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Tag: Bush Walk

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Carradah Park Sydney Australia

Carradah Park Title

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.

Information Board Carradah Park
Information Board
Steps leading into the reserve
Steps leading into the reserve
Sign of the Former BP Site Carradah Park
Sign of the Former BP Site
Old pipe next to a walkway Carradah Park
Old pipe next to a walkway
Excavated Wall of the Old Site
Excavated Wall of the Old Site
The Sydney Harbour Bridge from the walking track
The Sydney Harbour Bridge from the walking track
Sydney, The Harbour Bridge and Harbour From Carradah Park
Sydney, The Harbour Bridge and Harbour From Carradah Park
Rusty Steel Sculpture in the Reserve
Rusty Steel Sculpture in the Reserve
Old Oil Storage Tank Rehabilitation From Below
Old Oil Storage Tank Rehabilitation From Below
Old Oil Storage Tank Rehabilitation
Oil Storage Tank Rehabilitation From Above
Old Structure Toppling into Berrys Bay
Old Structure Toppling into Berrys Bay
Old Wooden structure rotting away in Berrys Bay Carradah Park
Old Wooden structure rotting away in Berrys Bay

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Balls Head Reserve Sydney Australia

Sydney, The Harbour and a sailing ship from Balls Head Reserve

Balls Head Reserve Sydney Australia

Located on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, Balls Head Reserve is a scenic reserve offering breathtaking views of the harbour city and bridge. Winding tracks through regenerated native bushland let you experience the Australian bush without leaving Sydney.

History

The reserve was named after Henry Lidgbird Ball, who was a Royal Navy officer and the captain of HMS Supply during the First Fleet’s arrival in 1788.

During the 19th century, the area was utilized for quarrying and later for shipbuilding purposes. The remnants of the quarrying activity are still visible within the reserve. To the north of the reserve, Balls Head Coal Loader was an important export point for coal. The coal wharf and load out tunnels are still present and make a great addition to a visit to the area.

Getting there

Getting to Balls Head Reserve is relatively straightforward. We used the train and walked through Carradah Park and Balls Head Coal Loader before going to the reserve.

  • By public transport: Take a train to Waverton station and then enjoy a pleasant 15-20 minute walk through the picturesque streets of Waverton to reach the reserve. Alternately, walk through Carradah Park for more views of the harbour and see the rehabilitated BP site.
  • By car: It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot because there is limited street parking available.

Remember to check the current public transport schedules and any restrictions in place before planning your visit.

Balls Head Reserve

We entered the reserve through the tunnels from the old coal loader. This is a great way to enter the reserves because you walk from an industrial area to a rehabilitated bush environment. Although the tunnel is well lit the walkway is rough, so watch your footing.

Following the narrow track around the headland, we had some amazing views of the harbour. Several lookout provide great places to relax and take in the views. One even has a weather shelter carved from a large boulder. We brought some snacks and drinks, so this was a great place to stop and refuel while admiring the views. We were lucky to be there when one of the sailing ships went past, returning from one of its day trips.

The track varies from a wide shared roadway to narrow dirt tracks, so it’s a good idea to wear good shoes if you want to see the whole area. Several picnic spots with tables benches and toilets make it a great place to spend a few relaxing hours.

Coal Loading Tunnel
Coal Loading Tunnel
Coal Loading Tunnel Retaining Wall
Coal Loading Tunnel Retaining Wall
Walking Track Balls Head Reserve
Walking Track
Old Industrial Remains
Old Industrial Remains
Shelter area at one of the lookouts
Shelter area at one of the lookouts
Sydney Harbour Bridge from Balls Head Reserve
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney, The Harbour and a sailing ship from Balls Head Reserve
View of Sydney, The Harbour and a sailing ship
Sailing ship on Sydney Harbour
Sailing ship on Sydney Harbour

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Flat Rock Gully Walking Track

Stepping stones over Flat Rock Creek

Flat Rock Gully Walking Track

Located in the Sydney council of Willoughby, Flat Rock Gully Walking Track is a 4km return trip through bushland bordering a small creek. Utilised for the disposal of domestic and industrial waste until 1985, the area became overgrown with weeds. Following the closing of the tip and associated incinerator, the area has been landscaped and bush land regenerated. The result is a beautiful walk, through trees and ferns in the centre of Sydney.

Parking

Parking is available near the start of the track at Small Street where a gated entrance leads to parking spots. Additional parking at the netball courts, near the old incinerator is a five-minute walk away.

Flat Rock Gully Walking Track

Starting off with bitumen and a section of boardwalk, the track appears an easy hike. However, this soon gives way to rougher sections of rock and dirt track. Sections have steppingstones added to aid walking in wet conditions and in going up and down the slopes. In wet and rainy weather, these areas become very slippery, so good hiking boots are needed, as well as being careful.

Council Bush Regenerators, contractors and volunteers have done an amazing job reducing the weeds present along the track. As a result, you can now walk through remnant Australian bush while in the centre of Sydney.

Easy start to the Flat Rock Gully Walking Track
Easy start to the Walking Track
Small section of boardwalk
Small section of boardwalk
Water stained boulders on the side of the Flat Rock Gully Walking Track
Water stained boulders on the side of the track
Track descending to the gully floor
Track descending to the gully floor
Stone Steps of the Flat Rock Gully Walking Track
Stone Steps of the track
Stone Steps of the Flat Rock Gully Walking Track
Stone Steps of the track
Flat Rock Gully Walking Track
Flat Rock Gully Walking Track

Flat Rock Creek

The creek crossing is a series of steppingstones, which will be slippery when wet and during high rainfall may be submerged. At the crossing, a stone embankment prevents erosion of the creek banks and has become overgrown in moss. This makes the area look old and overgrown, but also extremely slippery.

Stepping stones over Flat Rock Creek
Stepping stones over Flat Rock Creek
Flat Rock Creek with moss covered retaining wall
Flat Rock Creek with moss covered retaining wall

Long Gully Bridge

Crossing the gully at the end of the walk is Long Gully Bridge. Built to access a housing development at Northbridge in the 1890s, the false crenellated turreted towers make it look very medieval. Under the bridge, a large, landscaped area was once the council tip. The 30 metres of fill has been rehabilitated into playing fields, where we saw a game of cricket being played.

From The Cricket Fields Looking up at the Bridge
From The Cricket Fields Looking up at the Bridge
The Bridge from below
The Bridge from below
Long Gully Bridge from below
Long Gully Bridge from below

Flat Rock Drive Pedestrian Underpass Indigenous Art Work

Pedestrian access from the track to the baseball diamond and netball courts is via an underpass under Flat Rock Drive. If you park at the netball courts, this is the best way to get to the track.

Decorated with large indigenous murals unlike many underpasses left in dull concrete. Not far from here is the Henry Lawson Cave, where the poet would sleep off a drinking session at the local tavern.

Indigenous art work on the Flat Rock Drive underpass
Indigenous art work on the Flat Rock Drive underpass
Indigenous art work on the Flat Rock Drive underpass
Indigenous art work on the Flat Rock Drive underpass

What Did We Think?

This was a really fun track to walk. Moderately difficult and a little slippery in the wet, the walk through remnant forest and along a creek was fun. Looking at the underside of the bridge and the decorated underpass were added bonuses.

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