Inner West Archives - LIFE OUT & ABOUT

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.

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”

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”