Join one of our volunteers as she walks her favourite local trails, highlighting her favourite bits along the way.
This time walking on my own, which in some ways is almost as enjoyable as having company. It certainly allows more time for reflection of why this part of Sydney is so special to me. All these years after I arrived in 1980 with a vague plan to be here for a handful of months. Forty one years later, I still love the place.
I’ve lived most of those of years in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, but also a great 10 years in Balmain, a much shorter stint at Cremorne Point as well as working all over Australia which allowed me to get to know most of the State capitals quite well. Funny, now I look back on those years, wherever I’ve been, I’m always up at daybreak trotting around, hopefully near water, enjoying the views! There’s something about being close to nature that inspires me.
Meanwhile, back to today’s walk, which I’ve enjoyed a million times. But funny being on my own and thinking about what it must be like to go past these views as you progress along the B2M track, I saw a plaque I’d never noticed before.
Not the easiest to read due to its age, but highlights the importance of Rushcutters Creek/Bay as a Watermill 1773 – 1858. A first for Sydney. Opened by Mrs Macquarie in 1812. The swamp, mahogany land that Thomas West was granted, which he called Barcom Glen, gives us the name of one of our local streets leading down to Rushcutters Bay, Barcom Avenue.
Just along from this plaque was a gorgeous sight of the many boats, kayaks, sea surfboards and paddle boards that locals leave along the edge of the park to use in the harbour.
Luckily another helpful B2M sign as I leave Rushcutters Bay …
which marks a very special spot for me. The sign is beside these stairs (yes they are pretty steep, especially to come down). My GP’s practice was just across the road at the top of these stairs/laneway. It always reminds of the times I was quite under the weather, but still determined to walk to him to get a prescription vs driving. I know I’m well, when I hoof up them without wheezing … or limping.
Full of memories I make it up the stairs and then head down towards Bear Park in Elizabeth Bay. The B2M route veers off along Billyard Avenue before this park, but it’s well worth a short detour (you can see it is in the distance of this photo). There’s a great café there and the views out to the harbour and drinking in views of some of Sydney’s most expensive real estate are sensational.
And that brought me very quickly to one of my most favourite, and almost hidden, little parks in Sydney called Arthur McElhone Reserve. It’s either up some stairs from Billyard Avenue (see B2M sign) or street level on Onslow Avenue, opposite Elizabeth Bay House, once the finest house in the colony and completed in 1839.
Wonderfully tranquil as you can see from the photo and perfect to stop for a few minutes, to read a book or share a picnic with mates. Well worth a visit, although you will pass below it on the B2M route unless you make a special detour/stop to enjoy its ambience and the views.
Originally, Elizabeth Bay house was in substantial grounds, but now is surrounded by many apartment buildings. The views are still spectacular though, over McElhone Reserve and then out to the harbour.
The B2M track takes you along Billyard Avenue to these stairs climbing quickly through the backs of apartment buildings to Macleay Street to begin going down to the naval dockyards and Woolloomooloo.
I’ve been walking round this part of Sydney for much of my adult life and it wasn’t until I joined a night walking group which started in Hyde Park and walked to Bondi Junction that I was shown these steps. Amazing that there are things to discover almost every time you go out walking.
