Two Queens visit Sydney

This is not exactly an unusual thought in gay friendly Sydney especially in February during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival but the two Queens attracting so much attention are Cunard's vessels Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth 11. Queen Victoria (above) is berthed at Circular Quay at the foot of the CBD and is on it's maiden voyage. It is attracting lots of interest (below) with sightseers enjoying the summery weather and backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (left) and Sydney Opera House (right).

Queen Victoria will depart for Brisbane tonight and as it does so it will pass by Queen Elizabeth 11 which will replace it at it's berth in Circluar Quay. QE11 arrived in Sydney this morning and is temporarily berthed at Garden Island (below) which is two bays to the east of Circular Quay.

The two Queens will pass each at other Pinchgut, a small island in the harbour off the Sydney Opera House. Pinchgut (or Fort Denison as it is better known now) was a convict prison in the early days of Sydney when 'Sydney Town' was a penal colony for the felons of England. No doubt this meeting of the Queens will be a photo opportunity shown around the world as it will be the only time the two Queens will pass each other on the water. QE11 is on it's last visit to Sydney and makes it final voyage in November.

After a long walk around the harbour to see the Queens this morning I returned home to enjoy a brilliantly sunny Sunday afternoon as viewed from my apartment today.