33 Sydney - Hobart

9. March 2007

After 6 days in Sydney it was time to depart. Of two possible destinations, I had chosen to go to Hobart, on my way to New Zealand. The other route was over Lord Howe Island to the North East, but because I want to go to the South Island in New Zealand, I hope to get a tailwind going across from Tasmania.

Then it was off to the barbecue, well sort of, because it was arranged, that I first took part in “Clean Australia Day”. So I found myself on a hot, humid Sunday in mud to my ankles picking rubbish from the Mangrove riverbed of the Cook River! 
 

But I got myself a nice T-shirt for the effort. And the barbecue after was really appreciated. Next day we were off to visit an old friend in the Blue Mountains, and the same night we had dinner with another old friend, Janikka. With us was one more very good friend – he died several years ago, but Janikka had him in an urn on the mantel piece!
 

I spend a day riding around Sydney, catching the ferries to see a couple of places I used to live. Rode past the Sydney Opera House, where I once worked doing the follow spot in the opera theatre during a performance of Magic Flute by the Australian Opera. Queen Elizabeth was seated below – and I was flanked by 2 armed policemen!
 

Yesterday, I wanted to go flying with my friends Peter & Michelle. We wanted to do the “Victor 1” route down along the Sydney coast line, but thunderstorms moved in, so we had to give it up.
 

Before departure, I contacted the Customs, to get a new clearance to go to Hobart. After all, I had been instructed by the customs in Melbourne, that I would be in deep trouble if I did not. But after having difficulties getting the customs officer understand what I wanted, the customs in Sydney told me, that I did not need a clearance??
 
Departing Bankstown airport, I headed north via Paramatta to Barenjouy Head. I requested a clearance from Sydney Terminal to do the “Victor 1” route, and to fly via the harbour and the Opera House. I got the clearance, and flew along the spectacular coast line at 1500 feet, into the harbour over Manly to the harbour bridge, before doing a circle. Then back out of the harbour through the Heads.
 

I was to proceed below the Sydney control zone at 500 feet, but was asked to do a 360 degree turn due to a landing aircraft in Sydney’s international airport. After doing that, I flew south along the coast at 500 feet until I was clear of the controlled airspace.
 

Flying south along the coastline with one sandy beach after another, I got a clearance from Nowra military airport to cross their area, so I could follow the coast to the south. Reaching the south coast I came over the Tasman Sea for the 200 NM of water, before I reached the coastline of Tasmania.
 

40 miles out of Hobart I called the control tower, and came in for a left hand visual landing on runway 12. I was met by a Marshall, which showed me to a grass parking area. As a service the Marshall went to get a taxi for me – and followed the taxi right to my plane. Great service!