Built between 1886 and 1888, the Boothtown Aqueduct was part of the Upper Nepean Scheme to convey water from the new Prospect reservoir to the new Potts Hill reservoir. In 1907 the aqueduct was by-passed with a 3 metre wide, reinforced concrete syphon, built on the southern side that allowed the water supply to cross the valley using gravity to push the water up into the canal on the other side. Nearly a century later, the Lower Canal and syphon was superseded after a pipeline was established in the 1990s, and the bush reserve surrounding the canal opened to the public in 2003 as a cycleway.
Now heritage listed, the aqueduct is an interesting part of Sydney’s past. For anyone with an interest in civil engineering this is an excellent example of how technology has changed over 150 years. The original aqueduct was similar to those used by Romans 2,000 years ago. Even the support arches look Roman.
We parked on Macquarie Road and walked over the public reserve to the syphon. We then walked over the top, which is now a cycleway where an information board details the areas history. Walking back, we went into the Boothtown Gully because we wanted to see the support arches. This was a great opportunity for a close-up look and photo opportunity.
An interesting place to visit if you are this part of Sydney. It’s a short walk, but be careful of snakes if you visit in summer.
Spanning the North Channel of the Hunter River, the Stockton Bridge connects the Tomaree and Tillegerry Peninsulas with Newcastle, Australia. Replacing an earlier vehicle ferry from Stockton to Newcastle (the passenger ferry still runs), it has significantly improved vehicle flow. When opened in 1971, it was the longest bridge (at 1,024m) to have been built by the Department of Main Roads and the second longest bridge in New South Wales after the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
We have driven over the bridge many times and always assumed the central barricades were to separate traffic and prevent cars crossing into oncoming lanes. Having wondered how pedestrians crossed, because there are no footpaths on the outside edge, we did some research. It turns out that the bridge design incorporates a central footpath which you access from underneath the bridge.
Getting There
To have a look for ourselves, we parked near the boat ramp and walked across. Located where the bridge meets the ground, the stairs are easy to find. From here it’s a short climb to the bridge surface. While walking across, you are only separated from the traffic by a metal barricade. Although this is sturdy, it can feel unsafe at times as the cars and trucks drive past.
It was a cold clear morning when we walked across, so the views back over Stockton and Newcastle were beautiful. However, as you are in the centre of the bridge taking good photos is difficult because the bridge gets in the way.
Returning to our car, we found some artwork on the concrete uprights near the road. Sponsored by the NSW Government and local Rotary Club, they were a nice colourful surprise.
Stockton BridgeAccess steps to the walkwayAccess StepsWalkway on the bridgeBridge pedestrian walkwayView from the top of the bridge towards NewcastleStreet Art on the bridge structureSpectacular Blue Wren artworkFemale Spectacular Blue Wren artworkMale Spectacular Blue Wren artwork
Located partially beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bradfield Park is a publicly accessible park in North Sydney which provides magnificent vistas of the harbor, Circular Quay, and the Sydney Opera House. The park, named in honor of John Bradfield, the renowned engineer responsible for the bridge’s design, encompasses a playground, picnic facilities, a paved area under the bridge, and a direct pathway leading to the Olympic Pool and Luna Park complex.
Bradfield Park History
Originally conceived as a garden suburb in 1924, the plans for the area took a different turn in 1940 when it was designated as a Royal Australian Air Force station. Throughout World War II, this station served as a training ground for over 200,000 members of the RAAF and the WAAAF.During the period from the 1950s to the early 1970s, the park also served as a temporary residence for refugees, immigrants, and homeless families. Alongside two other camps, it housed approximately 100,000 individuals who sought public and affordable housing in Sydney. Eventually, the camp was disbanded, and the land was repurposed for housing.Today, the once military station has transformed into the breathtaking Bradfield Park. This picturesque public space is conveniently accessible by public transportation, located just a short stroll away from Milsons Point railway station and Kirribilli shops.
What to See
Walking to the park from the train station, we noticed this amazing looking door on a house along the way.
Ornamental door on a house near Bradfield Park
Eastern Side
Entering the park, one of the initial sights that strikes you is a peculiar steel sculpture. Presented by the Swiss Government and the Swiss Australian Community in commemoration of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, this remarkable work of art is crafted using components salvaged from an antiquated train, along with rivets sourced from a Swiss bridge and discarded industrial steel.
The Australian Angel
The foreshore of Bradfield Park is a fantastic spot for taking photos. You can capture many great landmarks and even use the weather shelters to get a unique perspective of the Sydney Opera House across the shore.
Sydney Opera House From Milsons Point
Of course, the dominant feature in the area is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Walking through the park will take you past the buttress towers and under the train roadway. From here you get a completely different view of the bridge than when driving over it. You can see the structure and engineering that has gone into its design and the huge amount of steel needed to build it.
Under Sydney Harbour Bridge
Underside of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Located under the bridge and forming part of the foreshore is the bow of the first HMAS Sydney which served in World War One.
The Bow of HMAS Sydney (I)
Western Side
Originally situated at the intersection of Berry and Miller Street in North Sydney, ‘Harbour Cycles’ by Richard Byrnes has now found its new home in the western section of Bradfield Park. Made from aluminium, this impressive creation showcases various elements such as the iconic struts of the Harbour Bridge, maritime machinery, and local architectural designs.
Harbour Cycles by Richard Byrnes
Entrance to Milsons Point Station under the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The history of the area is explained with a series of information boards. These are great because most people would be unaware of the area’s history.
Information Board
Sitting atop the Broomfield Memorial Drinking Fountain in Bradfield Park, this bronze fox terrier was crafted in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Harbour Bridge. The fountain serves as a tribute to Jessie Broomfield, a generous benefactor who left funds for the well-being of Sydney’s dogs and specifically requested the installation of trough-equipped fountains in public parks for our furry companions to quench their thirst. Positioned at the northernmost section of the park, adjacent to Lavender Street, the fountain stands as a testament to Broomfield’s philanthropic legacy.
Statue of a fox terrier atop a drinking fountain, with drinking troughs for dogs
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
