There’s no shortage of gorgeous parks in Sydney, but today, we’re going to be showing off one of our lesser-known all-time favourites: Blackwattle Bay Park.
Tucked away along the inner-western shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Blackwattle Bay Park probably hasn’t been on your radar unless you’re a local. And even then, you’re probably under 50 years old because this place wasn’t always the pocket of serenity it is today.
Be that as it may, the unparalleled views of the ANZAC bridge, the local history and unbelievable walks around here make Blackwattle Bay Park one of our top recommendations for some outdoorsy downtime near the CBD.
Keep reading to find out why!
The History of Blackwattle Bay Park
Before we even set foot in the park, I’d like to offer you some trivia. Blackwattle Bay Park is one of four parks that make up the quartet known as Glebe Foreshore Parks. And don’t worry, that’s not the interesting bit!
Before Glebe was known as Glebe, it was inhabited by the Cadigal clan which had lived in and around Sydney Cove and the southern side of Port Jackson. The Cadigal people are believed to be named after a native grass tree species called “Cadi” (Xanthorrhoea, in Latin) and “gal” (meaning “people”).
Sadly, there is no trace of the Cadigal people’s presence today, mostly because of what happened next.
Just two years after colonisation, Governor Philip granted the Anglican Church around 400 acres of land known as a “glaeba” (Latin for “clod of earth”). This area encompassed what is now the Glebe Foreshore Parks and a little beyond.
By the 1850s, however, the church was experiencing financial difficulty. The land was sold and over the next hundred years it would transform from luxury aristocratic estates into a crowded industrial area.
If you ever find yourself able to time travel, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Blackwattle Bay Park in 1915. According to newspaper reports from 1915, Mr Kenway from the Board of Health was called out to inspect the area, only to find an estimated 100,000 gallons of raw sewage being pumped into the bay by the hour.
By the 1970s, what is now Blackwattle Bay Park was almost entirely industrial. Home to timber yards, boatbuilding docks and even slaughterhouses, it wasn’t anywhere near the kind of place you’d take your dog (or anybody else, for that matter) for a stroll. Pollution and neglect left much of the shoreline inaccessible and degraded, but even so, when an opportunity arose for redevelopment, the local residents were having none of it.
Driven by community advocacy and urban renewal efforts, local residents fought to reclaim the foreshore as public open space, and luckily, they got their way, because today, Blackwattle Bay Park stands as a testament to that grassroots determination.
See and Do at Blackwattle Bay Park
Unlike many of Sydney’s other (also fabulous) parks, Blackwattle Bay Park hasn’t completely shed its recent history.
Here and there you’ll spot old bits of machinery, including a pretty huge rusty winch that makes anyone around the age of 5 immediately want to climb it (although, I’m significantly over 5 and I also considered it).
You have to look a little more carefully at the other piece of industrial heritage as it might just slip your attention: you’ll walk directly under a massive crane preserved from Sylvester Strides’ ship-breaking yard.
But even if history and cool bits of machinery aren’t really your thing, there’s plenty else to keep you busy.
For little ones, there’s a great little park with a pirate ship and playground equipment, as well as much-needed natural shade and a picnic area.
For us grown-ups, there’s the beautiful bay walk which takes you on a lovely meandering stroll beside the water, and not to mention the stunning views of the ANZAC bridge. And it goes without saying that your four-legged friends will be delighted to hear that there are on-leash and off-leash areas for them to enjoy here too.
Finally, it’s worth saying that Blackwattle Bay Park is a sanctuary for local birdlife, including cormorants, herons, and pelicans, and seasonal wildflowers add bursts of colour throughout the year. Personally, I like sitting here and enjoying a good book under a tree, but if you’re more of the active type who enjoys running (what are your secrets?) then this is a fairly popular spot for that too!
Blackwattle Bay Park Location and Accessibility
You’ll find Blackwattle Bay Park in the suburb of Glebe, just minutes from Sydney’s CBD. It’s easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport, with nearby bus routes and light rail stops at Glebe and Jubilee Park.
For those arriving by car, limited street parking is available, and cyclists, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are lovely, smooth shared pathways that connect the park to neighbouring suburbs.
Tips for Visiting Blackwattle Bay Park
- Best times to visit: No surprises here (it is Sydney after all). Early mornings for sunrise views, late afternoons for a gentle stroll and incredible sunsets with the bridge.
- What to bring: A picnic rug, sunscreen, water bottle (there’s a bubbler if you need a refill)
- Local spots: Visit the nearby Tramsheds for coffee or lunch or explore the full Glebe Foreshore Walk for a longer adventure.
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Have we convinced you to visit Blackwattle Bay Park?
Surely we can all agree that this is more than just a beloved slice of green near the CBD. Whenever I come here, I get a reminder that as the city continues to grow and evolve, places like Blackwattle Bay Park remind us of the enduring value of open, shared and natural spaces.
Enjoy finding hidden gems like this? So do we!
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