Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour, also known as Port Jackson, is a stunning natural harbour located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

It is a ria or naturally formed estuary that includes the waters of Sydney Harbour, Middle Harbour, North Harbour, and the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers. The harbour holds historical significance as it was the site of the first European settlement and colony on the Australian mainland, playing a crucial role in the development of Sydney.

Before European colonisation, the land surrounding Port Jackson was inhabited by the Eora clans, including the Gadigal, Cammeraygal, and Wangal people. The harbour spans 19 km with an area of 55 km2 and has a volume of 562 million cubic metres at high tide. It is home to numerous beaches and bays, with wide and rounded bays on the south side and narrow inlets on the north side. Sydney Harbour National Park protects various islands, foreshore areas, swimming spots, bushwalking tracks, and picnic areas.

In terms of infrastructure, Sydney Ferries provides transportation from Circular Quay to various destinations, while water taxis and water limousine services offer flexible transportation options. Sightseeing harbour cruises and whale watching excursions are available, and the Mortlake Ferry connects Mortlake and Putney. The Australian National Maritime Museum and Sydney Heritage Fleet showcase the maritime heritage of the area, and the RAN Heritage Centre at Garden Island focuses on the history of the Royal Australian Navy. Port Jackson also boasts several heritage-listed sites, including Fort Denison, Goat Island, SS South Steyne, and Bradleys Head Light Tower.

Additionally, Sydney Harbour has its own unit of measure called a Sydharb, which is used in