As many of you know, we plan to move to Australia if the sky-high prices of housing within a few hours of Sydney ever comes down. So we do research which turns into an enjoyable outing. If it isn't enjoyable then you can be sure it is crossed off our list.
In 2013 we came out to Brooklyn by train just for a day trip to see the Hawkesbury River. We were intrigued by the possibility of living on Dangar Island or nearby Little Wobby so we thought we would return to check them out.
Solar powered catamaran.
Dangar Island off in the distance.
More houses near Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Station. We actually drove up by car but we used the opportunity to use the bathrooms. The train takes a few minutes more than an hour.
The little ferry that carries you to the island.
There is not much headroom for me.
Cost for a one way ticket. Seniors can use the $2.50 day ticket.
Marina for those who use their own boats.
The enclosed swimming area.
Bushland just east of Brooklyn.
The beach and houses on Dangar Island.
The ferry goes first to Little Wobby before heading to Dangar Island.
Little Wobby nestles at the base of a high hill. We suspect the hill would stop any sea breezes.
The houses line the water's edge. There is apparently a path of sorts that winds in between the houses.
This place was for sale.
The ferry driver invited me up the front to take photos more easily. I asked him about the problems involved moving to LW and living there. He was quite ready to expound. Apparently there is electricity but little else. Water comes from rain tanks or you need to bring it by barge. I presume reverse osmosis would be another possibility.
Most people seem to have a boat.
He did a very good job of talking us out of moving there. Since we would like to have a couple of Airedales running around, we figured this place would not be too good.
The ferry headed over to Dangar Island.
The ferry wharf at Dangar. Note the jacaranda trees.
The railway bridge over the Hawkesbury River.
We landed and proceeded to explore. Cars are not allowed on the island so people use wheelbarrows to carry their goods from the ferry to their house. Depending where you live, it can be a substantial uphill push.
The sole cafe / shop which sells the essentials.
We met the occasional person walking the other way. They all said G'day which is unusual in Australia.
The vegetation is quite lush. It is sometimes difficult to make out the houses with all the dappled light.
Hiding the rubbish bin and yes, there seems to be a rubbish collection service provided by the local council.
Many houses in this area had very steep paths leading down to the house. We suspect many people actually use a small jetty in front of their house and their own boat.
It was wonderful walking along. There was plenty of bird song and unfortunately noise from the trains crossing the bridge which was quite loud.
The noisy train bridge.
A more defined set of steps. Most houses had an ill-defined track.
A larger house that we estimated would have been one of the older houses on the island.
I suspect stumps like this would be common.
A rare empty lot by the water.
We had reached the eastern side of the island and there was a bit more breeze.
Official vehicle.
There was no sign of a past bush fire but with all the vegetation, a fire would be catastrophic.
Ambulance service.
There is a bowling green.
Path to the beach. If seas rise with global warming, this part of the island would be under water.
See map.
The beach.
Unusual house.
Club house at the bowling green.
Meeting Hall. It all reminded me of Chesapeake Isle, the community where we live.
We walked back down to the wharf.
Letter boxes for the community.
The ferry turned up on time and we headed back to Brooklyn. While waiting for the ferry we discussed the island and decided that while it would have been a wonderful place for us twenty years ago, it probably would not suit a couple who will soon be seventy. And of course, two Airedales could be problematic.
Steps leading from the houses down to their private jetties. Some had winches to help haul up goods so that you wouldn't have to carry them.
Unusual house with the curved roofs.
It was a lovely place and I suspect we would love living there but it would be a bit difficult to actually move there and live. If you come to Sydney, a trip out to the island would be a great day trip.
We drove further north to another possibility called Wangi Wangi. It looks more promising since it is a peninsula.
I had a nap while Marianne went for a walk and took these photos. There was a lovely breeze.
And so the hunt for the perfect place continues. Still, we love living where we already a wonderful place in Chesapeake Isle.
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