Exploring Sydney & Australia
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.
Continue reading “South Mosman to Sirius Cove”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.
Continue reading “The Knoll of Northbridge”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.
Continue reading “Mosman’s Elegant Lighthouse”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!
Continue reading “Kirribilli Urban Walk”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.
Continue reading “Historic Gladesville Hospital”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.
Continue reading “Ballast Point Park Birchgrove”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.
Continue reading “Waterbird Refuge Homebush Bay”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.
Continue reading “Secret Garden Lavender Bay”The Red Cow Farm Garden is hidden in Sutton Forest behind a quaint historic cottage and picket fence. This expansive 2.5 hectare garden has over 20 beautifully designed garden spaces to explore!
Continue reading “Red Cow Farm”Everglades will charm with its grace, beauty and intimate garden spaces. Set on 13 acres of steeply sloping land and perched on the edge of a ridge, the garden enjoys expansive views over the Jamison Valley.
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.
Continue reading “Cremorne Point Hidden Oasis”Connecting the historic towns and villages of the Southern Highlands is a network of quiet country roads. Rolling hills, tree lined farms and boutique wineries make the Highlands an idyllic place to explore by car, bike… or on foot! Also, with an impressive selection of fine dining restaurants and quality accommodation it’s easy to appreciate why many Sydneysiders find the Highlands a perfect destination for a weekend or day trip getaway, only 90 minutes drive south west of Sydney. Continue reading “Southern Highlands Country Life”
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”
Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover a hidden oasis. The walled Chinese Garden of Friendship is bursting with beauty. Ornate pavilions, exotic plants, ponds, waterfalls and rocky outcrops. Paths twist and wind their way over little bridges and streams, while carefully composed scenes unfold as you stroll your way through the garden. Continue reading “Chinese Garden Hidden Oasis”
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”
The stunningly themed Botanic Gardens are a true oasis, the perfect place to unwind and experience the beauty and perfection in nature. Also, if you’re looking for an inspiring place to eat in the city, try the delightful Botanic Gardens Restaurant, located at the heart of the gardens, surrounded by a large lotus pond and tropical vegetation. Continue reading “Explore Sydney Botanic Gardens”
