Ruin Archives - Destination's Journey

12 December 202326 November 2023

Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins

Located in the Capertee Valley the Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins were once a thriving industrial complex. Established in 1940, the Glen Davis Shale Oil Works were a strategic investment that produced petrol for New South Wales while at the same time providing work for unemployed miners. The process involved mining shale using the underground bord and pillar method. This shale then underwent treatment at the adjoining plant to extract the oil. Refining the oil produced petrol which at the time was important for the war effort.

Dwindling shale reserves, old machinery, and poor productivity led to the facility closing in 1952. All removable items were sold leaving only the buildings which are now ruins.

Getting There

Located in the Capertee Valley, the ruins are on private property, with access by guided tour only. We drove from Kandos, through the beautiful Capertee Valley and met our guide at the gates to the property. Payment is either by bank transfer prior to the tour, or cash on the day. Electronic payments can’t be processed because there is no phone reception.

On arrival, wait at the gates to “The Poplars” in your car until the guide arrives. They will let you through the gates and run through a safety briefing before starting the tour. While we waited we took the chance to look at the amazing valley walls that make up the Capertee Valley. Covered in gum trees, with the setting sun giving the rocks a red glow was a bonus to the trip.

Remember to bring lots of water and sunscreen because it can get very hot.

The Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins Tour

Running around two hours, the tour takes you through the remaining structures on site. The guide was very informative and covered everything from the area’s history, how the plant worked and why it closed. For many of the buildings, he had photos of how it used to look.

The site has been used for TV show such as SAS Australia, so the guide pointed out where it took place.

The tour takes a loop through the site, so you are always seeing new sites, rather than back-tracking through places you have already see. This is great because it means the whole two hours was full with no repetition.

Unfortunately the ruins are not heritage listed, so have no protection. Also, the current owner is selling the property (as of November 2023), so a new owner is not obliged to provide tours, or even keep the buildings as they are.

Entrance to the Poplars and surrounding Capertee Valley walls

Brick building in ruins Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins — Entrance to the Poplars and surrounding Capertee Valley walls

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

23 September 202319 September 2023

Power Station Pump House Balmain

Power Station A Pump House Balmain

Located on the shore of the Parramatta River, the Power Station Pump House previously housed the pumps used to pump cooling water to the Balmain Power Station. Ceasing operations in 1976 and demolished in 1998 this old coal-fired power station made way for an apartment complex.

This heritage listed building is in very good condition despite the removal of its interior machinery. Built in 1934, the building is an interesting reminder that power stations previously operated within the inner-Sydney suburbs.

Some confusion often arises, as old copper lettering spelling out “Power Station” have been placed on one of its interior walls. However, these were salvaged from the actual power station and have no relationship to this building.

Locked gates prevent entry, however, the they have widely spaced bars, so it is possible to get a good view of the interior. On one exterior wall, an information board provides a history of the pumphouse.

Getting There

We travelled by bus from the Sydney CBD, getting off at the Rozelle Bridge and walking 10 minutes to the old building. The walk along the river is nice, with well maintained paths. Also in the area, on the other side of Iron Cove Bridge is a monument to the indigenous inhabitants of the area. Consisting of a sculpture of the fish traps used before white settlers displaced the Aboriginal occupants, it’s also worth the short walk to have a look at.

Exterior of Power Station A Pump House Balmain — Exterior of the Pump House Balmain

Power Station A Pump House Balmain — Exterior of the Pump House Balmain

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

19 September 202319 September 2023

Carradah Park Sydney Australia

Carradah Park Sydney Australia

History of the Site

The BP refinery at Carradah Park in Waverton has a rich history that dates back several decades. Here is a brief overview of its historical significance:

The refinery was established in 1926 by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, which later became British Petroleum (BP). Its location in Waverton, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, was strategically chosen for its proximity to deep water, which facilitated the transportation of crude oil.

During World War II, the refinery played a crucial role in supporting the Australian war effort. It supplied petroleum products to the military and contributed to the nation’s energy security. The refinery expanded significantly during this period to meet the increased demand.

In the following years, the refinery underwent several upgrades and modernizations to improve its efficiency and environmental sustainability. It became a key player in the Australian petroleum industry, supplying a significant portion of the country’s fuel needs.

However, as environmental concerns grew, the refinery faced criticism for its impact on the surrounding area. Issues such as air and water pollution led to community protests and pressure for improved environmental practices.

In 2012, BP announced its decision to close the Carradah Park refinery due to economic factors. The closure marked the end of an era for the facility, and its refining operations ceased in 2014. BP shifted its focus towards fuel importation and distribution in Australia.

Since the closure, the site has undergone a transformation. The refinery land has been repurposed for various purposes, including commercial and residential developments. The redevelopment has aimed to restore and revitalize the area while preserving its heritage.

Current Use

Carradah Park in Waverton has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, thanks to the rehabilitation efforts carried out on the site previously occupied by the BP refinery. The rehabilitation process aimed to restore the natural beauty and ecological balance of the area, making it a welcoming green space for both the local community and visitors to enjoy.

One of the primary goals of the rehabilitation was to address the environmental impacts left behind by the refinery. Extensive remediation works were conducted to clean up contaminated soil and water, ensuring the preservation of the ecosystem and the safety of those using the park. This process involved the removal of hazardous substances and the implementation of sustainable land management practices.

During the rehabilitation, the focus was not only on remediation but also on the enhancement of biodiversity. Native vegetation was reintroduced, creating habitats for various plant and animal species. This has not only contributed to the park’s aesthetic appeal but has also promoted a healthier ecosystem by attracting local wildlife.

Furthermore, the park’s infrastructure underwent significant upgrades to improve accessibility and provide amenities for visitors. New walking paths, seating areas, and picnic spots were established, encouraging people to explore the park and take advantage of its recreational opportunities. The inclusion of sustainable features, such as rain gardens and water-efficient irrigation systems, further reflects the commitment to environmental responsibility.

How To Get There

We travelled by train to Waverton Station because parking in the area is limited. Walking from the station, we stopped at Botanica Garden Café for a coffee before heading to Carradah Park via Waverton Park.

Carradah Park

Walking through the park, information boards explain the area’s past. It’s amazing how much work has been undertaken to transform it from a contaminated industrial site to a beautiful park.

Meandering through the park, several paths lead you through the revegetated bush. Viewing platforms from the upper section provide fantastic vantage points to see Sydney Harbour as well as the bridge and city. From here you can also look down to where giant fuel tanks once stood but have been transformed into green circles.

At the southern end of the park, two old wooded piers, one of which has collapsed are still visible in Berrys Bay. From here we walked to the Coal Loader and its derelict Coal Loading Wharf before finishing our day at Balls Head Reserve.