Conference Excursions
Three excursion options will all revolve around the magnificent Sydney harbour. The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House dominate the harbour skyline and both are treasured by the people of Australia.
1. Art and Culture
Art Gallery of New South Wales, walk through Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, tour of Sydney Opera House. Own lunch on harbour then travel to Parramatta Cathedral for Conference Eucharist.
2. History
Visit the national shrine of Mary MacKillop, ferry or walk across the harbour bridge, own lunch in the Rocks area, tour of Parramatta leaves the harbour at 1.00pm, finishing at the Cathedral.
3. Aboriginal Sydney
Cruise Sydney Harbour, including island visits, with an Aboriginal guide. Own lunch on harbour then travel to Parramatta Cathedral for Conference Eucharist.
4. Excursion for those with limited mobility
Following requests, a fourth excursion exclusively for those who are unable to walk longer distances will be available on Thursday, the day of the Congress excursions. This new excursion will consist of a leisurely bus sightseeing tour and lunch in the harbour area, followed by a ferry ride up the river to Parramatta. This option can be chosen at the time of registration.
Excursion Details
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions. It holds significant collections of European, Asian and Australian Art, including Aboriginal Art. It provides a comprehensive overview of Australian Art from early times, through colonialism and the present.
The Sydney Opera House is a masterpiece of late modern architecture. Designed by Denmark’s Jørn Utzon it is a graceful piece of urban sculpture rising from the harbour with patterned tiles and sweeping sails. Opened in 1973, the Opera House was inscribed in the World Heritage list in June 2007 as a great architectural work of the 20th Century.
The tomb of Blessed Mary MacKillop in North Sydney is the heart of Mary MacKillop Place, run by the Sisters of St Joseph. The centre is a place of pilgrimage and celebrates the rich heritage and story of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first Roman Catholic saint.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the largest steel arch bridges in the world. Opened in 1932 it is affectionately known as the ‘coat hanger’ and is the focus for many cultural celebrations. Its eight vehicle lanes, two train lines, a footway and cycle way make it the central connecting artery for the northern and southern regions of Sydney.
The Rocks, the area around the southern end of the Harbour Bridge, is a restored district that provides a fascinating insight into the history of Sydney. It was the landing place of 1400 men, women and children in 1788, more than half of whom were convicts. It is a popular place for visitors to browse on foot at their leisure.
Parramatta is the site of the second European settlement. It was settled in 1788 to help stave off starvation in the fledgling colony and today contains many historic buildings. Parramatta is situated on the Parramatta River, about an hour by ferry from the harbour.
The magnificent Sydney harbour contains many significant historical and sacred aboriginal places. Stories of the Eora, Gadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal peoples abound. The Harbour cruise will be a wonderful introduction to Sydney by the traditional custodians of the land.