There are many Guided and Self Guided Walks in our area to enjoy – view Council’s page here: 

Below are reports of some of our previous walks:
 

AUGUST 2019

Fabulous sunshine greeted us for our walk around the Greenwich foreshore.  A large and enthusiastic group took the short ferry ride across the water and within minutes were admiring the views of the picturesque and well-kept Greenwich Baths, opened in 1916.  The route took us past beautiful heritage homes with amazing vistas from every point.  The many mature Moreton Bay fig trees and leafy areas of Manns Point Park were particularly impressive.

We then tackled the steep climb up the sandstone steps to the lookout and were rewarded with stunning 180 degree views of the Harbour Bridge on one side and Cockatoo Island on the other.  Another interesting and enjoyable walk around an area unfamiliar to some of our members and many thanks to our guide, Len Dowsett.

 

JUNE 2019

This month’s walk was a tour of St Joseph’s College historical precinct led by Richard Quinn, former mayor of Hunters Hill and our knowledgeable guide, and was enjoyed by our biggest group ever!

  

36 people attended the tour, which commenced with the history of the Marist Brothers in Australia and the purchase of the entrance gates from Sydney Town Hall. The extensive route took us through the historic buildings dating from 1878 with their carefully restored rooms displaying the history of the school, including artworks and statues.

So many highlights – particular call-outs were the wonderful chapel and the Cupola. The Chapel, opened in 1940, was recently restored and contains a magnificent plaster ceiling surrounded by an extensive collection of stained glass windows.  We were treated to an impromptu organ recital by our guide on the historic pipe organ which also has its own wonderful restoration story.

Onwards and upwards to the Cupola – 100 or so steps up a winding staircase to the roof revealed magnificent 360 degree views of the district.  The Cupola, with its landmark statue of Our Lady clearly visible throughout the suburb, was added in 1904.

A thoroughly enjoyable and interesting tour of this important and significant part of our suburb’s history and one which we hope to repeat for the many who missed out this time round.

 

APRIL 2019

Perfect weather with blue skies and sparkling water greeted us on Sunday morning, as we set off on our cruise on the comfortable vintage ferry Regal II.  Plenty of food and drink added to our enjoyment as we took a different route this year, travelling down the Lane Cove river and past Onions Point, before cruising along the Parramatta River.

We sailed under the Iron Cove and Tarban Creek bridges, past the Balmain foreshore and as far as Rodd Island where, courtesy of Brigid Dowsett & Tony Saunders, we were entertained with a story involving the Island and Sarah Bernhardt’s visit to Australia in June 1891!

We sailed past Spectacle and Snapper Islands and learnt more interesting facts about these historic Islands, courtesy of Karen Presland.  We then meandered back up to Tarban Creek, where we once again enjoyed the beautiful view of Riverglade Reserve from the water.

A lovely relaxing trip appreciated by a large group of HHT members and our friends from the Historical Society.

Photos by Judith Johnson and Karen Presland

 

 

 

MARCH 2019

Our first guided walk for 2019 will be held in conjunction with the Hunters Hill Historical Society.  This will be an interesting walk past some of our magnificent Jeanneret homes and other heritage gems, whilst also exploring lesser known areas that we rarely visit.

Greg Griffiths will be our guide to recount the history and some of his entertaining recollections of life in the area.  We’ll do a circular route, finishing with only a short stroll to refreshments.

The walk is free for all members of the Hunters Hill Trust and the Historical Society and $10 each for guests

When:  Sunday March 10th

RSVP: members@huntershilltrust.org.au

 

 

NOVEMBER 2018 Jacaranda Walk

A group of walkers enjoyed rambling around the streets and laneways of Hunters Hill admiring the Jacaranda trees generously dotted around the suburb.  The walk culminated in a visit to the Hunters Hill RSL hall where we joined the festivities for Remembrance Day celebrating 100 years since the end of World War I.  A big thank you to Len Dowsett our guide for the last walk of 2018.

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2018  The Priory and beyond

Our walk this month will take us through Riverglade Reserve to The Priory and around the streets above Tarban Creek.  We’ll be looking at some of the fine examples of well-preserved Federation homes that are plentiful in that area.  These ‘Contributory Items’ to Hunters Hill’s heritage are an important and historic feature of our suburb and we’re hoping to include many of them in our new Green Book update.

FREE for all members of the Hunters Hill Trust.  $10 for guests.  New members are welcome.

When:  30th September 2018

Bookings and enquiries: members@huntershilltrust.org.au

 

JULY 2018  Bedlam Bay and beyond

Our July walk, led by Len Dowsett was a fascinating stroll around some of our local bays including Looking Glass and Glades Bay – which was new to many of us – and as the weather was beautiful and the foreshore sparkling, it proved to be another winner and one of those walks we must do again

 

 

 

JUNE 2018  The heritage of Alexandra, Mount, Ferdinand and Madeline Streets

Members of the Hunters Hill Historical Society and Hunters Hill Trust joined forces for the June guided walk.

We rambled through some wonderful Hunters Hill streets with interesting anecdotes provided by a wonderful cross section of locals – reminiscing about neighbourhood tennis courts, nosey telephone operators, missing mansions, stealing bread from the local baker and not being able to get near the local butcher because of her two growling dogs!

 

 

MAY 2018  Historic Gladesville Hospital

Peter Colthorpe, from Friends of Gladesville Hospital, led 30 people through the site and introduced the main heritage buildings in the old asylum, the foreshore and the cemetery.

Gladesville Hospital, originally known as Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum, was designed by the Colonial Architect, Mortimer Lewis.   The site contains many buildings that are listed on the Register of the National Estate.

 

 

 

APRIL 2018  The military heritage of Hunters Hill

This month’s walk was our first look at the richness of military heritage in Hunters Hill.  We started at the War Memorial where our guide Rod Stewart explained its move from the corner of Ferry Street to its current location.  We inspected the rare German Howitzer – one of only six of its kind in the world – given to Hunters Hill in recognition of the great sacrifice residents had made in contributing more men per capita to WW1 than anywhere else in Australia!

After a look at other military items housed in the Museum, we walked to the new memorial wall outside the RSL Hall which holds several plaques, including one made by Alan Somervillle, the sculptor of the soldiers on ANZAC bridge, and then we saw the Memorial Tree on Alexandra Street (who knew?) before arriving at All Saints Church.

There we were treated to a fascinating tour by Rev Michael Armstrong of the Church’s beautiful stained glass windows including those commemorating the fallen, including a rare set of windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones and made by Morris & Co.  The touching human stories behind these beautiful memorials were truly inspiring.

A homemade morning tea provided for us by the RSL completed a fascinating and memorable walk.

 

 

MARCH 2018  Cruise around Hunters Hill

Hunters Hill Trust members and their guests enjoyed perfect conditions for the cruise on the heritage wooden vessel ‘Lithgow’, exploring the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers.  They enjoyed views of the Hunters Hill shoreline and some of the heritage properties that can only be fully appreciated from the water. 

 

 

NOVEMBER 2017  Jacaranda walk

Our final guided walk for 2017 explored some of the beautiful sights of Hunters Hill at jacaranda time.  The walk was led by Len and Brigid Dowsett.  We were astonished by the number and range of requests from people who wanted to experience jacaranda time.  Must be the latest thing.

When:  Sunday 5 November

Bookings and enquiries:  members@huntershilltrust.org.au

FREE for all members of the Hunters Hill Trust.  $10 for guests.

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2017  Mort’s Dock and Clarke’s Point

We enjoyed a wonderful walk on 24 September when we were treated to a feast of fascinating information on the history of Mort’s Dock and Clarke’s Point by Chris Schofield, President of The Historical Society, who very kindly guided us through this interesting area as we re-discovered its history.

We were delighted to have members of both The Hunters Hill and Lane Cove Historical Societies join us in our group of 18 walkers and plenty of discussions as usual made it a very sociable event!

We finished off at Alfred Street and historic ‘Woodstock’ and also saw the site of a neighbouring house which was built in the 1930s and demolished in the 60s, where some beautiful stone walls and steps of its ‘secret garden’, buried under metres of weeds, have recently been unearthed by the Kelly’s Bush Regeneration group.

 

 

AUGUST 2017  Field of Mars

Our August walk was led by Brigid Dowsett and Pamela Reeves.  The Field of Mars is the remnant of an extensive Common of over 5000 acres.  Today it is a Wildlife Refuge and Ryde Council’s largest bushland reserve.  It has a diverse range of vegetation communities from coastal saltmarsh and mangroves to ridgetop eucalypts, open forest and wildflowers.  Walking tracks are rough in places and there are occasional steeper sections.

When:  9:30 am Sunday 27th August

Where:  Field of Mars Visitor Centre

15 enthusiastic people joined our August guided walk,.  Walkers enjoyed the wildflowers and heard about the history of 1960s-style local activism in protecting the Field of Mars and Buffalo Creek from further landfilling and degradation, and how it is now maintained as a vital remnant of good quality bushland, saltmarsh and mangroves as well as an important place of learning with the Environmental Education Centre hosting over 15,000 students a year.

 

JULY 2017  Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island, the largest island in Sydney Harbour, was off-limits for more than 100 years. This 2 hour tour told the story of the Island’s role in Australia’s convict, shipbuilding and industrial history.  There were cafes and picnic spots for lunch after the walk.

When:  10am- 1pm July 30th

Where:  departs Valentia Street Ferry Wharf at 10:09am

Cost:  $15 per person (not including ferry ticket)

 

 

JUNE 2017  The Bridging of Hunters Hill

Discover the history behind Hunters Hill’s three bridges:  Gladesville, Figtree and Tarban.  You will hear about the first bridge crossing which opened for traffic in 1881 through to the impacts caused by the 1964 build including stories around the “missing 100+ houses”  including St Malo, Mary Reiby’s cottage, Figtree Chapel as well as the homes at Huntley’s Point.

The walk will be mainly on paved surfaces and go through a small amount of bushland and over a footbridge.

When:  at 9.30am Sunday 25th June

Where:  park in Joubert St North, and meet, opposite the Hunters Hill Hotel

HHT’s Guided walks are FREE.  They are intended for Trust members but friends, family and new members are also welcome.

 

 

MAY 2017  Historic Gladesville Hospital

Gladesville Hospital, originally known as Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum, was designed by the Colonial Architect, Mortimer Lewis.  The first patients arrived from Liverpool Asylum and the Female Factory at Parramatta in 1838. The site contains many buildings that are listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Len Dowsett was our guide this month on our walk through the beautiful surroundings of Gladesville Hospital site.  He had mapped out a very picturesque route for us past the main heritage buildings and exploring some of the bush and waterside tracks that led around the perimeter of the site.  We saw the new upgrade of the Boat Shed by the Oval which has had a facelift and is now a small picnic area.  A wonderful walk in lovely weather enjoyed by all.

 

 

APRIL 2017  Heritage of Woolwich village

Maureen Flowers led the Trust’s April guided walk, focusing on The Point Road and Werambie Street. We toured the gardens at Domov, Clunes and Vineta.

We sincerely thank Trust members Thea Whitnall and Martin & Sue Tattersall for inviting us into their gardens and Carl Ryves for showing us around his wonderful 1891 waterfront villa designed by William Martin.

Images courtesy of Karen Presland

 

MARCH 2017  Great North Walk, Boronia Park

Alister Sharp, our guide led the groupalong part of the Great North Walk.  There were a few steep areas but the views were worth it.

When:  9:30-11:30, Sunday 26 March

Where:  meeting at Boronia Park car park

Walks are intended for Trust members and their friends and family.  New members are welcome to join us.   Bookings: members@huntershilltrust.org.au

 

 

NOVEMBER 2016 Jacaranda walk

HHT’s last guided walk for 2016 celebrated the gorgeous jacaranda trees of Hunters Hill.

Trust member Margaret Scrivner invited walkers to visit and enjoy the trees around her 1911 sandstone home.  Walkers also explored parts of Woolwich and finished at a local cafe.

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2016  Saints, sea captains and shrunken heads

Our September walk was led by Karen Presland ‘in the footsteps of the Marists’ whose mission has been based at Villa Maria in Hunters Hill since 1847.

We explored the streets surrounding St Joseph’s College, Holy Name of Mary and the Villa Maria Monastery.  Besides stories of washerwomen, stonemasons and builders, we heard about Captain Lewis and Mrs Elizabeth Truscott – prominent residents of Mary Street who established a large shipping company together and traded throughout the Pacific Islands and South America. This was a very popular walk which we will be repeating next year.

 

 

AUGUST 2016  Early history of Ferry Street

Maureen Flowers led a walk exploring the early history and heritage of buildings in Ferry Street.  It revealed many interesting facts about the early settlement of Hunters Hill and walkers were treated to a special guided tour of All Saints Anglican Church, designed by John Horbury Hunt, which holds the only example of Pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows in Sydney plus a rare Bevington Organ, the only working model in the Southern Hemisphere

 

 

 

 

JULY 2016  The Gospel’s Walk

On Sunday July 23rd, HHT walkers explored the houses and cottages in the streets around Joey’s and in Martin and James Streets.

 

JUNE  2016 Woolwich Walk

We had a great walk around the Woolwich foreshore.  Fabulous weather and lots of input from many of the walkers who knew some of the history of the heritage houses particularly in Gale Street and had wonderful things to contribute.

 

 

 

MAY 2016 Tarban Creek and Batemans Road Walk

This walk was led by Karen Presland who showed us her 1880s timber cottage ‘Dene Hollow’ and told stories of its early days and restoration.  She led us past the stone houses and dairy in Batemans Road and explained their history.

You can read more about ‘Dene Hollow’ in HHT Journal Vol 52. No 2 October 2014 on our publications page.

 

 

 

APRIL 2016   Heritage of Gladesville Hospital Walk

21 people joined the guided walk around Gladesville Hospital .  The walk included a guided tour of two rooms of the SPASM (Society for Preservation of Artefacts of Surgery and Medicine) Museum detailing some of the history dedicated to Gladesville’s Asylum.

 

 

NOVEMBER 2015  Jacaranda Walk

Join the last guided walk for 2015 and celebrate the amazing colour and profusion of the Jacaranda trees in our area.  We will do a round trip, finishing at a local cafe.

When:  9:30 am Sunday November 1st, 2015

Where:  corner of Lloyd Avenue & Alexandra Street, just beyond the RSL

Bookings: members@huntershilltrust.org.au for details.

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2015  Guided walk through Hunters Hill

Discover some little-known nooks and crannies of Hunters Hill and walk around the foreshore. This involves 120+ steps at Ferdinand Street Reserve – a good workout but well worth it.  Look at some of the beautiful workers’ cottages and spectacular mansions along the way and will finish back at the local cafes at Hunters Hill shops for coffee or lunch.

Walks are for Trust members but family and friends are also welcome. Please note that dogs must be kept on leash at all times.

Where:  Meet at the Hunters Hill Hotel Bistro entrance in Joubert Street

When:  9:30 Sunday, 27th September 2015

Contact: members@huntershilltrust.org.au for details.  FREE EVENT

‘There was no escape for trapped residents as the horde of courteous walkers arrived at successive locations, peering courteously over manicured hedges and between gates in stone fences to admire sites throughout the morning.

The “oooh’s” and “aaah’s” that followed explanations of sites’ significance in local history broke the otherwise-relentless stream of “good morning”s and similar salutations to neighbours caught in the open, as the group pressed through the streets at a pleasant pace.’  Russ Young.

 

AUGUST 2015  Woolwich walk:  industrial heritage and Jeanneret houses

Members and friends are invited to join the Trust’s August guided walk.

Firstly Len Dowsett will provide another perspective on Kelly’s Bush and  the industrial heritage of Woolwich.

The second half of the walk will be led by Bev Sherry who will take us past some Jeanneret houses and explain their historical significance.

Where:  Meet at the top of the steps that lead to Woolwich Baths on Woolwich Road.

When:  9:30 Sunday, 30th August.  We will walk for about 2 hours and finish at a local cafe.

Contact: members@huntershilltrust.org.au for details.  FREE EVENT

 

 

JULY 2015 guided walk through Boronia Park

Members and friends are invited to join a guided walk to explore parts of Boronia Park and the foreshore of the Lane Cove River.   We will follow part of the Great North Walk through remnant bushland and past the Tipperary Falls, and enjoy views across the Lane Cove River from sandstone lookouts.

Part of this track is uneven and steep in places and could be muddy, but we will take it slowly and ensure there is a helping hand for anyone who needs it.  Unfortunately this walk is not suitable for dogs, but dogs will be welcome on future walks.  Good walking shoes are essential.

Where:  meet at the children’s play area, corner of Ryde Rd and Boronia Ave.

When:  9:30 Sunday, 26th July.  We  will walk for a couple of hours before enjoying coffee or lunch at one of the local cafes in Hunters Hill

Contact: members@huntershilltrust.org.au for details.  FREE EVENT

 

 

JUNE 2015 guided walk through Gladesville Hospital

Members, friends and anyone interested are invited to explore some beautiful places in our neighbourhood on the last Sunday of each month.  The walk will be led by Len Dowsett, an experienced bushwalker and guide with a passion for history and the environment.

Where:  meet at the entrance to Riverglade Reserve along Manning Road (parking area)

When:  9:30 Sunday, 28th June

Contact: members@huntershilltrust.org.au for details.   FREE EVENT

 

 

MAY 2015 guided walk in Hunters Hill

Trust members and their friends are invited to join a guided walk led by Alister Sharp.

Where:  Starting at 3 Beans Café, Gladesville Road Hunters Hill we will go to Riverglade Reserve (along the lower part of Tarban Creek) and walk over Victoria Road to Gladesville Reserve for a glimpse of the Parramatta River and the site of the old Gladesville Bridge.  There are some hills on this route but we’ll take them slowly.  Alister will give us some interesting insights into the history of the area.

When:  9:30 am Sunday May 31st:  3 Beans Café, Gladesville Road Hunters Hill.  We’ll walk for a couple of hours and finish off at a local cafe.  FREE EVENT.

 

 

FEBRUARY 2015 Guided walk 10 am Sunday 15th February

Do you want to know more about the Draft Plan of Management for Boronia Park or get to know the park a bit better?

Meet members of the Hunters Hill Trust in front of the Boronia Park grandstand, corner of Park Road and Ryde Road for a guided walk. Walk will finish before midday.

1. The park’s sensitive bushland and core habitat areas must be protected
2. Any new buildings or car parks must only be located along the road perimeter NOT inside the park
3. The Grandstand should be upgraded with improved access and community use
4. The plan should ensure equitable multi-use activities
5. There should be no exclusive arrangements through special leases or licenses
6. The lighting should be adjusted to only illuminate the playing fields and not the surrounding streets and houses.