Darling Harbour - Assignment Example

Name: Professor: Course: Date: Darling Harbour Being a mesmerizing tourist attraction site, Darling Harbour will be the centre of discussion. The site provides an extensive history of Sydney and development of New South Wales. We will feature the main themes that will aid in understanding the site which include the traditions that characterize Sydney, the changes and modern developments that have taken place since the establishment of the site and the anticipated future progress depending on the rate of expansion and arising social, political and economic needs. Tradition refers to beliefs, behaviours, practices or customs that are followed by people from one generation to another which help in defining one’s origin, ancient events as well as shaping the present life. It can be expressed through foods, songs, greetings, people’s behaviours, mode of dressing, structures such as houses, bridges, roads and physical features like mountains and trees. There are many traditions that take place in Sydney, most of which are celebrated at Darling Harbour. As a starting point, we will study the various festivals taking place at Darling Harbour being a major tourist attraction site. The traditions taking place in Sydney will help us understand the role played by the site in preserving, transmitting and facilitating the practice of cultures which include Chinese culture, Australian culture, Brazilian culture, Egyptian culture, Japanese culture, Indian culture, Malaysia culture and many others. An example is Chinese New Year - one of the most significant holidays celebrated by Chinese during the first 15 days of the New Year. This event kicks off in Sydney’s Chinatown. Its commencement is often reflected by the opening of special air markets, display of traditional Chinese’s New Year foods and attractive singing and dancing. The festival is accompanied by other traditions which include temple tours, a film festival, art exhibitions, kids' events, cultural and historical tours, print demonstrations, opera and banquets. Mother’s day has turned to be a highly celebrated event that draws people to Darling Harbour where they get an opportunity to show love for their mothers. It is an annual event that has now become a tradition worldwide. The Harbour facilitate the occasions through provision of dining services as well as recreational comfort. The site has hotels, restaurants, accommodation facilities and beautiful sceneries. Being a worldwide occasion, the day is fully packed with lots of people whose need for entertainment is catered in Darling Harbour. The Australian International Motor Show is the recognized industry showcase event, through which vehicle manufacturers choose to display the latest innovations and advances including safety, environmental and vehicle designs to Australian consumers and motoring enthusiasts alike. The Australian International Motor show (AIMS) is an annual auto show held biennially between Melbourne and Sydney. Both cities have a long running history of motor shows, but prior to the staging of the 2008 Sydney show, the organizers - the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) met with the Melbourne motor show organizers - the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC). One of the major sport events is Yonex Australian Open-Grand Prix Gold that is annually held in Sydney. It comprises singles and doubles competition Badminton members selected from their respective country for the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Such an event is greatly celebrated as it brings people from various countries. As a result, Darling Harbour, being the most attract tourist site, provides the necessary social services required by the attendants. This includes accommodation, meals (since it has approximately 39 restaurants), touring sites, Darling Harbour car rentals and other recreational facilities. Holi Mahotsav Festival of Friendship and Harmony is another event that is held in Darling Harbour. It is a grand festival celebrated with colours and culture enjoyed by all communities. The occasion usually starts in style with musical performance, speeches on social, political, academic and economic lives of the people, exhibitions on cultural diversity, multiculturalization, yoga demonstrations, delicious vegetarian Indian food and emphasis on social cohesion. By featuring this tradition, we are able to understand the role played by Darling Harbour in facilitating the event. For instance, through provision of accommodation, various dishes for display and consumption and availing Indian wear and jewellery. Moreover, the site provides an enabling environment that helps in preserving and transmitting traditions (like the traditional ancient practice of colour throwing) from one generation to another. Thai Grand Festival is another annual cultural event celebrated at Darling Harbour. The event is characterized by musical performances, food, exhibitions of various cultural practices and dance. Dancing performances describe the origin of attendants as well as customs that are so dear to them. Another related event is the international Capoeira festival that entails the display of Brazilian culture through dance and beats of vibrant art of Capoeira. The show includes a display of acrobatics, Brazilian drumming, music and dance. Traditional and modern singing as well as dancing from Australia is also enjoyed through a festival known as Taiwan Day Festival. It is held in Darling Harbour and it involves spectacular entertainment from Taiwan-based artists. Christmas at Darling Harbour is greatly celebrated in all manner of style. It is the largest and most prestigious event organized by the Polish community in Sydney per year. Like other festivals, it entails memorable entertainment that features Polish culture, music and dance. The arts and crafts, jewellery, sounds and colours, action and home economics of Poland’s best traditions are not left out. This event is also backed up by a kaleidoscope of folkloric dancing which features the various regions of Poland, the sound of up to date songs, classical music and presence of famous personalities – Polish and Australian known superstars. Buddha’s birthday is another occasion celebrated at Darling Harbour. It serves to remember the birthday of Prince Siddhartha Gautama- he was a prince of Sakya kingdom in Nepal 2500 years ago. He was the founder of Buddhism – referred to as the historical Buddha which means the enlightened one. The Buddhist faith and way of life is a direct reflection of his teachings. His birthday is celebrated by music and dance as well as display of gowns. The event-goers usually enjoy magnificent services, ceremonies and performances including special selected arts, crafts and vegetarian food stalls. Another episode that is upheld at Darling Harbour is Burmese festival. It displays all of the Burma’s diversity and the rich tradition, culture and outstanding ability of the people. The event which follows this one is Malaysia festival. This occasion is meant to celebrate the Malaysia’s cultural diversity. It is also accompanied by music, dance and exhibition of various mode of dressing. Another similar festival is Lebanon carnival that is celebrated on the month of November. This event provides an opportunity for individuals to enjoy the folklore, art and craft as well as the Lebanese Australians. During this occasion, artists from the Australian Lebanese community use music and dance to educate people on important social themes and promote the understanding of Lebanese culture in Australia. In the same month of November, Egyptian festival is held at Darling Harbour. Other annual festivals include; Sydney comedy festival, street football festival, Sydney Royal Easter Show, Easter at wild life Sydney, music festivals, Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema, Darling Harbour Hoopla Festival, Sydney International Boat Show, the rocks aroma festival, Macau festival, Westfield Sydney shopping, Blackmores Running Festival, Valentine’s day in Darling Harbour, Harbourside Firework Show, Australia’s Day in Darling Harbour, Harry Potter- the Exhibition, Jazz festival Darling Harbour and many others. Darling Harbour also facilitates a powerful event referred to as Vivid Sydney – an annual celebration of local and international creative industries. The festival takes two weeks attracting masses of visitors and powerful artists who come to grace the occasion. The attendants secure a chance to listen to educative seminars, public talks and debates from leading global creative thinkers which make Darling Harbour a preferred site of visit for many people from all walks of life. Apart from the discussed events is the Sydney’s Writer Festival. It is enhanced by the powerhouse museum that provides a training opportunity for young writers residing from Sydney area. It is an overnight event whereby children get a chance to stay in the powerhouse museum while actively participating in writing activities and games. Here, children are able to interact with authors of bestselling children’s books and learn the art of writing. Due to this, one is able to understand the role played by the museum in giving writers opportunity to share their inspirations, show life changing films and gear young children towards imaginative writing. The most significant traditional object found in Darling is the Pyrmont Bridge. It is one of the world’s ancient swingspan bridges that are electrically operated. It began its operation in the year 1857 as the first Pyrmont Bridge and later replaced by the current swingspan bridge which was opened in 1902. The Bridge was designed by engineer Percy Allan who was distinguished for his practical approach to engineering. He managed to design bridges using affordable materials, easy construction and minimal maintenance. At this time, use of electricity to operate the swingspan was seen as a future endeavour since most of the bridges were operated by winches, steam or hydraulic power. The swingspan provides an easier access to vessels which are too tall to travel under the bridge. In 1902, Darling Harbour became Sydney’s main commercial centre and acted as the gateway to a busy core of warehouses, railway yards and international shipping. Another living heritage is the rocks. This is an area of Sydney that is not only visited by the locals but one of the city’s major tourist attractions. Apart from public and private housing, it has a huge number of souvenir and craft shops, big markets, historic walks, homes and bars as well as cafes and the Rocks Discovery Museums. Modernity refers the progress that the society has experienced due to the presence of science and technology. It is measured through assessing the society’s present state in relation to the past and the future. By examining modernity in an area, one is able to figure out the trends in social, economic and political fields. The term is associated with industrialization, urbanization, secularization, mass literacy, reformation, age of discoveries, mechanization, enlightenment and use of science and technology. The Second World War became one of the critical events that led to development of modernity at Darling Harbour. The theme of modernization is very essential in understanding the Darling Harbour. It will help us appreciate the process of development and rebirth of Darling Harbour. The site that was founded is not the Harbour we have today. Due to modern science and technology, it has undergone tremendous changes that greatly define the current state of life of its inhabitants. A look on its historical development will be vital in understanding the ancient, changes and present state of Darling as well as the expected future developments on the Harbour. Before 1788, Darling Harbour was inhabited by Cadigal people and was referred to as Tumbalong which means a place where sea food is found. In 1788, the white settlers called Darling Harbour ‘Long Cove’ but the name Cockle Bay found its place in everyday use. In 1811, the Pyrmont area became a famous picnic spot. The first landing stage was built in Cockle Bay and was used to transport fresh produce from Parramatta and the North Coast, and to take wood to the city markets. In 1826, Cockle Bay was renamed as Darling Harbour by Sir Ralph Darling, the ninth governor of North South Wales, which gradually grew to become Australia’s busiest seaport. Today, the place has been transformed into a core area for thriving industries and grain processing steam mills. In 1857, the Pyrmont Bridge was built. Its establishment facilitated business and transport. The Harbour began to accommodate large vessels and sawmills. Hotels, cattle fields and other recreational facilities came up. In 1870, there was silting of the Harbour, which necessitated reclamation work. As a result, a railway goods yard was built on the reclaimed land to increase efficiency. In 1884, the old Pyrmont which was built in 1857 was purchased by the government for £49,600 after the removal of the initial structures. In 1887, the corn exchange was built. It was designed by a prominent architect known as George McRae, who later designed the Queen Victoria Building. This was a landmark building which formed part of the city portal at Pyrmont Bridge. In three years time, the population around Ultimo and Pyrmont grew to about 19,000. Due to modernization, the new Pyrmont Bridge came into use in the year 1902. The bridge, which was electrically operated from Ultimo Powerhouse, signalled a tremendous technological advancement in Sydney. In 1910, business began to prosper through the opening of Sydney’s Paddy’s Markets in southern end of Darling Harbour. The harbour gained status as a major distribution point, the very state which continues to grow till today. In 1939 to 1945, Darling Harbour facilitated the loading and unloading of weapons during the Second World War. It also became the first place in Australia where refugees ran for safety before the war (because of the post-war immigration scheme which was formed by the labour Government). It was during this period that the Harbour’s old dock got destroyed and area became updated again. Similarly, Botany Bay grew to become Sydney’s major port and container terminal and trade began to pass by Darling Harbour. By mid 1970’s Darling Harbour became a succession of empty warehouses and rarely used train tracks with only outdated vessel using its docks. Despite this, its waterside address was ripe for redevelopment. In 1984, the area became ruined and when the last goods train left Darling Harbour, a memorial service march was played by the NSW Transport Workers Union Band. After 150 years of its industrial use, the government announced its decision to redevelop Darling Harbour and bring it into the hands of the people of Sydney. In 1985, most of the area had been destroyed and there was need to mobilize architects, designers and consultants towards restoration. With speed, these professionals worked on a program aiming at creating modern entertainment and visitor hub for all Sydneysiders and visitors to Sydney. This plan materialized into a first building that was named Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. In 1988, Darling Harbour was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II. The Harbour began to grow into an attraction site through the establishment of Sydney Aquarium followed by numerous museums, shops, hotels, restaurants and bars. This became the genesis of the transformation of Sydney as Darling Harbour took its position as the focal point of Sydney. In 1998, Cockle Bay Wharf was constructed and Darling Harbour celebrated its 10th birthday. The next year, tremendous actions were taken in preparation for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It also served to ensure that the area remain to be the best entertainment harbour as the new millennium was approaching. In 2000, Darling Harbour hosted various Olympic sports which include; judo, boxing, wrestling and weightlifting in the exhibition halls, and volleyball in the Entertainment Centre. It is during this year that King Street Wharf came into completion and was opened for business. In 2002, Pyrmont Bridge celebrated its 100th anniversary. This was followed by Marine transport facilities becoming operational at King Street Wharf in the year 2003. In the same year, Darling Harbour hosted thousands of people who had come to Sydney to celebrate the Rugby World Cup. Till today, Darling Harbour is widely celebrated as an outstanding tourist centre, business and recreational zone. It celebrated its 21st anniversary in the year 2009 since its rebirth. Currently, because of development of Darling Harbour, New South Wales and Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Today, Darling Harbour extends from Paddy's Markets and Sydney Entertainment Centre in the south to King Street Wharf and the Maritime Museum in the north. It houses Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, Sydney Wildlife World and Powerhouse Museum. It also offers some of the finest museums and attractions in Australia. Even today, Darling Harbour hosts events including New Year's Eve, Australia Day celebrations in January, the Hoopla Acrobatics and Street Theatre Festival in April, the Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival in June and Fiesta in October.  The area offers a variety of Australian and international cookery from fine dining to cheap eats and positioned along the spectacular waterfront walkway of Harbourside, Cockle Bay Wharf and King Street Wharf. Cockle Bay Marina has facilities for up to 52 vessels, with a maximum length of 15 metres per berth available. Visitors can secure shelter at Cockle Bay for up to three days at a time.  Darling Harbour offers accommodation services that meet all the needs of the visitors. The services range from spacious self-contained apartments to luxury hotel suites, most with fantastic views of the water and city skyline.  Darling Harbour is home to the Chinese Garden of Friendship - a haven of peace and tranquillity in the heart of Sydney. After the Second World War, Darling Harbour has developed into a worldwide class museum containing fascinating apartments. Some of the tourist attractions in the Harbour include; Harbourside Shopping Centre-which include Kingpin Bowling Alley, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Paddy’s markets, Tumbalong Park, Darling Quarter Playground, Sydney’s Chinese Gardens, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australian National Maritime Museum, South Steyne, Powerhouse Museum, The Star Casino and Entertainment Complex, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, Aboriginal Centre, Sega World Sydney (closed in 2000) and the LG IMAX theatre – the largest screen in the world. It is modernity that has enabled Darling Harbour to grow from a neglected site into a beautiful Museum with lots of captivating features. Today, the harbour has all it takes for a tourist to consider visiting the place. Together with the Harbour, its surrounding territories have got wonderful tourist attraction sites: Sydney Opera House, Byron Bay Markets, Queensland, beautiful rocks referred to as ‘twelve disciples’ and other physical features like Uluru, Nullarbor, Tasmania and Melbourne. Apart from modernity, traditions highly uphold by the people in Sydney have also contributed much towards making Darling Harbour a popular site of preference when conducting annual festivals. Work Cited: Homann, F. Gregory. Darling Harbour: Its Impact on the Commercial Property Market of Sydney's Central Business District. Wales: University of New South Wales, 1988 Read More

Both cities have a long running history of motor shows, but prior to the staging of the 2008 Sydney show, the organizers - the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) met with the Melbourne motor show organizers - the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC). One of the major sport events is Yonex Australian Open-Grand Prix Gold that is annually held in Sydney. It comprises singles and doubles competition Badminton members selected from their respective country for the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Such an event is greatly celebrated as it brings people from various countries. As a result, Darling Harbour, being the most attract tourist site, provides the necessary social services required by the attendants. This includes accommodation, meals (since it has approximately 39 restaurants), touring sites, Darling Harbour car rentals and other recreational facilities. Holi Mahotsav Festival of Friendship and Harmony is another event that is held in Darling Harbour. It is a grand festival celebrated with colours and culture enjoyed by all communities.

The occasion usually starts in style with musical performance, speeches on social, political, academic and economic lives of the people, exhibitions on cultural diversity, multiculturalization, yoga demonstrations, delicious vegetarian Indian food and emphasis on social cohesion. By featuring this tradition, we are able to understand the role played by Darling Harbour in facilitating the event. For instance, through provision of accommodation, various dishes for display and consumption and availing Indian wear and jewellery.

Moreover, the site provides an enabling environment that helps in preserving and transmitting traditions (like the traditional ancient practice of colour throwing) from one generation to another. Thai Grand Festival is another annual cultural event celebrated at Darling Harbour. The event is characterized by musical performances, food, exhibitions of various cultural practices and dance. Dancing performances describe the origin of attendants as well as customs that are so dear to them. Another related event is the international Capoeira festival that entails the display of Brazilian culture through dance and beats of vibrant art of Capoeira.

The show includes a display of acrobatics, Brazilian drumming, music and dance. Traditional and modern singing as well as dancing from Australia is also enjoyed through a festival known as Taiwan Day Festival. It is held in Darling Harbour and it involves spectacular entertainment from Taiwan-based artists. Christmas at Darling Harbour is greatly celebrated in all manner of style. It is the largest and most prestigious event organized by the Polish community in Sydney per year. Like other festivals, it entails memorable entertainment that features Polish culture, music and dance.

The arts and crafts, jewellery, sounds and colours, action and home economics of Poland’s best traditions are not left out. This event is also backed up by a kaleidoscope of folkloric dancing which features the various regions of Poland, the sound of up to date songs, classical music and presence of famous personalities – Polish and Australian known superstars. Buddha’s birthday is another occasion celebrated at Darling Harbour. It serves to remember the birthday of Prince Siddhartha Gautama- he was a prince of Sakya kingdom in Nepal 2500 years ago.

He was the founder of Buddhism – referred to as the historical Buddha which means the enlightened one. The Buddhist faith and way of life is a direct reflection of his teachings. His birthday is celebrated by music and dance as well as display of gowns. The event-goers usually enjoy magnificent services, ceremonies and performances including special selected arts, crafts and vegetarian food stalls. Another episode that is upheld at Darling Harbour is Burmese festival. It displays all of the Burma’s diversity and the rich tradition, culture and outstanding ability of the people.

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