The calm waters of Rose Bay in Sydney are disturbed only when a seaplane comes into land and take off again.In some way, Rose Bay has witnessed the surprising history of flying boats, type of early seaplane.On the fifth of July, 1938, an empire class flying boat departed from here, Australia's first international airport.It was heading for England and mark the start of the golden age of flying boats.Over ten days, with thirty stops along the route, passengers enjoyed a first class service, including breakfasts of fruit, steak, juice and wine.But the flight didn't come cheap.Tickets were far beyond the reach of most Australians at a price that was equivalent to an annual salary.The service was suspended in 1942 as war took hold and the planes were officially-used by the air force.By the time normal life started again after the war,land-based aircraft had developed rapidly, and flying boats were looking increasingly out of date.However. Sydney and its vast waters remained well-placed to exploit their resources, and so began a new age for the flying boats.
