More Circular Quay at Sydney for Sunday Best

 

Since my return from Sydney, the chill of winter has set in, accompanied by mounting demands at work. In the midst of these burdens, I have found solace in revisiting old photographs from the journey—each image a portal that revives the vivid impressions of my time there. Among them, scenes of Circular Quay stir particular nostalgia. Once the site of Sydney’s first European landing in 1788, this historic harbour has transformed over the centuries from a modest cove into a vibrant nexus of culture and commerce. To linger upon these images is to retrace, in spirit, the footsteps of the past while recalling the quiet splendour of the harbour’s sweeping vistas.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

I recently observed that a fellow photographer and blogger has at last returned to the Instagram scene. He appears to have gained weight and has parted ways with his long-term companion. It seems he has endured a considerable period of personal turmoil, a sentiment reflected not only in his demeanour but also in the manner in which he now edits his photographs. There is a quiet sadness that permeates his work, suggesting deeper emotional undercurrents.

Signs around Circular Quay for Sign2

 

There is a quiet singularity to solitary travel—a certain freedom that allows one to follow the whim of the moment, to drift where the feet may lead without constraint or consultation. I find myself spending less, yet gaining more in reflection and spontaneity. The first photograph captures a curious figure—a monkey with its eyes covered, glowing luminously in the darkness like a beacon. The second portrays a street scene imbued with a sense of ease, the leisurely manner of passers-by framed beneath the familiar signage of Hero Sushi. The final image was taken within a bustling Malaysian eatery, its tables crowded with young Australians, drawn perhaps by the warmth, the spice, and the communal spirit of the place.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Circular Quay at night for Sunday Best

 

The Vivid Sydney 2025 festival, though notably more subdued in its scale and spectacle compared to previous years, still offered moments of charm and quiet wonder. While the grandeur of earlier editions may have been tempered, it remained a pleasant experience to wander through the illuminated streets, capturing the glow of the light installations that adorned the city. The event, now a well-established fixture in Sydney’s cultural calendar since its inception in 2009, continues to draw visitors with its blend of creativity, innovation, and public art—even in its more restrained form.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best