SYDNEY: LA PEROUSE
Click on this link below to see Bare Island & Blak Markets
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When I travel people ask me "Whats your most favourite place in Australia?". I suppose I have places in this Vast Country that are still on my Bucket List. Although Sydney has a few Amazing places and attractions, I would have to say that this little peninsula named after a French Explorer "La Perouse" full of Indigenous Culture of its original Salt Water Kameygal People, is my most favourite place in Sydney. Growing up as a Kid you would always be brought to Frenchmans Bay by your parents and after a swim and lunch you were rewarded with a Mr Whippy from Ice Cream Van, the Snake Show and let free to run around Bare Island like a Soldier pretending to shoot the canons at our imaginary incoming enemies or the planes landing and taking off from Sydney Airport. Home made picnics & "Barbies" (BBQ's), Growing up we used to come to "LAPA" on our school holidays with friends. A really long Bus Trip Past a University and Goal. There is talk about the Old Tram being bought back, this time a modern Light Rail Transport System that has already been reborn in Sydney. Then as we hit Puberty you would drive there, eat fish and chips, followed by Gelato from the Ice Cream Van. Walk past the Aboriginal man selling Authentic Boomerangs who used to be there when you were little. And go for a tan (till your Sunburnt), and swim in Congwong Bay where you would see the snorkelers & scuba divers in the reef under and around the surrounding area around the bridge that connected Bare Island to the Peninsula. No Waves, so your parents didn't worry (too much).
Click on link below to see Snake Pit
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From here, I can only speak for myself. A few number of years ago I discovered Little Congwong Beach (unofficial Nudist Beach) I didn't go there to see naked people, I went there to be naked. Usually on my own but sometimes with company, Insence sticks, cap, sunnies (sun glasses) and an Enigma or Madredeus CD in my CDWalkman. Once difficult to get to, now has paved and fenced trek for your safety (from falling and snakes). This visibly hidden track of sand is probably the best place in Sydney where you get to see the sunset over water in Sydney. I haven't been here for a while.
No Pictures of Little Congwong Beach...Sorry...Gotta go see for yourself. LOL
For the last few years, I tend to find myself driving through the National Park all the way to the end, past the Golf Club entrance. Then through the Golf Range. And past the old, scary looking Small Pox Cemetery and continue past the Military homes park at the Shooting Range. A new Surf Life Savers Helipad and helicopters reinforces our love of our coastline, as the take off to save another life. opposite the Helipad is the World War 2 Fort Banks Gunnery base (The big metal gun is gone) past the somewhat japanese bonzai looking tree into a valley that is carved by a track to a coastal walk turning left takes you to the Small Pox Cemetery. But if you turn right you end up passing recreational fishermen returning with there rods and catch. You will reach a manicured Golf course and a path that takes you over a bridge to Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve. With its own shipwreck and the waves that are prevented from entering the peaceful Botany Bay smashing against the elevated, weathered coastline and Cruwee Cove. I can and do lie here and meditate for hours. For the last 10 years I've been suffering from Depression. I choose to use Meditation as my medication, as this is such a spiritual place It's quite healing too. Anxiety soothed by the feeling of the mist from the waves coating my skin with a cold stream of salted water. You can continue to Henry Head with its Battery and Bunkers, but beware of native deadly, Venomous Brown Snakes. If you don't step on them or run through the bush, then they wont bite.
Click on link below to see Cape Banks
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On the way home, I pass through the Botany Bay Cemetery to light some Candles for a little branch that fell off our family tree. And sometimes visit friends who cant visit me no more. Before returning home more relaxed than when I left.
You may be thinking that someone suffering depression shouldn't be walking alone along a cliff face. This is my happy place. Any negative thoughts are left behind at the car park, for the Shooting range to take care of. I let my family know where I'm going and on the odd occasion I take along a friend. The reason I go there is to relax. not give up.
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