It was Australia Day yesterday, a national public holiday back home, commemorating the arrival of the first European settlers, on January 26th, 1788. The first fleet arrived at Port Jackson, now known as Sydney Harbour, under the stewardship of Captain Arthur Philip – together with its English settlers and first batch of convicts and handkerchief thieving renegades. Australia’s national day has seen controversy in the past, given that it can be seen as commemorating colonisation and indirectly the invasion of a land that belonged to the indigenous Aboriginal people. Or perhaps more aptly the Aboriginal People belonged to the land – a fact not lost on Margaret and I when we visited Kakadu National Park, in the remote Northern Territory, and noted how the Aboriginal tribes there knew every nuance of the land, season, wildlife, and water hole.
In recent years though, the day has been used as a catalyst for reconciliation with the Aboriginal people – recognising the past but also looking forward to a future which respects the fascinating culture of the Aboriginals, recognises the wrongs that were done to them, and working together towards a single Australian identity. Perhaps the most significant step towards this, is the issuing of an official apology by the Australian government towards the Aboriginal people – a promise that the new Prime-minister Kevin Rudd has committed to delivering on.
But, Australia Day and it’s colourful celebrations on Sydney Harbour, coupled with the promise of glorious sunny weather and an outdoor barbeque with family & friends, makes me think of home at this time of year. Especially, when it’s cold and wet here in olde London Town.
Yes, I do think of Australia and my home town of Wollongong at this time of year. The 3rd largest city in New South Wales, it is nestled at the foot of the Illawarra Escarpment, a mere 85km south of Sydney. Right on the coast line, it is marketed as the gateway to the South Coast of News South Wales. Wollongong (aka the ‘Gong) & the South Coast has some amazing beaches and is well worth a visit. If you speak to anyone from the ‘Gong, and especially those away from home, they will always tell you that one of the most welcoming visions is the spectacular coastline of Wollongong’s northern beaches as you descend Mt Ousley making your way home. The photo below gives you a little taste of what I mean. Below is taken from Bald Hill, in Stanwell Tops, and looks south down the coastline that is home to the magnificent northern beaches of the Gong. The drive along this coastal road has always been special, but it is even more spectacular now since the opening of the Sea-Cliff bridge, which hurls traffic gracefully out over the ocean and then sweeps them back to the safety of terra-firma a couple of miles later.
Wollongong’s Northern Coast, as seen from Stanwell Tops
The journey south from Stanwell Tops to Wollongong, takes you through towns like Stanwell Park, Coal Cliff (an old coal mining town), Wombarra, Scarborough (great pub there), Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul & Bulli. Just about all of these towns has its own beach.
So, being as I am in London, and wasn’t privileged to be at home yesterday for Australia day, I did the next best thing and had a Vegemite sandwich. Nothing like a cure for home-sickness than a stiff shot of Vegemite, lathered on hot buttery toast.
Stephen J Kennedy Photography 