Putney 2112

I gave the suburb randomiser machine another spin (it's actually an Excel spreadsheet, but not to worry), and out popped the suburb of Putney. It's on the north side of the Parramatta River, about 10km west of Sydney's CBD.

I mostly think of Putney in the context of the Putney to Mortlake ferry. When I was working in Parramatta and living in the Inner West, I'd often come home this way. Slightly out of the way, but a pleasant little diversion.

Unfortunately on weekdays the ferry only operates during peak hours, and was closed for my visit. So no ferry ride this time.
I noticed a huge amount of new development since I was last there, and lots still going on. Putney seems to be quite the place. But then so is every suburb near the Parramatta River or with half-decent transport connections.

Here's the brand new Royal Rehab Hospital.

And here's an apartment block development which must have some of the best views of any is the Sydney area. It's on a ridge top. There's the city to the east, the river and Olympic Park to the south, and maybe the mountains to the west, plus the 'leafy green' suburbs in the north.

























There are parks, and riverside walks. Here we're looking across at the Rivendell complex.

Messing about on the river

On the Parramatta River, to be precise. I took the classy option yesterday for the journey into the city: the Parramatta River Rivercat.

Most of the other passengers were tourists, and didn't they just love it! None of the discomforts of train, bus or car travel, none of the uninspiring scenery of the Parramatta Road or the main western line corridor. Just  clear blue skies, clear blue water, fine views of boats, bridges, Olympic stadiums, parks and bike tracks. And some rather well positioned and expensive real estate here and there too.

The Rivercats all seem to be named after famous female athletes. I found myself aboard the Betty Cuthbert. Betty was a world champion sprinter in the 1950s and 60s. She grew up in the nearby suburb of Ermington, and is still alive and living in Western Australia.

The cabin is warm, roomy and comfortable, but the location of choice is the front deck, where the views make up for any cold winds or stray sea spray. As you approach the Harbour Bridge, everyone vies for a good position, and the selfies and group pictures all get taken. Then it's the equally scenic Circular Quay and Opera House.

One of the highlights of the trip is the first leg, from Parramatta to Rydalmere, where you negotiate a narrow passage through the mangroves. A lowlight is that at low tide the vessel - a flat bottomed catamaran - nevertheless can't actually make it through this part. The service terminates then at Rydalmere, and passengers pile onto a bus for the rest of the journey.

I understand the Parramatta-Rydalmere leg will be withdrawn altogether soon, so use it while you can.