Pinniped’s Prime Property

By Pascal Geraghty on August 24, 2016 in Other

Who said absolute waterfront properties on Sydney Harbour were expensive? I know a quaint little dwelling, a studio, jutting out over the water, boasting sweeping, uninterrupted 180 degree views of Sydney Harbour, including of Sydney Cove and the Bridge, and it’s free.

The problem is it’s currently occupied by a very content young New Zealand fur seal. And he ain’t going anywhere.

Pavarotti, as he’s affectionately known to some, took up residence on the Sydney Opera House VIP steps in October 2014 and has stayed put ever since. He’s currently unemployed, but since he’s neither servicing a mortgage on the property or subject to any rental terms, he’s free to live the life of Reilly, snoozing and sunning himself beneath the world famous white sails between gorging on Sydney’s finest finfish and appreciating the Opera House’s incredible acoustic qualities.

Based on his healthy girth, I’m guessing he didn’t get the memo about local dioxin levels. Either that or he’s decided to ignore the dietary advice dished out by the Department of Primary Industries to generally eat no more than 150 grams per month of fish caught east of the Harbour Bridge. Elevated dioxins or not, he’s perfectly happy snoring at ferry loads of commuters as they steam to and from the office.

In contrast to our federal immigration policy, Pavarotti was given the warmest of welcomes by the NSW Parliament soon after hauling out on Bennelong Point. Thanks to a clean criminal record he was embraced with open arms, without customs scrutiny, and invited to stay as long as he wanted.

With a clear line of sight over to Kirribilli and Admiralty Houses there’s no doubt that he has loads of dirt on Abbott and Cosgrove. But with the former now lying dormant, Pavarotti’s been forced to seek out other forms of entertainment. Perhaps his prying eyes were a major factor influencing Turnbull’s decision to remain safely ensconced in Point Piper? Well, that and the fact his current joint is bigger, better, more impressive, and with quicker water access and a boat berth.

Pavarotti’s presence speaks volumes for Sydney Harbour. He wouldn’t stay if it wasn’t good. So good it is, in fact, that he’s happy to put up with the ferry wash, boat horns, outboard noise, screaming tourists and Vivid. Local environmental authorities have indicated that his residency hints towards a return to old haunts, with seals having been common place in the harbour, including on Bennelong Point pre-Opera House, prior to their numbers dwindling at the hands of sealers.

If you haven’t paid Pavarotti a visit yet, go and say g’day. Although his DA to have a fence installed to restrict public access to his lounge room was successful, you can nevertheless still look down and be charmed by this cheeky character.