The history of the Sydney Harbor dates back to 40,000 years or more. In the vicinity of Port Jackson was home to many aboriginal tribes. Most evidence of settlement Aboriginal principles has been destroyed in the two hundred twenty-one years Australia has been settled by Europeans, but there are still hundreds of rock carvings in sandstone in several places. If you want to have a look at some of these sites are not subject Aboriginal several cruises on the Sydney Harbor at your disposal. And they are served by Aboriginal Australians.

One could argue that Sydney Harbor Cruise first came on 20 January 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip sailed three boats of its flagship of the First Fleet, Sirius, in the Port of Botany Bay – Captain James Cook who had recommended as a safe anchorage for ships. The Endeavor has taken note the entry of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbor), but for some reason had not come. Any oversight in Cook name.

Captain John Hunter of the Sirius wrote:

"A large aperture, or the bay, about three and a half miles north of Cape Banks was the first place we saw: there was looks rather bleak, entering between the heads or lines forming outside its entrance, which are tall, strong and perpendicular cliffs, but had not gotten very far in, before we found a large branch extending southward on this we went, and soon found ourselves perfectly landlocked, with a good depth of water. "

These cliffs at the entrance to Sydney Harbor are still visible today. The port can be a dangerous place for a sailboat to enter – Especially with an off-shore blowing west. The old time sailing ships could not beat to windward very efficient – that tends to "crab" sideways a lot. The entry port was even more dangerous when approached on a dark night. There was a lighthouse in the South Head – Macquarie Light – still there, but somehow their heads.

There was a dramatic and sad accident in 1857 when the sailing ship "Dunbar", 81 days out of London, approached the entrance to the port of Sydney from the south at night, in heavy rain and strong wind. It is assumed that the ship's captain, believing that the South was over head and turned the ship into the cliff. The ship was destroyed and all 121 passengers and crew drowned except one of the crew managed to climb part way up the cliff. The Dunbar has built three years ago specifically to trade gold Rush. He was one of the largest and fastest ships of its time. What a tragedy for the passengers and the crew for safe navigation are half way around the world and be destroyed at the entrance of the port.

The site selected for the anchorage of the First Fleet at the head of the bay was deep water close to shore, was sheltered and had a small stream flowing into it. Phillip named Sydney Cove, but is now known as Circular Quay and ferry port is a port. Superyacht also use it as an anchor next to a luxury hotel on the west coast.

Today you can take a variety of ships in a harbor cruise in Sydney – from small water taxis to great lengths to 125 feet. And you can get your charter boat that drop you at Watson's Bay to pay their respects to the first migrants who drowned in the sinking Dunbar.

For more information on Sydney Harbour cruises please visit http://www.flagshipcruises.com.au

Malcolm Lambe is an Australian master mariner.

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