The Woodford Creek Dam was completed in 1928 primarily to supply water for steam locomotives. The dam wall was raised in 1937 and again in 1948 to meet the water needs of the lower Blue Mountains. It is no longer an active part of the Blue Mountains water supply
system.
While the lake and dam are not open to the public some bush tracks near the dam are open to bushwalkers and
cyclists, and provide views of the lake and surrounding rugged bushland.
Location map WaterNSW - Dam Info & History
This blog features photos taken around Sydney and the Blue Mountains, on day walks, excursions and bushwalks - with some descriptions and links to more information. Most walks were accessed by public transport.
Oct 6, 2017
Sep 28, 2017
Lake Parramatta
Lake Parramatta Reserve in North Parramatta is a bushland reserve originally the catchment for Parramatta's water supply before 1910.
I grew up within 5kms of Lake Parramatta but had never walked around it, until recently.
I grew up within 5kms of Lake Parramatta but had never walked around it, until recently.
The State Heritage listed dam wall was completed in
1856 and utilises a single arch design |
The Lake Parramatta brochure warns of uneven surfaces on the tracks around the reserve.
Public transport is available via Hills Bus Route #609 (nearest stop on Bourke Street).
Labels:
Lake Parramatta,
Parramatta
Aug 1, 2017
Woolwich - Hunters Hill
Woolwich and much of Hunters Hill occupy a peninsula between the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers. see Map
Woolwich Dock from Woolwich lookout |
The Woolwich Dock, at 188 metres long and 27 metres wide, when it opened in 1901 was, the largest in Australia. As you can see, the dock which was excavated from the sandstone, is still used today for small scale boat and yacht maintenance.
On my walk I enjoyed a break at the cafe before exploring the adjacent Parklands: Clarkes Point Reserve, Morts Reserve and areas named 'Goat Paddock' and 'Horse Paddock' from early days. (harbourtrust PDF).
Morts Reserve from Clarkes Point Reserve |
To the west of the Woolwich Parklands is Kelly's Bush, one of
few remnant bushland on the foreshores of the
Parramatta River. The area was very much in the news in 1970s 'when a group of local residents enlisted the assistance of
unions to oppose development of the site'. Similar issues elsewhere are still apparent today.
Vienna Cottage, Hunters Hill |
Now used for shops and offices, the former Garibaldi Hotel (completed in 1862) in Ferry Street (photos below) reflects this Italian past.
While sandstone buildings make up only a small proportion of homes, they are an importance part of the character of the area.
A sandstone home - Hunters Hill |
The photo above was taken from the Tarban Creek Bridge looking east towards Pulpit Point, with Sydney CBD in the distance.
I caught a ferry from Circular Quay and started my walk from the Woolwich wharf. I ended my walk at Huntleys Point wharf. Walks in Hunters Hill Lane Cove Rv walk
Hunters Hill history Woolwich Dock history
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act 2001 Great North Walk section
Labels:
Hunters Hill,
Woolwich
Jul 6, 2017
Grand Canyon track - Blackheath
Described as one of the most spectacular walking tracks in NSW the Canyon walk is around 6km in length and ~400m from the lowest point to the top. We caught a bus from Katoomba to the stop on Evans Lookout Road nearest the Neates Glen carpark, which is the start (or end) of the walk.
Map GPS map WildWalks NPWS information
After the steep climb out, we had lunch at Evans lookout. It was a further 2km back to the bus stop.
Map GPS map WildWalks NPWS information
After the steep climb out, we had lunch at Evans lookout. It was a further 2km back to the bus stop.
Labels:
Blackheath,
Grand Canyon
May 27, 2017
Hydro Majestic
The Hydro
Majestic is situated on top of the escarpment overlooking the Megalong
Valley at Medlow Bath, in the Blue Mountains. The heritage listed hotel was
developed by the retailer Mark Foy as a health retreat. He renamed and
re-branded the hotel in 1906 as a luxury retreat. After many years of decline
the hotel was closed in 2008 and reopened in 2014, after significant refurbishment.
The Hydro Majestic Heritage Information Location Map
The Hydro Majestic buildings have a range of architectural
styles, including Art Deco and Edwardian (Federation)
The Hydro Majestic Heritage Information Location Map
Labels:
Hydro Majestic,
Medlow Bath
Mar 16, 2017
The Botanic Story of Chocolate
'Sweet Addiction' is the first exhibition to open in 'The Calyx', a world-class horticultural exhibition space at The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. I have been planning to visit for some time, but only did so this week. The exhibition which opened last year, closed on 17th April 2017
The indoor exhibition space features a huge curved green wall covered with over 18,000 plants.
Rain forest plants such as this flowering plant, are in the garden beds on the floor.
'The story begins in the depths of a tropical rain forest, and takes visitors on a journey through chocolate plantations and the ingredients that go into chocolate making'
A self-guided audio tour is include.
(below)
A section of the display, with part of the botanic 'chocolate box' on the green wall behind.
Australian Botanic Garden - posts
A new exhibition at The Calyx
The indoor exhibition space features a huge curved green wall covered with over 18,000 plants.
Rain forest plants such as this flowering plant, are in the garden beds on the floor.
'The story begins in the depths of a tropical rain forest, and takes visitors on a journey through chocolate plantations and the ingredients that go into chocolate making'
A self-guided audio tour is include.
Cacao plant |
(below)
A section of the display, with part of the botanic 'chocolate box' on the green wall behind.
Australian Botanic Garden - posts
A new exhibition at The Calyx
Labels:
Botanic Garden
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