This was a pleasant half day out with the National Parks Association of NSW on a walk led by Brian Everingham. Also on the walk were Gary, Sue B, Sue W, Esther, Claire, Kevin, Allen, Derek, Karen, Paul, Terry and Graeme.
We met near Milsons Point station and then walked down and under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and followed the path around towards Luna Park. On the way we passed the art deco North Sydney Pool, which was used for the Empire Games, and a venue where more swimming world records have been set than any other pool. Impressive!
Then past Luna Park and along the foreshore past a series of small sculptures of people and animals from popular culture of of the past.
We turned off at a set of stairs and climbed to Wendy’s Secret Garden. This is the site of an extraordinary labour of love by local resident Wendy Whiteley on an area of former wasteland near her house. She has created a beautiful garden complete with chairs and tables to rest at. A true haven.
We reluctantly left the Secret Garden, and on the way out noticed a pair of Brush Turkeys working on their nesting mound.
We continued around Lavender Bay and Brian related stairs of its history, in particular, it was the site of an old swimming pool where the Australian Crawl and the Butterfly swimming strokes were invented.
We then past some boat moorings and had to leave the foreshore and follow a road before returning back down to the water level near Blues Point.
We walked around the point and then reached the Old Sawmillers Reserve in Berrys Bay. A pleasant spot for a rest.
We continued on past a shipbuilding area to the site of an old oil refinery.
The onto the bushland remnant of Balls Head. We walked around the perimeter track enjoying fine views of the Harbour Bridge and Goat Island.
Then through the tunnel at the old Coal Loader and up to inspect the new rooftop garden.
Our walk finished with a look at the Aboriginal engraving of a whale, and the short walk to lunch at Waverton. Thanks to Brian for organising and leading the walk.
