June 1 - 30, 2025: Issue 643
My wife Gerry and I did this one a couple of weekends ago, and enjoyed it very much. The great weather helped as well.
This walk will help you explore the history of Cremorne Point while taking in some of the best views of Sydney Harbour.Aboriginal people called this point Wulworra-jeong. Middens around the foreshore suggest it was a popular place for eating shell fish.
James Robertson was granted 86 acres here in 1833 but had occupied the area in the 1820s. James Milson bought the land in 1853 but failed to acquire the foreshore in the 1880s and 1890s. The peninsula was not developed until the early 1900s, and then for affluent Sydneysiders wanting fresh harbour air. Cremorne Point, as it was then known, became a showcase of the English Revival architecture so popular at the time.
On this walk, you circumnavigate Cremorne Point along harbour-side paths, winding through gardens and sections of native bushland. Robertsons Point, also known as Cremorne Point, is home to Cremorne Reserve. At the very tip, you can wander down some old steps to the lighthouse, and the more adventurous can continue down a rather precarious ladder to the water's edge. The spectacular harbour views can be enjoyed from a number of bench seats.
The Lex and Ruby Graham Garden at Cremorne Point is quite remarkable, worthy of a little extra time on your walk. A chance planting of a tropical 'Elephant's Ear' bulb in 1957, which happened to thrive, led to a lifetime work for Lex Graham and his future wife, Ruby. They worked steadily for decades, clearing weeds and rubbish, improving the soil and building up the gardens with donated plants and cuttings.
Along the way is the Maccallum Pool, on the western side of Cremorne Point, a unique 33-metre harbourside pool with heritage character and superb views. This is named after Hugh MacCallum. He was instrumental in the development and maintenance of the pool, including organizing the community to raise funds and manage its use. In 1930, when North Sydney Council took over management, the pool was renamed in his honor.
As always, enjoy nature.
Joe Mills
Circular Quay and surrounds - part of a fountain
Circular Quay and surrounds
View from Mosan's Bay wharf to Mosman Rower's Club
Well-kept old homes and gardens
Above and below: Views to Mosman Bay
Plenty of Brush Turkeys - this one was sunbathing
Lighthouse beacon at Robertson's Point
Maccallum Pool and surrounds
Gerry on the track near Shellcove Harbour
Above and below: Old figs near Bush Bridge
Flowers and ferns near Bush Bridge
Quality cars near Reid Park
Looking south to Mosman's Bay and Mosman Rowers Club
