What if I told you that this very spot, Blues Point Lookout, is named after a convict? His name was Billy Blue. He arrived in Sydney in 1801. He was transported for stealing a bag of sugar.
Blues Point wasn’t always just a scenic viewpoint. It has a rich history tied to one man. Billy Blue was quite the character. He was described as a “strapping Jamaican Negro”. People saw him as a “Hercules in proportion”. He had a bright eye and a jocular wit. Quite a description.
He claimed to have served with the British Army. This was during the American War of Independence. After arriving in Sydney, he worked on the harbor. He sold oysters and became quite popular. His friendly manner made him a local notable.
In 1805, Billy married Elizabeth Williams. She was also an English-born convict. By 1807, he was the only person licensed to run a ferry across the harbor. Governor Macquarie even gave him a nickname. He called him “The Old Commodore”.
Billy Blue ran his ferry service with style. He wore a blue naval officer’s coat and a top hat. His ferry service grew. It eventually included 11 vessels. In 1817, Governor Macquarie granted Billy Blue 80 acres. This land is what we now know as Blues Point.
Billy Blue died in 1834. He passed away at his North Sydney home. Blues Point has also been officially referred to by its indigenous name, Warungareeyuh, since 2005. This recognizes the area’s Aboriginal heritage.
Today, Blues Point is more than just a name. It’s a vantage point. Many people enjoy Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations here. Blues Point Reserve gives a spectacular view. You can see the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and city skyline.
The reserve has been renovated recently. It provides a good area for picnics. Blues Point is a short walk from McMahons Point ferry wharf. North Sydney railway station is also nearby.
So, as you gaze out at the stunning view from Blues Point Lookout, remember Billy Blue. Remember the convict. Remember the ferryman. Remember the “Old Commodore”. He shaped this place. His story adds another layer of depth to this already breathtaking location. His legacy lives on in the name, Blues Point.