Clifton Gardens - Bradleys Head- Sydney Harbour National Pk

[Glen]

Many of you have asked me what is at Bradley Head where the Clifton Gardens meet will be held on the 21st January (OK, only Leigh asked me ).

The meet will be held at Bradleys Head, Sydney Harbour National Park. This is right next to the zoo. The park is easily accessed by car, bycycle or ferry, it is literally the end of Bradley's Head Road. Drive through Mosman and down Bradleys Head Road (the houses at the end are what is known as Merchant's Homes because they were owned by merchants, most of the large ones now have a price tag starting with a 3 or 4, some with a 5 or 6), the zoo entrance is on your right. About 150 metres down the road it turns sharply right at the same time there is a road to the left. This is the park. The road in the park is actually Bradley Head Road. This same point can also be accessed easily by ferry, just get off at the 'zoo' or Athol Bay wharf, this point is about 500 metres up the only road, you wont miss it. Ferry is only for the young of heart or fit, as it is 500 metres up this road to the turnoff, then at least another kilometre to the interesting bits inside.

At the park entrance is a car park, probably not worth using this unless you want to sneak into a wedding in the function centre located about 60 metres south of this car park. It should be noted this park charges for parking, not sure of how much as it is a while since I have been, but bring coins. You now proceed about a kilometre down a winding narrow road through the bush until you come to the first car park. This is easily recognisable by a sandstone wall on the north side with about a dozen embrasures in it. The back of this wall is easily accessible and provides some great photo opportunites. Immediately beside this wall is two cannons on rotary tracks. They are in a state of disrepair at the moment but are being repaired. The two canons are linked by sunken paths which eventually become underground tunnels leading to an underground armament storage. This area is totally open to the public. There is one air vent halfway which helps with light, but it is pitch black in here - a torch is essential! (I suggest something like a quality Wolf Eyes torch)

At this point you can either walk down to the HMAS Sydney bow and associated sections via a path on the southern side of this area (about 50 metres) or walk/ drive around which takes in a view of the heads, a path down to a beach, etc and is about 500 metres.

At the lower section we find the bow of the HMAS Sydney, a small lighthouse (which you can walk out to) and a beautiful ampitheatre with stone jetty at the end. This ampitheatre has beautiful view of the city and bridge and is popular with locals as a place to get married. There is a larger car park here and eco toilets. The ampitheatre is a great place for very young children, under 2 years, whilst the rest of the park is a great place to lose older children. The whole are is teeming with wildlife.

A specially commisioned DSLR users map is below, please ask any questions.

[Glen]

A few images from the area




Part of the ampitheatre and the stone jetty






The sandstone wall next to the first car park taken from the track and steps down





The roman column waiting for the rest of the building

[gstark]

Glen,

Thanx for posting these.

I've been a bit tied up of late, and thus hadn't had a chance to start getting EsoI from prospective attendees, so I guess that we should now start doing this too, and this thread seems like a perfect starting point.


The date is a Sunday, so I'm proposing a 10:30 am starting time, for a lunchtime barbie.

Please add your interest below, so that we can get an idea of numbers.

[Geoff]

I'll be there with bels on for this one! Sounds like a cracker of a meet, i'm really keen! I propose we do some big group shots of us all as one idea. Here's hoping it'll be a good day.

Glen, do u know if u can or are allowed to 'park' a tinnie (boat) on the beach there? If so, Bel and I might arrive a more unconventional way by boat!! Sadly, it's only safe for 2 adults to be on so I can't offer anyone else a 'lift'. Only a thought at this stage though.

[firsty]

I'll be there and I'll bring my 2 boys to carry and cook my food etc. while I photograph things

[Glen]

No idea Geoff, it is part of Sydney Harbour National Park so probably not officially allowed but if you did I doubt you would get in strife. Wouldnn't be seen fishing from it though I will be there.

[Yi-P]

I think I will be able to make it, tho not sure if I will have my camera with me by then...

What is the ferry stop? Zoo's stop, is that Taronga zoo's ferry stop??
Who else is up for a little walk and shoot on a ferry trip?

[Reschsmooth]

You can include Mrs Reschsmooth & I in for this one.

P

[Matt. K]

I be there! Me bring wife to carry things and scare snakes from the long grass!

[Glen]

Yes Yip, it is the Taronga Zoo Wharf or Athol Bay Wharf. You will see the sky gondala of the zoo as you approach, or the ferry emptying will let you know you are there

[trotkiller]

I'll be there

Jeff

[stubbsy]

Count me in too.

I'm assuming there are facilities there for us to have our barbie. Is that correct or should us carnivores avoid bringing fresh kill and pre prepare our food.

[Reschsmooth]

I'm assuming there are facilities there for us to have our barbie. Is that correct or should us carnivores avoid bringing fresh kill and pre prepare our food.

You don't eat raw meat? Goes well with a Hunter Shiraz!

[Glen]

I am not sure Stubbsy but will check soon. Maybe someone else knows (this wasn't my suggestion, though I am a little familiar with the area).

[Geoff]

How's this for an idea?
I will go and hunt out the area tomorrow.
The info you have given Glen has been fantastic, but I have the day off tomorrow so will go and check it out and give a bit more of a run down and check for BBQ* facilities.



* I will not be held responsible if I check the BBQ's are working tomorrow and for some reason are not on Sunday the 21st of Jan

[Yi-P]

* I will not be held responsible if I check the BBQ's are working tomorrow and for some reason are not on Sunday the 21st of Jan

Lets hope Scott is coming over this time too

[Nnnnsic]

I'll bring the scarf!

[joet]

Chryssine says we can't miss out on a family day, so we'll be there if I don't get lost following Glen's map

[sheepie]

Chryssine says we can't miss out on a family day, so we'll be there if I don't get lost following Glen's map

Ahhh - it wouldn't be a meet without you two Will be good to say hi

[Yi-P]

Is this confirmed and finalised?

Following BOM's forecast for Sunday, it says :

Sunday Late change


City: Min: 22 Max: 36
West: Min: 21 Max: 41

Anyone going there via ferry for a meet up at circular quay?

[Glen]

YiP, the ferries have a roof on them It looks good for us.

[stubbsy]

OK at the risk of being called anal, I thought I'd try to summarise what's happening.

Attendees:
Glen & Terri
Gary (& Lindy?)
Leigh
Keith (& 2 sons)
Yip
Patrick & Alicia
Matt & Philo
Jeff
Stubbsy
Joe & Chryssine
Leon

10:30 am start - byo food and drink

Glen is sussing out if there are BBQ's if not it's a picnic instead of a barbie.

You can get to Clifton gardens in a number of ways (including ferry) - refer to Glen's map on page 1 for directions.

Bring water, a hat and sunscreen it's going to be 36 degrees on Sunday according to BOM

Anyone else coming?

[Onyx]

If I can afford the petrol, I might pop down....

[sheepie]

Looking good guys - just gotta suss out the best way of getting there, and then leaving there to get to the cricket (please, no jokes about England bloody beating us!).

[gstark]

Glen,

Have you arranged for the sheep on the spit?

[Alpha_7]

Katie and I may be coming if we can get our act together, but we aren't 100% sure yet.

[Oscar]

Donna and I may also be coming but we have a couple of other things happening this weekend so will have to wait and see what pans out.

[Shoot]

All going well, I should be able to come down for a bit too, just depends how well i pull up after Australia Day.

[gstark]

All going well, I should be able to come down for a bit too, just depends how well i pull up after Australia Day.

Sorry, Rob, but you just failed Calendar.

The picnic is this weekend, OzDay the following one.

[Reschsmooth]

All going well, I should be able to come down for a bit too, just depends how well i pull up after Australia Day.

Sorry, Rob, but you just failed Calendar.

The picnic is this weekend, OzDay the following one.

Maybe he is referring to OzDay last year?

[Glen]

There are no BBQ's at Clifton Gardens. Visitors are welcome to bring their own bbq, but be mindful if there is a total fire ban we will certainly see rangers at some point and the ban would be enforced.

[Shoot]

Arargh, dont mind me... I think the ship has already set sail lol

Thanks guys Well, in light of new evidence ill definitely be there.

-Rob.

[Glen]

Rob, at least you are ready to enjoy Australia Day when it comes

[Shoot]

[sheepie]

...but be mindful if there is a total fire ban we will certainly see rangers at some point and the ban would be enforced.

Probably a good bet, given the weather forecast

[stubbsy]

I think we can forget barbies. This is now a picnic.

[Yi-P]

Is anyone here up for a meet at Circular Quay and a ferry ride to the picnic area?

[Reschsmooth]

Just for the record, we may not be able to make it on Sunday as something has come up. Will try to make it if we can.

Cheers

Patrick

[colin_12]

I should be able to make this meeting. It will be great to meet you all.
Regards Colin

[Glen]

Looking forward to meeting you Colin

[Yi-P]

Is anyone here up for a meet at Circular Quay and a ferry ride to the picnic area?

Bump~~Anyone???

[Alpha_7]

Sorry Everyone, worked called at 3am in the morning and the problem wasn't resolved until 8am, so I just didn't have the excess energy to brave the heat. Hope you all had a great time!