Oatley Flora & Fauna Conservation Society

A dozen OFF members and friends enjoyed a brilliant day out on Sunday 1 July. The walk had something for everyone – spectacular views, flora and fauna, sculptures and history. Despite the ever shifting railway timetables we all made it on to the 10 o’clock ferry to Manly. Sydney harbour was sparkling on a glorious warm sunny mid-winter day.

We walked from Manly ferry terminal across to South Steyne Beach, along Marine Parade which was busy with people enjoying the unseasonably warm day. There were some interesting sculptures along the way highlighting the aquatic life in the Cabbage Tree Bay Reserve.

Coffee break at Shelly beach, where we encountered some very bold Brush Turkeys who were keen to sample our morning tea cakes. We pressed on up the hill to North Head.

The top of the hill gave us some spectacular views north. Cunningham’s skinks were spotted taking in the sun and view. The walk continued through the walled area with endangered Banksia Scrub. Some recent back burning has been done in this area to help with the regeneration of the bush. Enough flowering plants were spotted to keep our plant experts busy. On our walk through this area some Wattle Birds and Regent Honeyeaters were spotted feeding on the Banksia flowers.  Our stop at North Head sanctuary foundation information centre was productive with an enthusiastic volunteer and lots of information.

The nearby sculpture gallery offered some artistic flavour to the day. As we walked on towards the centre of the headland, history buffs were kept happy exploring fortifications and military buildings.

After our lunch break, we walked the Fairfax loop which offered some stunning views of headlands of Sydney harbour and the city. We also glimpsed a few large splashes as whales frolicked amongst the flotilla of whale watching boats. The walk officially finished at the aptly named Bella Vista cafe where some stopped off to a well earned afternoon tea and walk back; others opted for a quicker return on the bus.

Our return ferry trip provided some magnificent sunset views of the harbour and silhouettes of the bridge.

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On Sunday 3^rd June, eight OFF members took part in Vicki Bolling’s walk around Parramatta which followed on from last year’s successful outing.  Initially, we called in at the Lancer Barracks near the station, the barracks were built in 1818 and now as well as being an operational army unit it also houses a museum, unfortunately, we didn’t have time to do a tour but perhaps next time? It’s greatest claim to fame is that the Australian Light Horse was initially based at this barracks.

The primary destination our walk was to visit Elizabeth Farm, the property of John and Elizabeth Macarthur. Their house was built in 1793 and is recognised as the oldest European building in Australia.

After a welcome coffee, a volunteer guide, Lyn, gave us a wonderful tour of the restored homestead complete with many historical stories of the Macarthur dynasty. We were surprised at the size of the house and complex of buildings. Being allowed allowed to explore all the different rooms and even sit on the furniture gave us the opportunity to experience what life was like in colonial times.

The tour lasted 2 hours and I don’t think any of us became bored in that time. We finished the tour with lunch in the grounds. After lunch we returned to Parramatta railway station via another historic Macarthur property, Hambledon Cottage but as it was about to close we decided that we might visit it next year on the 3^rd walk around Parramatta.

Thanks to Vicki for a great day Report By Graham Fry – Field Officer

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Excursion to Victoria Barracks 1st March
We were greeted with a lovely day as we gathered at Oatley station, then train to Central and bus down Flinders Street. In all, thirteen of us plus some extras entered the Barracks via the security check-point on Moore Park Road. It was largely a painless experience passing through the various barriers although several AFP officers were standing about portentously.

Once inside we were greeted by Sergeant Ryan and members of the Corps of Guides. We were divided into groups of four and headed off to explore the many historic sites that make up the barracks with our large Visitors cards dangling round our necks.

We learned that not only is Victoria Barracks a major historic site, built in the 1840’s, it is very much an active military base where the headquarters of Australia’s Land Army is found – ready to meet any emergency. We all admired the fine Georgian architecture of the original barracks buildings including soldiers’, NCOs’ and officers’ accommodations. We enjoyed hearing stories of the soldiers of the past and present from our excellent guides, all retired soldiers.

After coffee we visited the museum where Peter Ryan gave us an excellent account of life in the NSW colonial army, the battle of Vinegar Hill, the Soudan expedition and other exploits from Victorian times. He was really good.  SEE PHOTO GALLERY

One of our party Anne Cale was able to see her Great Aunt’s 1915 nursing war medals.

Our president Graham Lalchere was interested in the rats Tobrouk display, as his father served in Tobruk in WWII. The Rats of Tobruk was the name given to the soldiers of the garrison who held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps, during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II

Following what was a demanding but highly worthwhile four-hour tour most of us retired to the Captain Cook Hotel for a good lunch and a walk back down Albion Street to Central Station.
 

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