing. The giant slides at Coney Island are fun and the view of the Sydney Harbour from the Ferris wheel is spectacular.

Luna Park is a complete carnival for children as well as adults. One can have parties and weddings in the stunning venues the park offers including stylish The Crystal Palace. Adjacent to Luna Park is the harbor-side bar, The Deck, and the live music venue Sonar Sydney apart from other attractions. The whole place offers majestic views of the Harbor Bridge and surrounding area.

In Coney Island, the only surviving example of the olden fun-houses, and one can have fun on some fabulous rides at a reasonable price. The fun rides include the Turkey Trot, Wonkey Walk, the Joy Wheel and the Barrel o’ Fun.

Feeling hungry after all the excitement? The park offers numerous cafes, ice cream parlors and restaurants. Lavazza Piazza or some of the Park’s licensed bars can quench your thirst with absolute delights, so if thirsty, go head and enjoy your drinks there. You can also get some typically carnival food like candy floss, popcorn and peanuts.

The Luna Park Merchandise Shop offers goodies that you can take home. They make popular gifts and also mementos to keep as a remembrance.

The amusement park is easily accessible by train, bus and you can also catch the Milsons Point Ferry from Circular Quay or Darling Harbor.

131 500 is the number to call to check the time tables for the buses or simply go to http://www.131500.info/realtime/default.asp. A car parking for almost 400 cars is available at the park.

So for all the fun, excitement, entertainment and food visit the famous historical Luna Park and have a wild time with your family and friends. Indulge your inner child, play games, listen to live music or just relax and enjoy the view.