View of Sydney. From above Vaucluse.

Rare view of Sydney Harbour from the natural vantage point of Vaucluse looking west with Goat Island at centre in the distance.

From the first issue of Capt. Robert Westmacott’s, ‘Views of Australia’.

Westmacott’s description ‘This forms a very extensive view shewing many of the numerous and beautiful bays for which Port Jackson Harbour is so celebrated. The great expanse of water is beautifully broken by numerous islands, as Shark Island, Garden Island, and Pinchgut upon the latter a Fort is being constructed. Its banks are studded with villas and gardens. The defences have lately assumed a formidable aspect, a battery carrying guns of large calibre, commanding the entrance of the harbour, having been completed at Bradley’s Head. A floating light has been placed upon some dangerous rocks called the “Sow and Pigs,” enabling vessels to enter at all times. Previous to the establishment of this light, entering the harbour at night was attended with great risk. In the distance is seen the town of Sydney, showing its length and position, also the entrance of Sydney Cove.’