Sydney Cove - Tarpeian Way

These steps were carved into the sheer rockface in the 1880s. The rockface was known as "Tarpeian Rock", with the steps leading to the Tarpeian Way which weaves along the top of the sheer cliff, between Macquarie Street and the current Government House. The steps commence from the forecourt of the Opera House. The Opera House is located on Bennelong Point, being constructed from the late 1950s until the early 1970s. Prior to the Opera House, the point was occupied by a tram depot which was constructed in 1902. Prior to the tram depot, the point was occupied by Fort Macquarie, the Foundation Stone of which was laid in 1817. To build Fort Macquarie, convicts and their overseers, hewed massive sandstone blocks out of the hillside. So much so, that the surrounding area was carved flat, leaving this sheer rock wall. Should your curiosity get the better of you, climb these stps, go through the pillars at the top, and a glorious view awaits you.

Get me to the church on time!

The roundabout at the bottom of Macquarie Street north. I am standing close to the security booth at the entrance to the Opera House. On the right is the collection of swanky apartments collectively known - by riff-raff like me - as the "toaster". On the left is the quarry wall from which much of the sandstone was hewn in 1838 by George Barney and his convict-gang, to construct "semi-circular quay". Atop the sheer sandstone face sits a railing that marks the edge of the Tarpeian Way, between Macquarie Street and Government House in The Domain. Is this a Cadillac?

Tarpeian Way - parade of the icons

Bennelong Point sits guarding the eastern entrance to Sydney Cove. At the tip of the point, now sits the Sydney Opera House. It has not always been thus.

The forecourt of the SOH was originally a sandstone quarry. As such there is a sheer wall between the SOH and the grounds of Government House. Meandering along the top of this quarry wall, is The Tarpeian Way. The Bennelong Lawn enables visitore to lounge for a delicious view of all this beauty.