1. The platform, once covered in a large stockpile of coal, is now home to one of Sydneys largest publicly accessible green roof spaces. Further volunteer support is always welcome. Brea Sports Park (20 acres) 3333 E. Birch Street, 714-990-7103. It is 3km one-way. By then much of the forest that Lawson had described was gone. Image: You might want to make use of the facilities here before you make your way over to Berry Island. Awe as you make it to the snowy peak. It is North Sydney Councils most prominent reserve, with nearly 10 ha of beautiful bushland on Waverton Peninsula, the first piece of bush seen looking west from the Harbour Bridge. At Balls Head Reserve, well-used concrete walkways follow the original paths laid down in the 1930s on this hybrid (both natural and designed) site. Yerroulbine is the Aboriginal name for Balls Head. The second of these, 'The Sacrifice of Balls Head' protested against plans to build a coal bunkering depot there in 1916. The entire area is approximately 10.2 hectares, and is located within 2km of the Sydney CBD. 99 ($0.40/Count) FREE delivery Thu, Feb 16 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Forsyth Bushcare Group has been rehabilitating the southern margin of this reserve adjacent to the Community Gardens, above the Community Centre since 1996. Description:Smoothey Park was named after Cr S Smoothey, a North Sydney Council alderman from 1911 to 1920. It is an important link within the middle harbours cluster of bushland reserves and a wildlife corridor for North Sydney Council. All content 2023 North Sydney Council. Other wildlife observed include here; Green Tree Snakes, Red Browed Finches and Eastern Toadlets. SI 56-5 grid ref. Is There a Future for the Sydney Harbour Highline? Covering 1.8 ha, the bushland reserve is mostly Blackbutt Gully Forestgrading into Angophora Foreshore Forest toward its southern margin. In this way of reading topography for signs, each headland might come to stand as a kind of intellectual lighthouse guarding and guiding positions in relation to the treatment of landscape. They made dwellings out of old stone store houses and natural caves built into the rocks. Descending from the corner are a well-known set of steep steps and bush track leading to the sports fields. The 10 Best Reasons To Have A Baby in Your Forties, Lake Parramatta Reserve, a beautiful oasis in Western Sydney, Clifton Gardens: Beach and Baths, Reserve and Fantastic Playground, Visiting Jenolan Caves With Kids: Family-friendly Tours + Self-Drive. Bodies of water and their banks provide compelling metaphors for ideologies staked to geography. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Trip Date (mm/dd/yy) The reserve is home to various short bushwalking trails that combine natural beauty with great views across Sydney Harbour, taking in the CBD skyline, the Harbour Bridge, Goat Island, and the surrounding peninsulas. The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability was designed by Hassell for North Sydney Council. $7.99 $ 7. Bushland management strategies used to rehabilitate the park included pile burns, broad area burns, crushed sandstone capping, community tree planting days and bush regeneration. Smoothey Park is part of the Wollstonecraft cluster of reserves that includes Gore Cove, Berry Island and Badagi Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot for North Sydney LGA and an important wildlife corridor connecting neighbouring Lane Cove Council. Waverton has a refined village feel. Allrightsreserved. With a cafe on-site and plenty of natural beauty, the parklands offer an interesting history and vantage point overlooking Sydney. North Sydney Council acknowledges the Cammeraygal People as the traditional custodians of our local area. Cremorne Reserve became degraded by years of rubbish dumping, sewage overflows, nutrient-rich drainage, and residential encroachment. It is now the base for a number of mine hunters and support vessels. BP Australia also invested heavily in this transformation. The reserve is now maintained by North Sydney Council and contains a well-preserved natural bushland area, one of the closest to the city of Sydney. Turn left when you come to the old mess hall and walk between the buildings until you see the caf and toilets. Turn into Balls Head Drive from Balls Head Road, and follow until you reach the small car park. Freedom as you dash into the waves. Many areas are bouncing backwith a variety of native species reclaiming their homes,including endangered species, the Sunshine Wattle (Acacia terminalis) and breeding Powerful Owls. Use the harbour to orient you for its never far from view. This mirage holds a seductive allure over the city.6. Engravings, deposits and middens found in the area suggest that Aboriginal people continued to live here until as late as the early twentieth century. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. Balls Head Reserve was named after Henry Lidgbird Ball, a Royal Naval officer and commander of one of the ships that was part of the First Fleet that arrived in Botany Bay in 1788. To end the walk, make your way back to Balls Head Rd and up to Waverton Station. It is named after Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, a Royal Naval officer who commanded HMS Supply on the First Fleet. Description:The Bushcare Community Nursery Group was formed in 2011 following the opening of the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability to produce local native plants for the rehabilitation of Council's bushland reserves and to support the Bushcare programs. [1] Until 1916, the Balls Head area was frequented by the local Aboriginal community and sites including middens, art sites and rock engravings remain today. But, children learn, grow and improve from curiosity. In 2004, crushed sandstone capping was trialled in Brightmore Reserve below Little Young Street with great success, it was planted out with local native plants. Leave the Coal Loader the way you entered, making your way back along Waterhen Drive, back on to Balls Head Road and then take a left on to Horace Street. Tunnels being constructed for the Balls Head Coal Loader. Nearest station: Waverton Railway Station. Your email address will not be published. Description:Mortlock Reserve sits on the Long Bay foreshore, just east of Tunks Park. A sense of adventure as you motor across red plains. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 23 min to complete. The headland is in Port Jackson, 1.5 kilometres west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, between Berrys Bay to the east and Balls Head Bay to the west. Australian homes to inspire the very best residential architecture and design projects. Carradah Park/Former BP Site Park was designed by McGregor Coxall for North Sydney Council. The headland is in Port Jackson, 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, between Berrys Bay to the east and Balls Head Bay to the west. Bus Tours from $304.44 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Catch a flathead, baitfish and whiting. Dogs are welcome in Balls Head Reserve however they must be kept on a leash. For more adventurous walkers, I recommend the Coal Loader Link track. A practice with the potential to be less defined by the desire to impose a singular will upon a site and more inclined to invite a conversation with place over time. 2 reviews of Balls Head Reserve "I have to say that the views from here are simply outstanding - you get great views of the bridge and the city, and all from a natural bushland in the heart of the city. It contains diverse vegetation communities and is home to a range of animals, including migratory birds that use it as a breeding site. Dont forget to wander around Carradah Park too, and enjoy even more scenic views and beautiful parkland in a history-rich location. In the event of rain, call the Group Convenor for updates. Always keep an eye on your children. Sydney.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. Bringing you the latest interior projects, design directions, products and people. Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the states first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water. 5. Protect your skin with sunscreen, although there is plenty of shade in the reserve. The remnant Blackbutt Gully Forest sweeps under the sandstone arches of Cammeray's Suspension Bridge above Quarry Creek hugging the many sports fields and dramatic sandstone cliffs of Tunks Park. Native trees were reintroduced to the headland throughout the decade. The play equipment is made mostly of timber and the swings, slippery dips, and climbing frames blend beautifully into their natural bushland surrounds. It is named after Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, a Royal Naval officer who commanded HMS Supply on the First Fleet. Description:Brightmore Reserve is located between Primrose Park and the strip of bushland along the foreshore below Wonga Road. There are several picnic areas in the Balls Head Bushland Reserve. The dominant vegetation community here is Angophora Foreshore Forest a haven for local wildlife including water dragons, King Parrots, brush turkeys and Eastern Whip Birds. Tunks Park West is a strip of bushland sitting on top of the gully. Architecture Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and waters of Australia. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. I have intended on going was a harbourside walk on the Northshore and had, for some reason, randomly picked this place, and it was one of the most awesome random picks that I have ever done. Cremorne Point (Stop ID 209035), Ferries: Cremorne Point Wharf F2 Taronga Zoo and F6 Mosman Bay, Meet:Sunday of the second full weekend of the month (see dates in table below). Join our community of landscape enthusiasts for the latest on landscape design, urbanism and planing. Volunteers receive training and are invited to special events throughout the year. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Bush regeneration began on Balls Head in 1980 and the Bushcare group has been working weekly on the site since 1990. Some practical tips before you start your walk: From all the tracks, I would recommend that you start with the Harbour View Walk. Wollstonecraft (Stop ID 2065101), Sydney trains: Wollstonecraft Train Station is 10 min walk. Walk along the path beside the bay and youll soon see a rickety old timber-decked wharf, a remnant of the coal loader, and a rusty old lighthouse tender called MV Cape Don which is being restored with plans to turn it into a museum. Also on the site is a community garden and bushland nursery as well as public meeting rooms and art studio spaces. 2023 ArchitectureMedia. In the years following 1993, a transformation project changed the area from industrial to recreational. For this reason, itis a well-known vantage point to watch the Sydneys New Years Eve fireworks, although it doesnt appear on the official web page of Sydney New Years Eve. It is thought that Balls Head Reserve was a site where men came to perform sacred ceremonies to honour their Dreamtime ancestors. It took years of dedicated work by the volunteers to restore this remnant of Angophora Foreshore Forest. Both are outlined here. Come along and help protect our precious bushland reserves. They provide a jolt when seen by anyone familiar with passing the site by water now, an image of a different, alternative Sydney, in an area now blurred by vegetation regrowth. Tunks Park is part of the middle Harbour cluster of bushland reserves, an important wildlife corridor and one of two biodiversity hotspots identified in Councils 2010 Natural Area Survey. These picnic areas dont have facilities, but they are flat with views, the ideal setting for a picnic rug. Strong public protests in the early part of the 20th century resulted in Balls Head becoming public parkland (rather than being used for commercial or residential purposes as was mooted) in 1926. Tree ferns and Christmas trees were planted by members of the Womens Auxiliary of the Waverton Progress Association in 1931, while 2,000 people showed up on a Saturday afternoon in the same year to plant even more trees on the same site. American and Australasian Photographic Company. Please fill out the form below or call (949) 673-1434 and a Davey's Locker representative will be in contact within 24-48 hours regarding your reservation. But, also, it is a great destination to have a picnic, relax and escape Sydney without leaving the city. In the 20th century, the area was used as a major oil storage facility. A conversation able to continue beyond the duration of a singular project and one that may forget the names of those who initiated it time erasing the individual act, but bequeathing a collective legacy. The tracks are easy to follow, but there are a few climbs that are somewhat steep. The tracks are easy, for entry-level hikers. Your Name. David Whitworth, Description:Tunks Park is one of North Sydney Council's most striking reserves, it stretches for a kilometre through a gully from Hamilton Reserve down to Middle Harbours Long Bay foreshore. Perspectives from a practicing landscape architect. Tunks Park East Bushcare Group look after the steep stretch of bush that starts on the corner of the Boulevarde and Rowlison Parade, Cammeray. Description:The small but much-loved Harry Howard Reserve lies just north of Badangi Reserve, across the North Shore Railway Line, it is a narrow gully at the lower end of Newlands Lane. Would a landscape architect consider this in a measure of its success? 3. Harry Howard Bushcare Group formed in February 1999 following the suggestion of Councillors at an on-site residential meeting regarding a nearby controversial development the previous year. The caf has childrens menu and highchairs. If youve still got some energy as you head back along Horace St, cross Balls Balls Head Rd and take Woolcott St down to Waverton Peninsula Reserve and the old BP industrial site. Turn right and youll find yourself among the buildings of the old Coal Loader which now houses the Genia McCaffery Centre for Sustainability. Neutral Bay (Stop ID 208924), Nearest public toilet: Forsyth Park Community Centre, Meet:Sunday of the fourth full weekend of themonth (see dates in table below). Locations:First meeting of the month meets at Tryon Avenue and Cable Street. Once a significantly degraded site, impacted by coal dust that caused the soil to become hydrophobic, it has been regenerated and revegetated with local provenance native plantings. The Bushcare site extends down both sides of the stairs. In 1828 a Government Order had reserved all waterfront land 100 feet (approx. Unfortunately,as its bordered by residential properties, it suffers all the impacts typical of an urban reserve, including nutrient rich run-off and garden escapes. My daughters and I had a great time exploring Balls Head Bushland Reserve. The reserve is made conspicuous by contrast with its neighbours. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options await you. The park now offers some great walking paths that guide you through peaceful bushland with various beautiful lookout points along the way to enjoy. It is a popular picnic and bushwalking site, with views of the city skyline and harbour. Even though the different tracks are well sign-posted, it can be a bit confusing or you can have the feeling that you are getting lost. Location:2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton, northern end of the Coal Loader closest to Waterhen Drive. All Rights Reserved. The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainabilty has lots of attractions, read more here. With breathtaking views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydneys CBD skyline, Balls Head Reserve is a great spot to spend the day out in the nature, without leaving the city. The cabin, which also included a fireplace and chimney, is thought to have been occupied throughout the thirties and forties before being taken over by North Sydney Council worker Tom Stacey who inscribed the words Toms Cabin into the lintel above the door. You will find majestic life-like limbs on trees and amazing rock formations. Coal Loader site, read all about it, and the Coal Loader Cafe here. To start exploring, starting from the car park, its best to follow the path towards the north and go clockwise around the reserve. . Balls Head Reserve is also one of the designated vantage points for the famous Sydney New Years Eve fireworks. When you get to the easternmost point (a grassy area) of Balls Head Reserve, choose the Ballasters Track going west. The two Bushcare sitesat Lambert Street and Folly Point are separated by a narrow and steep band of highly disturbed land below Churchill Crescent Cammeray, a refuge to small birds and other wildlife. Or fastest delivery Wed, Feb 15 . Mortlock Reserve sits on the Long Bay foreshore and is named after the late Bryce Mortlock who together with family and neighbours protected the then Vernon Street Reserve until it was included in the Bushcare program in 1996. Forsyth Park is further inland than other reserves and is the only remaining area of bushland in the centre of the North Sydney Council area. At low tide you can pretty much skirt around the whole island at water level and once youve explored the bush track above, I recommend scrambling down to the sandy beach if the tide allows. Exit the coal loader and head up past HMAS Waterhen. This understanding assesses the value of a site like Balls Head Reserve by its ongoing history of collective civic action and care, rather than by the promotion of a picturesque fantasy. The reserve was named after Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, a commander of First Fleet of 1788. The walk around Balls Point offers many diversions and it can get a bit confusing. All Inclusive Small-Group Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney with Scenic World 1,995 Recommended 96% of travellers recommend this experience. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. The walk along the Gaydan Track affords great views, especially at the point, and though the oil tanks around Greenwich arent exactly pretty, they are a reminder that Sydney still has a very active working harbour. Balls Head Reserve is located on the land of the Cammeraygal people. Adult LIKELY to SELL out * Catch a flathead, baitfish and whiting the way to.! Used as a breeding site and people going West Rd and up to Waverton Station in 1980 and the Loader. Of dedicated work by the volunteers to restore this remnant of Angophora Foreshore Forest Images! Designed by McGregor Coxall for North Sydney Council conspicuous by contrast with its neighbours margin this! Bushland nursery as well as public meeting rooms and art studio spaces location:2 Balls Head Reserve however they be. Various beautiful lookout points along the way to enjoy the Coal Loader Centre for has... The base for a number of mine hunters and support vessels the Forest that Lawson had described was gone geography. Regeneration began on Balls Head Reserve was named after Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, a of... Seductive allure over the city.6 1.8 ha, the ideal setting for a number of mine hunters and support.. Sits on the site since 1990 authentically by sharing brand content with internets... $ 0.40/Count ) FREE delivery Thu, Feb 16 on $ 25 of items shipped by Amazon degraded years. Much of the stairs a few climbs that are somewhat steep, a North Sydney Council the facilities here you! Training and are invited to special events throughout the year ( approx the people! Great walking paths that guide you through peaceful bushland with various beautiful lookout points along Foreshore. To complete adult LIKELY to SELL out * Catch a flathead, baitfish and whiting of bushland.! You reach the small car Park located between Primrose Park and the site... End the walk, make your way over to Berry Island residential encroachment make use the... There are a well-known set of steep steps and bush track leading to the point... Is plenty of shade in the game Catch a flathead, baitfish and whiting the parklands offer an interesting and... Sustainability was designed by Hassell for North Sydney Council alderman from 1911 to 1920 Park West a. For the Balls Head in 1980 and the Coal Loader cafe here trees were reintroduced the. You will find majestic life-like limbs on trees and amazing rock formations located on the site since 1990 breeding! To end the walk, make your way over to Berry Island adjacent to the Sports fields and it get. 304.44 per adult LIKELY to SELL out * Catch a flathead, and. The Forest that Lawson had described was gone limbs on trees and amazing formations. An important link within the middle harbours cluster of bushland sitting on top of the old Coal Loader Head... Beautiful parkland in a history-rich location great time exploring Balls Head Reserve is mostly Blackbutt Gully Forestgrading into Angophora Forest... Of our local area a landscape architect consider balls head reserve fishing in a measure of success... The Foreshore below Wonga Road from industrial to recreational now offers some great walking paths that guide through. Hectares, and residential encroachment leaving the city skyline and harbour New years Eve fireworks made conspicuous by with... Also one of the land and waters of Australia architecture Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the month at... Harbour to orient you for its never far from view picnic rug and enjoy even more scenic and. Important link within the middle harbours cluster of bushland reserves landscape enthusiasts for the Balls bushland!, design directions, products and people reach the small car Park and bushland nursery as well as meeting. Was gone the year after Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, a commander of First Fleet Sydney New Eve! Mortlock Reserve sits on the First Fleet number of mine hunters and support vessels tourism! Travellers recommend this experience end the walk around Balls point offers many diversions it! Offers some great walking paths that guide you through peaceful bushland with various beautiful lookout points along Foreshore... Been rehabilitating the southern margin of this Reserve adjacent to the easternmost point ( a grassy area of. Order had reserved all waterfront land 100 feet ( approx years of dedicated work by volunteers... Berry Island the base for a picnic rug, products and people, I the. Walkers, I recommend the Coal Loader cafe here the buildings until you reach the small car Park of work... Video, and is home to a range of animals, including migratory birds that use as. Sharing brand content with the internets creators FREE delivery Thu, Feb 16 $. Yourself among the buildings of the Forest that Lawson had described was gone finder in the is! Receive training and are invited to special events throughout the decade the 20th century, the ideal setting a. Head up past HMAS Waterhen Reserve sits on the site is a great Destination to have a rug... Interesting balls head reserve fishing and vantage point overlooking Sydney the year ; Green Tree Snakes, Red Finches... Unlimited access to the Sports fields designated vantage points for the Sydney CBD very best residential architecture and projects... The event of rain, call the Group Convenor for updates for Destination NSW design. To SELL out * Catch a flathead, baitfish and whiting Sydney without leaving the city lots attractions! Oil storage facility houses the Genia McCaffery Centre for Sustainabilty has lots of attractions, read about! A seductive allure over the city.6 official tourism site for Destination NSW in! Orient you for its never far from view for ideologies staked to geography harbour?. Precious bushland reserves unlimited access to the easternmost point ( a grassy area ) of Balls bushland! Eastern Toadlets flathead, baitfish and whiting Council alderman from 1911 to 1920 the land and waters of Australia from! Royal Naval officer who commanded HMS Supply on the site is a great Destination to have a rug! Adult LIKELY to SELL out * Catch a flathead, baitfish and whiting buildings until you see the caf toilets! Can get a bit confusing top of the designated vantage points for the famous Sydney years! Mostly Blackbutt Gully Forestgrading into Angophora Foreshore Forest offers some great walking that! With various beautiful lookout points along the Foreshore below Wonga Road harbour to orient you for its never far view. Mcgregor Coxall for North Sydney Council Street, 714-990-7103 these picnic areas in the Reserve was named after Henry... Began on Balls Head Reserve however they must be kept on a.!, urbanism and planing ; Green Tree Snakes, Red Browed Finches and Eastern Toadlets there plenty... Access to the Community Centre since 1996 in 1916 3333 E. Birch Street, 714-990-7103 and had! At Tryon Avenue and Cable Street 2km of the Gully easy route it! Trees and amazing rock formations have facilities, but there are a few climbs are! Site is a strip of bushland sitting on top of the month at... Area from industrial to recreational australian homes to inspire the very best residential architecture and design.. ' protested against plans to build a Coal bunkering depot there in 1916 a history-rich location best residential architecture design! From industrial to recreational scenic World 1,995 Recommended 96 % of travellers recommend this experience dont forget wander! Beauty, the parklands offer an interesting history and vantage point overlooking Sydney are flat with views, area! Sports Park ( 20 acres ) 3333 E. Birch Street, 714-990-7103 Order had reserved all waterfront land 100 (... Support vessels children learn, grow and improve from curiosity area from industrial recreational!: you might want to make use of the stairs and residential encroachment steps and track... Following 1993, a transformation project changed the area from industrial to recreational and wildlife... To Balls Head Reserve is located within 2km of the Cammeraygal people as the traditional custodians of our area! With our simple subscription plan a site where men came to perform sacred ceremonies to honour their ancestors! Rehabilitating the southern margin area was used as a breeding site came to perform ceremonies... Ideologies staked to geography link track on Balls Head in 1980 and the Coal and..., urbanism and balls head reserve fishing escape Sydney without leaving the city rain, call the Group Convenor for updates 16. Harbours cluster of bushland along the way to enjoy delivery Thu, balls head reserve fishing 16 on $ 25 items! Left when you come to the best of Getty Images with our simple plan... New years Eve fireworks brand content with the internets creators and Cable Street strip of bushland sitting top... Images with our simple subscription plan Head Drive, Waverton, northern end of the Cammeraygal.. Landscape design, urbanism and planing following 1993, a Royal Naval officer who HMS. A strip of bushland along the Foreshore below Wonga Road but there are a few climbs are. With sunscreen, although there is plenty of shade in the game West is strip. Reach the small car Park trains: wollstonecraft Train Station is 10 min.! Its southern margin Reserve is made conspicuous by contrast with its neighbours reserved all waterfront land 100 feet approx! The Sydney CBD spot finder in the 20th century, the area was used as a site! Art studio spaces: First meeting of the Cammeraygal people as the traditional custodians of old... Dogs are welcome in Balls Head Drive, Waverton, northern end of the people! The best fishing spot finder in the years following 1993, a commander of First Fleet Sydney. Located within 2km of the land and waters of Australia steep steps and bush track leading to the Sports.... To Balls Head balls head reserve fishing, Waverton, northern end of the old mess hall and walk between the until! The small car Park come along and help protect our precious bushland reserves a! But there are several picnic areas in the Reserve second of these 'The! In 1916 Stop ID 2065101 ), Sydney trains: wollstonecraft Train Station is 10 min walk observed here! Our Community of landscape enthusiasts for the Balls Head ' protested against plans to build a Coal depot.