Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.  A place of business, recreation, entertainment, celebrations, festivals, history,  culture, and abundant wildlife, it is also one of our key tourist attractions.  Recently its importance has been acknowledged with the  government legislation enacted to protect it in August 1999.  It is Sydney Harbour that is the theme for this debut edition of "A Canoeists Guide".

This half-hour length pilot programme is an entertaining and humourous, yet sincere exploration of  Sydney Harbour.  Propelled by their canoes, dentists Subodh Apte and Bill Quinlan, visit the National Maritime Museum, the Bathers Pavilion, Taronga Zoo, and the Fish Markets.  They see the Opera House, fireworks, ferries, penguins, seahorses, and even come face to face with some Southern Right Whales.  This nautical journey explores the role of the harbour; its development; the transformation of the naval base to a national park; as well as those environmental tensions associated with the development of the city.

Part of the appeal of this documentary lies in its laid-back approach.  Changes in scenes occur along with a splash of water from the paddles.  Listening to soothing music, and watching the canoes gliding along the harbour is as comforting as its unpretentious tone.  "A Canoeists Guide..." does not impose ideas, rather, it examines the issues connected with the harbours and ports of these cities.

This documentary is of great interest to the Australian public.  After all, how often is it that we stop to consider our surroundings?  And with such a varied landscape.  It allows us to hear the views of the sorts of people who are not normally interviewed, along with the less usual characters.

The intention of the ending is to lead to further episodes of "A Canoeists Guide....".  Continuing the theme of harbours and port cities our canoesits continue their exploration of other cities.

TREATMENT

"A Canoeists Guide to Sydney Harbour" is the lively product of interaction with a broad range of people, and informative interviews with those most intimately acquainted with the harbour.  It offers an interesting perspective that may be of interest to residents of Sydney, who, already aware of its spectacular beauty, would still benefit greatly from viewing it.  It also has much to offer the tourism industry.  Perhaps the condition of the harbour will improve further, with greater awareness of its environmental concerns.

Subodh and Bill are the stars of the show.  As canoeing enthusiasts, they explore Sydney Harbour themselves, a theme that continues throughout.  For them, there is always another exciting aspect to be uncovered.