This was a very interesting day visiting two areas along the Georges River. The morning, was a walk led by John Prats for the National Parks Association of NSW and the Menai Wildflower Group to visit the site of the historic Parkesvale Pleasure Grounds. After lunch, Bob, who was on the morning trip, and myself went to Voyager Point Reserve for a look. Both areas are on the south side of the Georges River.
We were very fortunate to have in our party Greg Jackson and Pam Forbes, local archeologists. They have been studying the site in recent years.
Parkesvale, named in honour of Sir Henry Parkes was a “Pleasure Ground” that operated on a point on the south side of the Georges River between about 1900 and 1915. Such places were very popular with people early in the 20th century. They offered food, music and dancing in a nice location.
Parkesvale was serviced by a paddle steamer – “The Telephone” which took patrons between Como and a wharf at Parkesvale. The Paddle steamer, had earlier been operating in Sydney Harbour after being launched in 1879. It was built by at a Balmain boatbuilders, and the owner was reputedly the first person to have a telephone installed in Balmain. This had been done the day before the boat was launched – hence the name.
The group met at Sandy Point Community Centre, and we were soon on our way towards the point where Parkesvale was located within Georges River National Park.
Along the way, we deviated to visit a nice Aboriginal art cave. This features a lot of hand stencils on the cave roof.
Here is an enhanced version –
Back on the track, we passed several small beaches. Greg and Pam filled us in on the early colonial history – including land grants to John Alford. Alfords Point, named after him is a long way downstream of his grant. Another early identity was flour miller, John Lucas, who operated flour mills on the Woronora and Georges Rivers. In colonial times, wheat was grown on the flats of the Georges River. Lucas Heights is named after him.
As we reached Parkesvale, we saw signs of buildings. Here is a stone retaining wall –
A women beam would have been placed in this carved out slot –
And here are the remains of a road verge –
This spot was the site of the dance floor, which could accomodate 900 dancers. Bands would play music and food was sold –
The remains of the paddle steamer, Telephone, are believed to be on the site on the beach. After Parkesvale was closed, the boat was broken up to recover valuable metal objects such as the steam engine. The wooden parts would have been left to decay. Greg and Pam have found some relics from the boat here.
This old metal washer is probably from the wharf –
Here are some old photos –
Walking back, we spotted a number of Caladenia sp. orchids –
Bob and myself had lunch back at the Community Centre, then visited the nearby Voyager Point Bushland Reserve. This is a remarkably good bushland remnant. It is also a very interesting places to visit.
We did a figure of eight walk with an extension through private property along the Georges River.
And there is also private property where walkers are not so welcome.
This is a small reserve well worth visiting for its interesting vegetation. It is also a good spot ato see birds – although we didn’t see too many during the middle of the day. It can be easy reached from East Hills Station via a footbridge over the river.