Over 200 years ago, Sydney Harbour was discovered by Europeans. Then, the harbour was cloaked in bushland - heaths, shrublands, forests, and even rainforests.

The remnants of those forests, heathlands and shrublands are today conserved as Sydney Harbour National Park. The Park hugs the foreshores of the harbour, and as expected after 200 years of civilisation, is confined to a few fragmented headlands.

North Head

An isolated headland, North Head is the northern sentinel of Sydney Harbour's gateway, and probably one of the most botanically interesting lands remaining near Sydney.

From initial settlement this headland was isolated as a Quarantine Station, and thus, its vegetation was buffered and protected from the developments of Sydney. The bushland that exists here is probably much as it was those long years ago when Europeans arrived. The headland fosters several rare or threatened plant species, and some years ago, during a vegetation survey, wallabies were heard thumping and crashing their escape through the shrubs.

In Spring, these perched heathfields bloom and blossom - in wetter areas, pink sprengelia, boronias, small myrtle wattles, the yellow and orange of pea flowers; in drier areas, honey myrtles and tea-trees. Over 500 species have been identified on the headland, which is an incredible richness for such a harsh, windworn plateau. Sheltered from the outer lip, the plants grow on deep and ancient sand dunes from Pleistocene times.

Around the headland's most eastern rim a walking track can be found, leading through heathland regeneration and the rusty hues of the allocasuarina in fruit, their tiny red sputnik flowers lining some stems.

From the extremity of the lookout, the pattern of Sydney Harbour, backed by the Pacific Ocean is lain before you : the smell of salt and sea, the splendour of the harbour and the sound of birdcall, ocean and wind. Please stay on the paths, not only to prevent damage to plants, but yourselves also. The wind on the headland can be ferocious.

The Quarantine Station

Freshly arrived pioneers and convicts from England after many months on a ship were put ashore to be quarantined for at least 6 months. Shipboard accommodation was (eventually) reproduced on land, with each class (1st, 2nd 3rd) having separate accommodation and food. The grounds were fenced by tall stone walls, with broken glass on the other side to hinder escape. A hospital housed those with smallpox, plague and typhoid. Two cemeteries and a morgue recount sadder times. These buildings remain as reminders of our past.

Over 3,000 rock engravings by inmates, Aboriginal carvings and archaeological sites also exist at the Station. Exploration by booked tours only.

Middle Head

Middle Head is situated just toward the harbour entrance, but unlike North Head it has a history of embattlements. Gun emplacements, fortifications, moats, tunnels and bunkers add an aggressive atmosphere to the place. Although designed to blend with the landscape, these war relics look starkly out of place amid peaceful bushland. However, without their existence, this headland too, could well have ended as yet another seaside suburb.

Bradleys Head

Bradleys Head extends beyond Taronga Park Zoo to the Harbourside. The walk winds down through shrublands to the point where yet more gun emplacements and an historic mast exist. The walk continues around the headland rim and overlooks the placid harbour waters, with views of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city.

Neilsen Park

Neilsen Park protects historic Greycliffe House, now the headquarters of Sydney District National Parks and Wildlife Service. Situated near Vaucluse, this park is largely grassed with only a few small pockets of remnant bushland. However, some of the country's rarest plants grow here, in these harbourside patches.

The Gap

Its claim to fame is its phenomenal views. The Pacific Ocean, the amazing sandstone cliffs of North Head that change colour with each hour, and the coastline all dazzle visitors. Walks lead from here down to cosy harbour beaches.

Dobroyd Head and Grotto Point

These are connected by more cliff-top heathlands, but without the species richness of North Head. Down the slopes and cliff faces, until recently, a community lived in shacks and handmade cabins. The rock terraces are carved with fish and tools.

Park facilities include :

Historic SiteSwimming
KioskToilets
Picnic AreaWalking Tracks
Public TransportWheelchair Access
Showers

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes