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Sydney’s oldest remaining cemetery lies in the grounds of St Stephen’s Church. When the cemetery was established in 1848, it was one of three serving all of Sydney. Many historic figures are buried here, including Alexander Macleay (see Elizabeth Bay House), Colonial Secretary from 1826 to 1837. When the Dunbar sank just outside Sydney Heads in 1857 (see Dunbar Sinks), the bodies recovered were buried in a mass grave at Camperdown and a memorial was erected for them. Eliza Donnithorne, thought to be the inspiration for Charles Dickens’ Miss Havisham, also lies there. While walking the peaceful paths, note the gravestones lining the walls. These original stones were moved inside when the outer area was turned into a park.

The coast from Broken Bay (see Pittwater & Broken Bay) to Newcastle offers glorious ocean beaches, national parks and several lakes and water-ways. The main regional town is Gosford, at the head of Brisbane Waters. This large waterway runs out to Broken Bay past Woy Woy and the pleasant townships of Hardy’s Bay in Killcare, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe. Behind Wagstaffe is Bouddi National Park, which extends north to pleasant McMaster’s Beach. Pearl Beach (see Swim at Pearl Beach) and the tiny fishing village of Patonga, surrounded by Brisbane Waters National Park, overlook Broken Bay.

Circus Oz mixes social commentary with satire, rock and roll, acrobatics and comedy to deliver performances that live up to their credo: Community, Diversity, Humanity, Hilarity. They are a travelling troupe but perform at Sydney’s Moore Park in January and February. Check out their website for performance dates.

The largest of Sydney Harbour’s islands has been used variously since 1839 as a granary, prison and shipyard. The island’s granaries were cut deep into the sandstone by some of the colony’s most recalcitrant convicts, some of whom hailed from the infamous Norfolk Island penal colony. Convicts were quartered on the island until 1871, although several escaped, including the bushranger nicknamed “Captain Thunderbolt.” Fitzroy Dock was completed in 1870, and Sutherland Dock in 1890. From that time on it was a major shipyard, especially for the Australian Navy during both World Wars. The island is managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (see The Islands), who also run tours.

The site where Governor Phillip was speared in 1788 is a peaceful spot nowadays (see Collins Beach). Steps lead to a secluded rock diving platform.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales has an extensive program of events for children of all ages. School holidays are peak times with special performances and workshops. There are kids’ art classes once a month and Fundays on most Sundays, at 2:30pm, at which your children might find themselves giggling at a mime artist or discovering Aboriginal art and culture.

Darling Street runs from the wharf in Balmain East to Victoria Road in Rozelle. It’s a steady uphill climb from the wharf past narrow Victorian houses until you reach the friendly London Hotel, just before a large roundabout. En route you pass the childhood home of former New South Wales premier Neville Wran, No. 117, and the 1854 Watch House at No. 179, the oldest in Sydney. Find Gladstone Park past the roundabout, and St. Andrew’s across the road, which hosts the Balmain Markets every Saturday. From here on it’s boutiques, cafés, bookshops and salons all the way to the Victorian court house, Town Hall, Fire Station and Library (see Storytime Readings).