Historic Sites 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!

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.

Millthorpe Historic Village

In Springtime

In October 2020 we headed west on a NSW country road trip. One of our favourite stops was the historic village of Millthorpe, a heritage listed village in the Central West and part of the Orange Wine Region. Cherry blossoms and flowering gardens lined the streets and the surrounding hills were blanketed in yellow canola and brilliant purple. Paterson’s curse never looked so beautiful! Many of Millthorpe’s historic buildings have been lovingly restored so there are plenty of photo opportunities for those who love quaint villages. Millthorpe has good accommodation options, wonderful cafes and the very popular Tonic Restaurant. This tiny village has reinvented itself as a tourist destination, and I only wish we’d stayed a couple of nights!

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.

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’.

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.

Everglades Garden Leura Village

Charming European Style Garden

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.

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Tramsheds Harold Park

All About Food & Drink

Who would have guessed an old Tram Depot could be such an exciting food destination, well Tramsheds Harold Park is just that! Under the one roof you will find a wide choice of restaurants and cafés serving delicious foods from around the world. There’s even a cosy dining area in one of the old trams.

If you also like to include a walk with your outing, head down to the waterfront and take the foreshore walk to Blackwattle Bay… it offers some fabulous views to the Anzac Bridge and city.

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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.

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Sydney CBD Young at Heart

Holiday Destination

Down by the harbourside the open air bars and eateries are abuzz with the sounds of youthful excitement and celebration. The holiday crowds soak up the atmosphere, while the buskers entertain anyone and everyone. This is an exciting and stunning place to be, where Sydney is at its most vibrant… and where all the main tourist attractions are found!

If you venture beyond the waterfront you will find yourself surrounded by soaring glass towers and heritage sandstone buildings, and where impressive street sculpture and exotic palms bring a touch of art and greenery to the city streets. This is also where many of Sydney’s well known contemporary art and craft galleries are located.

The Rocks area and Circular Quay through to Martin Place is a holiday destination in itself, even if you’re not on holidays you will certainly feel like you are!

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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”

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”

Explore Sydney Botanic Gardens

Oasis of Calm

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”