Parramatta Park (2)

Parramatta River in Parramatta Park

A useful map showing a walking route along Parramatta River, mostly within Parramatta Park, can be viewed on 'Step Where'. - thanks to contributor 'MnM'

The Governor's Dairy - Parramatta Park

The two front rooms of the Dairy Cottage (above) were built by an ex-convict, George Salter and represent the earliest surviving worker's cottage in Australia. The Cottage was sold to Governor Macquarie in 1813 and was converted to a diary by the addition of two wings.
The Parramatta Park Trust run tours of the dairy twice a month.

Transit stones (left) from the Parramatta Observatory  built in 1822 by Governor Thomas Brisbane, who was a keen amateur scientist.
It is not far from Old Government House, and was used by early astronomers and surveyors before it's demolished in 1847.

There is a marble memorial obelisk and an information display nearby, and the Park Trust is currently working to conserve the site.
I have read that Sydney Observatory, houses relics from Parramatta including a telescope and clock.

The surveyor Thomas Mitchell used these transit stones, which supported a transit circle telescope, as the initial mark for the first trigonometric survey of Australia (1828)

A detailed history of the observatory  can be found on Andrew James Southern Astronomical web site

Macquarie St Gatehouse

Parramatta Park has six gatehouses including the Macquarie Street Gatehouse (above) and the much photographed Tudor style George Street Gatehouse.

We didn't stop here on this walk, but Parramatta Park Café has a pleasant location  near the river (see map) 


For more information on Parramatta Park please see my earlier post.




Self-guided walking tour brochures of the park's historic areas can be downloaded or obtained from the Park Administration Office. 

Mount Portal Lookout

 This walk is in the Glenbrook section of the Blue Mountains National Park.

Portal Waterhole is on a looped side track off the Mount Portal lookout road.

The Lower Blue Mountains begins here, as it rises abruptly on the western side of the Nepean River.

Mt. Portal Lookout

Mount Portal Lookout overlooks the Nepean River and the Cumberland Plain south of Penrith.
We walked from Glenbrook station, but the lookout can be reached by 4WD.

Tunnel View Lookout

Tunnel View Lookout is a great vantage point with views across to the main western rail line between Lapstone and Glenbrook and of Glenbrook Gorge below. The lookout is only a stroll from the road.

Glenbrook Gorge

WildWalks information Tunnel Lookout  and Mt. Portal Lookout

Glenbrook Sector Map

My thanks to our walk leader John M.

Illoura Reserve - Balmain

This small reserve in Balmain East runs south along the foreshore adjacent to the ferry wharf. It presents some good vantage points to relax and look at the harbour.

Sydney City from Illoura Reserve, Balmain East

(above) Updated photo of the Barangaroo South site, taken from ferry, 23rd March 2015

Looking towards North Sydney.
The Harbour Control Tower and Barangaroo Point are seen across the water from the reserve, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge beyond.

Illoura is an Aboriginal word meaning 'a pleasant place' or 'a good camping ground with plenty of food'. There may not be food here these days, but you will find shops along Darling Street if you walk up the hill. Julie pointed out in the comments below, its a steep climb, so you may want to catch a bus up from the wharf.

       Anzac bridge can be seen in the distance in the photo below, taken at the southern end of the reserve.

Location Map

Evans Lookout to Goverts Leap

I completed this walk at Blackheath in the Upper Blue Mountains with an NPA bush-walking group.
We started at Evans Lookout and walked the cliff-top track to Govetts Leap.

Crossing Govetts Leap Brook

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The track afforded great views of the Grose Valley along the way

Bridal Veil Falls Blackheath

         Location Map

























A route 698 bus ran from outside the Carrington Hotel at Katoomba to Evans Lookout Rd and St Andrews Ave. at Blackheath. It's about 2.8Km from here to the lookout at the end of the road.

The 698 bus also goes to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Govetts Leap Rd.  The centre provides information on the Blue Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, an interactive educational display, video screenings and a gallery. There is also a very easy walking track which starting at this location, which is considered suitable for wheelchairs - see The Fairfax Track

see Blue Mountains Bus for current time table information

Many thanks to our walk leader John.