» A MAJOR exhibition coming to the Australian National Maritime Museum takes visitors on the sea voyage that inspired Charles Darwin’s great theory of evolution.
The young scientist circumnavigated the globe on the HMS Beagle in the years 1831-36 and the exhibition brings the voyage to life… introducing his shipboard companions and revealing what they saw.
Charles Darwin – Voyages and ideas that shook the world is at the museum until August 23.
It includes ships plans, charts and documents from the voyage, scientific instruments of the type used on the Beagle and portraits of some of the people on board.
A mock-up of his cabin shows how the young 1.8-metre tall Darwin was cramped for space even in his bunk.
There are pictures of landfalls and people encountered along the way painted by the ship's artists, Augustus Earle and Conrad Martens, examples of Darwin’s correspondence and original specimens from his natural history collection — crustacea from all around the globe.
The exhibition follows Darwin after the Beagle voyage, delving into his studies and his life with his family in the village of Downe, Kent, with a real glasshouse demonstrating his fascination with orchids and his scientific study of their reproduction.
In other areas the exhibition presents insight into the voyages of Joseph Hooker and Thomas Huxley, naturalists who like Darwin joined survey ships to the southern hemisphere to investigate new environments and became firm supporters of the theory of evolution.
Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, open daily, 9.30am-5pm. Inquiries (02) 9298 3777 or anmm.gov.au.
Sydney in pictures
Sydney walking tours
Where to stay in Sydney
Sydney attractions
Visit Captain Cook's landing place
» A LEISURELY drive from the Sydney city centre brings you to Captain Cook's landing place in 1770 in Botany Bay National Park, a significant part of Australia's early history. It would be another 18 years before the first European settlement was founded at Sydney Cove.
Not only is Botany Bay National Park a historical site, it is also a place for waterside leisure and, during the whale migration season, a vantage point for whale watching.
It's a quieter place to visit and certainly less crowded than, say, the Royal National Park with its altogether different ambience.
Luna Park is open daily
» LUNA Park has kept drawing in the crowds, particularly during the school holidays. It has had a chequered history of being open, closed, opened again. It may be open now for good now ...
Luna Park has reinvented itself not only as a Coney Island fun fair with the usual carnival rides, clowns and cotton candy, but it is presenting itself as a glittering venue for circus performances, concerts and stage shows.
Luna Park is open daily. Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point, or take the train to Milsons Point station. The main entrance to Luna Park faces is right on the wharf and, if taking the train, it's a short walk from the station to the amusement park. Keep track of Luna Park events at its website.
Art
Aboriginal Art
Where to find and view Australian Aboriginal art in Sydney.
Sydney's Museums
Where they are. Wide variety of museums throughout the city.
Beaches
Sydney Beaches
When it's time for soaking up the sun on white-sand beaches.
Bondi Beach
One of Sydney's best-known beaches.
Coogee Beach
Probably more intimate than Bondi Beach but beginning to rival it in popularity.
Manly Beach
Just across Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay -- take the ferry and avoid driving hassles.
Churches
St Mary's Cathedral
Mother church of Australian Catholicism. Sydney landmark.
Ferries
Harbour Ferries
Ferry tales can come true, and they usually do in this city.
Food
Sydney Cuisine
Sydney is in a world of its own with its cosmopolitan cuisine.
Parks and gardens
Bents Basin
Discover Sydney's outer suburbs on your way to Bents Basin.
Botanic Gardens
An oasis of green in the heart of Sydney. A paradise of flora.
Chipping Norton Lakes
In southwestern Sydney. Birdwatching, picnics, boating, the lot.
Picnic Point
Along the Georges River. Part of a larger national park.
Sightseeing
Darling Harbour
What makes Darling Harbour a Sydney star attraction.
Kings Cross
Take time to savor the atmosphere at Sydney's Kings Cross.
Northward
North to the Central Coast, Nelson Bay and the Hunter Valley.
The Rocks
The Rocks at Sydney Cove. Here the first white settlement was built.
Sightseeing Selection
Discover the heart of Sydney -- in only a day, or maybe two.
Southward
South from Sydney through scenic coastal towns and beaches.
Westward
Westward ho! -- to the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves.
Skiing
Skiing Down Under
In the northern summer, come Down Under for winter fun.
Theatre
Sydney Theatre Guide
Up-to-date information on what's on in Sydney theatre with season details and booking information
Sydney Theatre Venues
Take a trek through theatre town.
Wildlife
Sydney Wildlife
Where to find the roos, wallabies, crocs, koalas, wombats.
thesydneyscene is published weekly except in the last two weeks in December and the first two weeks in January.
Copyright 2009 Larry Rivera
