Potts Point

One morning a number of weeks ago, Rick and I headed out to Potts Point. Although it's a small point jutting out into the bay, there is very little public access to either a view of the water or the water itself. I believe the tip of  the point is used by the navy and is closed off to the public. Potts Point is on a high ridge and is densely populated. It has the feel of the Gold Coast of Chicago - very posh - but on a hill. As you can see, there is much vying for a view.

One of the first things I noticed about Sydney: 

balconies are very popular.

This one reminded me of

my parents' patio in Illinois.

Here's one of the few views of the coast to be had:

This was in front of the Elizabeth Bay House which is now a small museum. It was built around 1839 for Alexander Macleay who was an accomplished naturalist, the secretary for the governor, and a spendthrift (this last being the reason he moved to Australia). Before he died, he lost all of his land and his house due to financial difficulties. In 1977 the house was opened as a museum after extensive renovation.

Here's looking up at the oval dome in the central foyer:

And here's what's under the dome.

With all that gorgeous, "impractical" space, you can see why many developers considered the house a "white elephant" before the Historic House Trust bought it.

As we wandered around Potts Point, we found a street that had rows of old houses converted into "backpacker" hostels and hotels. We also found this fountain. Because the neighborhood is on a ridge, we often found long stairways that would lead from one block to another.

But, as you can see, we did not have to worry about getting lost.