Sydney History and Australian Natural Wonders

Chapter 3: Early Sydney and The Rocks

1. What do we learn about the early white inhabitants of Sydney?

   We learn that the early white inhabitants of Sydney survived storms and had a community of miners in England. Later, many died from disease.

2. Why were only the minor criminals sent to Sydney and not the murderers?

   Because England wanted to expand its Empire and needed people to populate a new country. Since murderers and villains could not govern a new country, they sent minor criminals instead.

3. Who lived in Australia before the arrival of the English and how were they treated?

   (No answer provided in original text)

4. What was The Rocks known for in the 19th century and what happened to it in the end?

   The Rocks was known by that name because it was made of rock. A notable building there was John Cadman’s Cottage, which was built by an ex-convict. In the 19th century, The Rocks was a dangerous and dirty place, full of drinking and prostitutes.

Chapter 4: The Blue Mountains and Local Legends

1. Where did Becky want to take Daniel and where does the place get its name from?

   Becky wanted to take Daniel bushwalking; she planned to go to the Blue Mountains.

2. How did the Three Sisters become rocks?

   The Three Sisters became rocks according to legend: there were three sisters who fell in love with three brothers from the Nepean Tribe. The two tribes were enemies and they were not permitted to marry, so the brothers tried to take the girls by force. During a big battle, their father—a witch doctor—was frightened that his beautiful daughters would be taken away, so he turned them into stone to protect them, but he was then killed.

Chapter 5: Whale Watching and Seal Rocks

1. Where did Guy take Daniel and why was Daniel amazed?

   Guy took Daniel to see humpback whales. Daniel was amazed because he saw a spray of water that came out of the ocean like a fountain.

2. How did Daniel feel when he saw the humpback whale and what did he learn about whales?

   Daniel felt amazed; he said the whale was so big and beautiful and that he felt privileged to have seen it. Daniel learned about whales thanks to Guy, who told him that the whales usually migrate between June and October, though sometimes they can also be seen in May. They sat and looked at the sea together.

3. What was Daniel’s routine when he was staying at Seal Rocks?

   Daniel’s routine while staying at Seal Rocks was to get up every morning and cycle through the woods to the next beach to watch the sun come up. They saw dolphins and seals and then went for a swim. Later, they returned home to eat breakfast, and Daniel helped Guy work in the garden.