Parramatta River at Parramatta

Barry Wilde Bridge, Parramatta

These three bridges near the city's centre, cross a short stretch of the Parramatta River above the Charles Street weir, 19Km upstream from Port Jackson.

The bridge in the photo above was named after a former mayor and state politician. The pathway in the foreground is part of the 'Riverside Walk' which leads from the ferry wharf  to the 'Heritage Centre' next to Lennox bridge. Through art and interpretive signs it tells the aboriginal history of the area.

The Elizabeth Street footbridge is an award winning cycle and foot bridge which features an interesting public artwork .

'Wake' by Greg Stonehouse and Susan Milne was inspired by "the gliding movement of oars" and the "flight of birds".


                 

      Lennox bridge (below) was designed by the colony's first Superintendent of Bridges, David Lennox.

It has since been modified but was originally completed in 1839.

Lennox Bridge, Parramatta

                                            See also my 'RiverCat' and 'Parramatta Park' posts     

 

  Location map              Additional photo of footbridge

Lawson to Hazelbrook Bushwalk

    These photos were taken on a walk in the mid Blue Mountains starting at Honour Ave. Lawson. The walk combined the popular South Lawson waterfalls circuit with the Terrace Falls walk to finish at Hazelbrook station.

 Location map

Terrace Falls, Hazelbrook

 

Reference books that cover walks in this area include a book by Robert Sloss, another by Veechi Stuart & one published by the National Parks Association:  'Bushwalks in the Sydney Region' Vol 2

'Kirkbride' - Callan Park (3)

Kirkbride - Medical Officers wing (Matron's House)

The Medical Officer's wing (above & below) was the Administation building of Sydney College of the Arts.
  The SCA have moved to the Camperdown/Darlington Campus  in the Old Teachers College building. What will happen to the Kirkbride site?
           

The SCA Auditorium (below) was originally the Recreation Hall and has a semi-circular dome with Victorian stain glass window.


See my previous post on 'Kirkbride' for more

                                     'Friends of Callan Park'

Blackheath Rhododendron Gardens

The eight hectare 'Campbell Rhododendron Gardens' at Blackheath in the upper Blue Mountains was established by the Blue Mountains Rhododendron Society and is maintained by volunteers. The site is much larger than this and has walking trails around the garden and bushland.

One of the things that struck me when visiting was the good effect of the exotic plants set within the Australian bushland.

Waratahs

April - May and September to November are likely to be the best times of the year to visit, but it is open all year.

The garden features a large pond and tranquil areas suitable for a picnic. Admission was just $5 (2024) at the Information Booth.

Location map