The Obelisk

The Obelisk in Macquarie Place (Cnr of Bridge and Loftus Sts) is the original Mile Stone for 19th century roads in NSW. The surrounding park is the original town square built in 1810, while the Obelisk was erected by Governor Macquarie (well actually the Convicts did the heavy work) in 1818. For nearly 200 years this monument stood as the zero mile/km marker for all principal roads. There are a number of inscriptions including distance markers and "The Obelisk was erected in Macquarie Place A.D.1818, to Record that all the Public Roads Leading to the Interior of the Colony are measured from it. L.Macquarie Esq Governor". The park has a number of other historic items worth exploring.

Circular Quay

Where the harbour meets the city, Circular Quay is a transport hub joining the busy ferry wharf with the train and bus services. The Quay provides great views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and several other popular sights of Sydney. There are many small food kiosks and cafes as well as a McDonalds. Circular Quay is the site of Australia's first colonial settlement. In 1794, Thomas Muir was transported to Australia and later bought a farm and built a cottage on what we now call Circular Quay. Not a great deal is known about the traditional owners, as in 1789 almost half of this indigenous population died during a smallpox epidemic. It is reported that only three Cadigal people were left by 1791. In 1879, there were some Aboriginal people living in the boat sheds (near the now Museum of Contemporary Art) when they were dispossessed of that space so it could be used for hosting an international exhibition. Now, Circular Quay is popular among visitors enjoying the sites, and also daily commuters.

Woolwich Wharf

Woolwich Wharf, found at the end of Valentia Street, is a bit of a transport hub with a ferry terminal and a popular bus stop. There are public toilets in the bus shelter area, a public phone box and across the road is an open grass area and kids' playground in 'Valentia Street Reserve'. There is also a large sign highlighting the Great North Walk's presence.

Goat Paddock

Goat Paddock is the open area north of Woolwich Dock. The park has a path winding down through the middle, providing access to the waters edge. In 1835, the Clarke family received a grant of the land at the eastern end of the peninsula, what we now call Woolwich. In 1898, Morts Dock and Engineering Company bought this land and commissioned the excavation of the dock. The area is well maintained and is used by many locals for their morning strolls.

Woolwich Lookout

Woolwich Lookout is a fenced lookout atop of the cliffs at the western end of Woolwich Dock. There are great views down the sandstone cutting, through the dock at the mouth of the Lane Cove River and to North Sydney. In December 1901, the W. Solomon & Sons company (commissioned by Morts Dock and Engineering Company) completed the excavation of 85,000 cubic metres of sandstone to construct this dry dock. At the time, this 188 metres long, and 27 metres wide, pit was the largest dry dock in Australia. In 1963, the Army purchased the site and now it is managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

Kellys Bush

In the late 1880s, pocket of bushland between Prince George Parade and Alfred St, Woolwich was set aside to to act as a buffer zone between the Parramatta River and the Sydney Smelting Company. The area was named after the owner of the land and smelting company, T.H. Kelly . From the passion of the local people who fought to protect this area, Kelly's Bush is now owned by the Hunters Hill Council and cared for by a team of local bush regenerators.

Ivy Alley

Hunters Hill Shops

Just opposite the intersection of Alexandra and Ady Streets is a community shopping village in Hunters Hill. There are a few cafes and small restaurants set among a lovely series of sandstone buildings. You could even get your hair cut if so desired. The Ricciotti Deli Cafe open 7 days 0800-1700 (weekends 0800-1500) ph: (02) 9817-7388.

Boronia Park

Boronia Park is found at the intersection of Ryde Rd and Boronia Ave. The park is centered around a couple of large playing fields and a grand stand. Here you will find public toilets, tap water, electric BBQs and a children's playground. There is also shade from the trees and rain shelter to provide some relief on the hot or wet days.

Mangrove viewing platform

This timber viewing platform is found on bank on south-west of the confluence of the Lane Cove River and Buffalo Creek. This area is affected by the tides so the view is constantly changing. The lookout platform provides an opportunity to view the mangroves community and the eroded sandstone ruins

Buffalo Creek Reserve

The Buffalo Creek Reserve is found off the side of Pittwater Rd, just south of Buffalo Creek. The reserve is home to a large wetland, car park, large children's playground , picnic shelters , BBQ's , toilets and town water on tap . The children's play area, on the western side of the reserve, is very popular. There is a large playing field and a second smaller picnic area on the eastern side (where the Buffalo Creek boardwalk starts ).

Magdala Park

Magdala Park, found at the end of Magdala Rd, North Ryde, is home to a large playing field with a baseball diamond in the corner and a smaller playing field to the north. There is a car park , public toilets, sheltered picnic tables , childrens playground, garbage bins, and town water on tap. There are a few Great North Walk signs highlighting the direction of the walk as it winds across the open grassy area.

Fairyland

Once formally known as 'Fairyland Pleasure Grounds', and casually as 'The Rest', this site was similar to several others in Sydney. The land was purchased by Robert Swan in 1896 and encompassed about 17 acres in total. Part of the land was cleared for a market garden, growing strawberries and melons. By the early 1900s, the market garden had closed and the area had become a popular picnic and play ground, for people arriving mostly by boat. This was a very popular spot to visit for a special day out. Today, the buildings have (mostly) gone and the cleared area has grown back, but it still can offer a relaxing picnic and lunch spot by the river.

Lookout

This small, informal and unfenced viewpoint is atop a large natural rock platform, between Fairyland and River Ave. There are a few in the area, but this is the most distinct. From here, there are nice views down the Lane Cove River. The area is unfenced and there is a significant drop off the side.

Riverside Cafe Bar & Grill

The Riverside Cafe is found at the end of service road on the south-west corner of Fullers Bridge. The nicely renovated building looks over the Lane Cove River and is open 7 days, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is cafe-style and meals are priced upwards from $13. Ph: (02) 9412 3773.

Koonjeree Picnic Area

Koonjeree Picnic Area is at the southern end of Lane Cove National Park, just near Fullers Bridge. The picnic area boasts free gas barbecues, flushing toilets, town tap water, picnic tables and shelters, a large open area and car parking. On the bank of the Lane Cove River, this is a pleasant spot to enjoy the park.

Potable Water

Drinking fountain, 87cm high.

Seat

Two timber seats, 40cm high, 38cm deep and 1.8m wide with a 35cm backrest and no arm rests.

Trip Hazard

The edges of the weir are ungraded and there is a significant drop with water hazards. Keep clear of edges.

Lane Cove River Lookout

Found along the timber boardwalk on the banks of the Lane Cove River, just up stream from the weir, is this lovely viewing platform. The boardwalk and platform are fenced (1.1m high), there are two main seats and a stepped area for extra seating. The views extend upstream for about 250m and is a great spot to watch water birds and the occasional paddle boat.

Lane Cove Weir

The Lane Cove River Weir was built in 1938 during the depression. The motivation for building the lake was to make the area more appealing for visitors' picnics. The weir created environmental issues such as silting and a decline in native fish populations. In more recent years, a 'fish ladder' has been constructed to allow fish to undertake their natural migration route for breeding. The weir proves an easy way for walkers to cross the Lane Cove River whilst enjoying the views up and downstream.

Seat

A stone seat, 42cm high, 60cm deep and 1.7m wide with a 22cm high arm and 22cm backrest.

BBQ

Two free electric BBQs hotplates in sheltered picnic area. The BBQ table is 92cm high, 2.05m wide and 75cm deep. Hot plates are 45/45cm.

Picnic Table

Two timber slat picnic tables. The table is 79cm high, 73cm deep and 3.3m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 44cm deep and 2.7m wide (no backrest). Room for a few chairs at end. 4x2.7m slab.

Blue Hole

Blue Hole is found in the Lane Cove River, downstream of De Burghs Bridge. Within Lane Cove National Park this small pleasent waterhole has a flat rock and small sandy beach on the north side of the river. The water is polluted by run-off and rubbish, especially after rain, so it is not suitable for swimming. It is still a pleasent place to relax and enjoy the valley.

Browns Waterhole

Browns Waterhole is a wide, shallow section of the Lane Cove River, downstream of a concrete weir. There is a concrete shared cycle/footpath crossing over the top of the weir, linking Kissing Point Road, South Turramurra to Vimiera Rd, Macquarie Park. On the western side of the waterhole, there is a picnic table and small clearing with a view over this section of the river.

Conscript Pass

Conscript Pass is a small sandstone pass between the Lane Cove River and Thornleigh, on the Great North Walk. During the 1930s, some stone steps were built through a cleft in the rock as part of a public works program, in response to the depression. The pass has two main engravings. Firstly 'Conscript Pass' is followed with a downwards pointing arrow and a series of initials and numbers. On another wall (that you face when walking up) is engraved 'B Stevens' followed a surprisingly good caricature of the then Premier of NSW, Bertram Stevens. Stevens (later knighted) replaced Jack Lang in 1932 as Premier of NSW, when Lang was dismissed by the Governor (just two months Lang after opening the Sydney Harbour Bridge).

Thornleigh Oval

Thornleigh Oval is found at the intersection of Handley and Ferguson Avenues, Thornleigh. There is a large playing field, tap water, public toilets and some shelter in the awning of the club house. The oval has a car park, and a number io signs for the Great North walk and other local tracks.

Subway

This branch of the popular sandwich chain Subway, who make a variety of subs and sandwiches as you order them. For more details contact the store on (02) 9481 4200 or visit at Shop 2, 291 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh, NSW 2120.

Zacs Great Food

This restaurant can be found on Pennont Hills road just a stones throw from the station. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a continental menu ranging from about $20. for a meal. The opening hours are from 6.oo am to 10.00 pm from Tuesdays to Saterdays, and closed Sundays and Mondays. For more information on bookings call (02) 9484 6799.