Picnic Areas Archives - LIFE OUT & ABOUT

Lawry Plunkett Reserve

Balmoral History

The Lawry Plunkett Reserve adjacent to the southern end of Balmoral Beach has a shady walking track through natural bushland and an impressive rock cutting, a remnant of the Balmoral tramway system which operated from 1922 to 1958. Until the 1950s, trams rattled down this cutting to Balmoral Beach! Once overgrown and inaccessible, the cutting now forms part of this beautifully developed walking track connecting The Esplanade at Balmoral Beach with Mulbring St.

I usually do a 30-40 minute loop walking down Mulbring St and then follow the bush track through the reserve to Balmoral Beach. For an extra workout, I take the stairs at the end of Botanic Rd back to Mulbring St (the stairs are well hidden). The surrounding streets with their lush gardens and stylish homes make this a real tropical paradise!

Church Point Pittwater Walk

Idyllic Water Views

The weather was perfect when my friend and I did the Church Point Pittwater walk. We started at the Bayview Reserve for the easy 30 minute stroll along Pittwater to the Waterfront Café at Church Point. The café is a must if you’re in the area but check their offerings during COVID-19 restrictions. The track follows the water’s edge, affording fabulous views over Pittwater on one side and architect designed homes, palms and lush vegetation on the other. We enjoyed the waterside sculptures along the way… a very inspiring walk!

South Mosman to Sirius Cove

Idyllic Urban Walk

This walk offers some of the most spectacular harbour views in Mosman. The route takes you along leafy streets past grand homes with well cared for gardens and down hidden pathways to charming bays. While the bush tracks along the harbour are well known and frequented by many, the street walks around Mosman offer a quieter perspective of this special suburb.

The Knoll of Northbridge

Out of Sight

Somewhat hidden at the north eastern end of the Northbridge Peninsula is Broomham Park, popularly known as The Knoll. This small park is located atop an impressive rocky outcrop of large lichen covered boulders surrounded by native bushland. It is a peaceful park and a destination in itself, having extensive views, attractive bush and only the sounds of the birds. Down the hill is the lovely shady Clive Park with picnic tables and BBQ facilities, as well as a secluded beach with overhanging trees.

Mosman’s Elegant Lighthouse

Since 1911

Hidden in the bush on Parriwi Road Mosman and overlooking Middle Harbour is the delightful Parriwi Head Lighthouse (aka Rosherville Lighthouse). The lighthouse was constructed in 1911 and is still active. It is said to be designed by Maurice Festu in a style referred to as “Disney Castle”, a perfect way to describe it!

This walk incorporates the lighthouse and the foreshore below, as well as Rosherville Reserve and some of the surrounding streets. If you have the energy for more walking, Parriwi Park above Parriwi Rd has expansive views over The Spit Bridge area.

West Head to Resolute Beach

Surrounded by Water & Views

Not only is the West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park an ideal place to experience magnificent water views, but it is also the start of a beautiful walk to the secluded Resolute beach. The bush track descends from the lookout to the beach, winding its way through tall gums, ferns and striking grass trees, past moss and lichen covered boulders and down stairs that have been carved into the natural rocks.

If you have time, the Waterfront Café at Church Point ferry wharf is an idyllic location for brunch or lunch… just 30 minutes drive away.

Kirribilli Urban Walk

Iconic Harbourside Stroll

There is so much to enjoy on this walk around Kirribilli, from leafy streets and historic homes to superb harbour views. While I’m always impressed with the harbour and city views, it is the charming streetscapes that really capture my attention. In particular, I adore the grand mansions and stylish terrace homes, many with fine Victorian lacework balconies. My favourite street would have to be Fitzroy street, especially in the Autumn…. although Summer and Spring are very special too!

Mosman Short Walks

Garden Suburb Hidden Paths

Mosman is considered by many to be one of Australia’s premier suburbs, surrounded by water on three sides and dotted with stunning bays, beaches and parklands. Not only is Mosman a natural beauty, but it is also home to some superb harbourside restaurants and cafes, boutique shops and impressive heritage sites. Many of the leafy streets showcase contemporary and heritage architecture set within well loved and cared for gardens. A number of streets also reveal hidden pathways that lead to new discoveries… and some with very spectacular views!

Historic Gladesville Hospital

Grand Structures & Hidden Ruins

An afternoon’s exploration of the historic Gladesville Hospital complex was filled with many surprises! Not only did we discover beautifully maintained buildings, but also a large forgotten structure… an ornate ruin consumed by nature, tangled in a mass of vines and covered in moss and lichen. Gladesville Hospital is certainly a memorable destination, a place with an interesting history, character buildings and peaceful surrounds with water views.

Ballast Point Park Birchgrove

Foreshore Reclaimed

The old Ballast Point Caltex oil depot has been transformed into an intriguing nature reserve. Some of the old rusted industrial detritus has been resurrected to form an impressive outdoor sculpture, with wind turbines to generate power for the site! Surrounding the large circular sculpture are a series of winding paths, shady wattle trees and massive rock walls constructed of rubble from the site.

Charming Birchgrove

Surrounded by Water

Tucked in neatly behind Balmain and surrounded by water on three sides makes Birchgrove an inspiring destination. The waterfront reserves and attractive homes and gardens are just some of its many charms.

Waterbird Refuge Homebush Bay

Birds in Paradise

Bicentennial Park is home to an impressive waterbird refuge, a beautiful peaceful environment for the birds to congregate. Surrounded by the Badu Mangrove forest it is somewhat hidden and protected from most visitors to the park.

Lindfield Rocks & Trails

Hidden Lindfield Revealed

The Lindfield Rocks area with its multi-coloured wall of rocks topped with large gum trees make this an inspiring bush setting. Below the rocks is the well-known Two Creeks Track that follows Gordon Creek, a creek of mossy boulders and rock platforms… and a few surprises too!

Harold Reid Reserve

Stunning Views High & Low

Harold Reid Reserve in Middle Cove is a particularly beautiful reserve with a fabulous foreshore walk through gums, ferns and grass trees… and a lookout with spectacular views up Middle Harbour!

The Gore Cove Track & Berry Island

Rain Forest & Moss

The Gore Cove Track in Wollstonecraft winds its way through a hidden oasis, a rain forest valley of palms, ferns, tall gums, wattle and mangroves. At the base of the valley is Berry Creek with large moss and lichen covered boulders, little pools and miniature waterfalls.

Georges Heights Lookout to Clifton Gardens

On High

One of the most spectacular Sydney Harbour views can be experienced at the Georges Heights Lookout in Headlands Park Mosman. Perched high above the harbour the lookout offers unparalleled views to Manly, Vaucluse and the Sydney CBD.

The Incinerator – Willoughby

Ashes to Art

The iconic Incinerator building in Willoughby Centennial Parklands was designed in the 1930s by the famous architects Walter Burley Griffin and Eric Nicholls. It functioned as an incinerator until 1967 and then lay dormant until the 1980s, after which time it was converted into a restaurant and office space. Today it houses a fabulous cafe with outdoor eating areas and the Willoughby City Council’s contemporary art gallery, the ‘Incinerator Art Space’.

Secret Garden Lavender Bay

Enchanted

The Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden is one of the many attractions at Lavender Bay. By the waters edge lies this hidden sanctuary. What was once a neglected and overgrown bushy wasteland has been transformed into an enchanting garden of winding paths, lush foliage and intimate picnic nooks.

Balmain Vibe Upbeat Eclectic

Vibrant Eclectic

A suburb that was once a quiet harbour front village has transformed over the years into a bustling suburb of cafes, bars, boutique shops and galleries. The streets of Balmain are filled with thoughtfully renovated cottages, historic buildings and leafy harbourside walks.

Shipwrecks Homebush Bay

Secrets of the Mangroves

Scattered along the mangrove shores of the Parramatta River are the rusted and crumbling shipwrecks of Homebush Bay. These are the remnants of the former ship-breaking yard, which is now part of Bicentennial Park. Continue reading “Shipwrecks Homebush Bay”

Crater Cove Huts & Walk to Manly

The Hidden Path

Clinging precariously to the rock ledges of Crater Cove lies a small scattering of historic fisherman’s huts which have been constructed from locally found materials such as beach rocks, driftwood, old timber, corrugated iron and vintage bottles. Their rustic appeal attracts a few adventurous hikers, like those who persist in finding the hidden path! This outing includes the historic huts at Crater Cove, as well as a section of the much loved Spit Bridge to Manly walk.

Sirius Cove to Taronga Zoo

Mosman Hideaway

Sirius Cove is a quiet hideaway in Mosman, surrounded by lush coastal vegetation, a small well protected beach and a number of quaint boatsheds. Adjacent to the Sirius Cove beach is a park area that attracts plenty of locals… and their dogs too! It’s one of those parks where dogs can roam free, and they do. Continue reading “Sirius Cove to Taronga Zoo”

Wentworth Falls National Pass

Descend into a Cool Oasis

Carved into the side of a spectacular cliff face, the Wentworth Falls National Pass trail offers expansive views over the Jamison Valley, and also boasts a number of beautiful waterfalls. This iconic walking track was originally constructed in 1906-1907 using shovels, crowbars and dynamite. In 2002 it underwent major restoration works. Heritage stonemasons were employed to repair the steps that had been eroded over the years, while helicopters were deployed to place large sandstone blocks along the trail.

Continue reading “Wentworth Falls National Pass”

Cremorne Point Hidden Oasis

Harbourside Gardens & Pool

Cremorne Point is well known for its superb harbourside walk and city vistas, yet many locals are totally unaware of the beauty that lays just below the main paths. On the eastern side of Cremorne Point is the Lex and Ruby Graham Garden, a hidden oasis of exotic plants and flowers, miniature trails and stone cut stairs. Then off the western path, concealed by overhanging trees is one of the best view swimming pools in Sydney, the Maccallum Seawater Pool.

University of Sydney & Glebe

Atmospheric Neo-Gothic

University of Sydney is Australia’s oldest university campus. With its striking neo-gothic sandstone structures and the impressive award-winning Law School Building, there is much to see and enjoy here… particularly if you love architecture. In addition, the University is in close proximity to the vibrant Glebe village where you will find plenty of eateries and bars, as well as boutique shops and art galleries.

Continue reading “University of Sydney & Glebe”

Lilyfield’s Venetian Clock Tower

Tower on the Hill

Dominating the Lilyfield skyline is the historic venetian clock tower of the Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) complex. An impressive site, surrounded by a cluster of beautiful old sandstone buildings and massive wrought iron gates. There are also extensive lawns, large shady trees and tall palms dotting the estate, making it a perfect place for a picnic.

Alternatively, why not take a short stroll along the popular Bay Run. Head north toward Rozelle and Balmain where you will find a zillion cafes for a bite to eat… or plenty of boutique shops to explore! Continue reading “Lilyfield’s Venetian Clock Tower”

Waverton Harbourside Transformed

Creative Redevelopment

Nestled between the harbourside suburbs of McMahons Pt and Wollstonecraft sits the beautifully transformed Waverton Peninsula. What was once an ugly industrial area has been redeveloped into a large parkland of walking tracks and lookouts. To add to the character, some of the industrial remnants have been left in tact, such as the old Coal Loader tunnels and crumbling wharves. While the bushwalks and harbour views are reason enough to visit the area, the quarterly Artisan Market at the Coal Loader provides an additional incentive! Continue reading “Waverton Harbourside Transformed”

Leuralla Toys Trains & Amphitheatre

Down Memory Lane

Sadly this wonderful museum and garden closed in October 2022. I am leaving this blog active for those who have visited and would like a little reminder of just how special a place this was!

On our last trip to the Blue Mountains we were delighted to visit the historic Leuralla Toy and Train Museum. Housed in a two storey mansion is one of the largest collections of 20th century toys and model trains in the Southern Hemisphere! Surrounding the home are 12 acres of mountain gardens… filled with old train station memorabilia from Sydney and surrounds. Then just across the road is an impressive stone amphitheatre, with spectacular views over the Jamison Valley. Continue reading “Leuralla Toys Trains & Amphitheatre”

Leura Village Charm

The Garden Village

Leura village is often referred to as The Jewel in the Mountains Crown. With a garden village atmosphere and an abundance of boutique accommodation, speciality shops, galleries and eateries, it is easy to understand why it attracts such attention. Beyond the busy mall you will find mountain vistas, inspiring bushwalks and historic gardens and homes.

Vaucluse Estates & Secluded Bays

Harbourside Heritage

There is much history and beauty concealed within the perfectly positioned eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. Heritage estates, secluded beaches, coastal walks and beachside cafés are scattered along its shores. Hidden in a small sandy cove is the impressive Parsley Bay century old cable suspension footbridge, while close by is the historic Vaucluse House and Tearooms… surrounded by towering palms and ever so lush gardens. Then you have Nielsen Park with its lovely beach side café restaurant and the historic Greycliffe House. Continue reading “Vaucluse Estates & Secluded Bays”