Sydney Harbour National Park
Encyclopedia
Sydney Harbour National Park is a national park
comprising parts of Sydney Harbour
, its foreshores and various islands. The park lies within the Sydney metropolitan area and was created in piecemeal fashion during the 20th century. Much of the harbour foreshores had been spoiled by residential development; what remained was preserved partly because of the presence of military bases, and partly because of the work of conservationists. Early precursors of today's "Greens" were responsible for stopping mining at Ashton Park
in the 19th Century. Other places were saved because of people such as the visionary Neil Nielsen, who became the New South Wales Minister for Lands and a strong advocate of a public reserve around Sydney Harbour.
Nielsen was ahead of his time when he used the phrase "national park" in regard to the harbour foreshores, but Sydney eventually caught up with him. It was not possible to undo all the damage done in past decades, but there was still much that could be preserved, and the 1960s were a particularly active time in this regard. The New South Wales Government began buying land around the foreshores in 1965, and the National Trust
suggested a national park in 1968. In the following year, the State Government announced a plan whereby it would buy Commonwealth land around the harbour. The Sydney Hartbour National Park was finally gazetted in 1975, with Nielsen Park
at Shark Bay being added in 1978. Extra land was transferred from Commonwealth to State Government control, and added to the national park in 1979; the historically important quarantine station at Manly
was added in 1984.
The attractions of Nielsen Park are not only scenic, although that would be enough. There are also Aboriginal sites, military fortifications and historic sites stretching back to the early years of the colony, plus archaeological features and over a thousand engravings at the Quarantine Station. A highlight for visitors is historic Greycliffe House
, erected at Shark Bay by the Wentworth family in neo-Gothic style during the 1850s. There is also a family-friendly swimming beach at Nielsen Park and a restaurant and cafe.
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
comprising parts of Sydney Harbour
Port Jackson
Port Jackson, containing Sydney Harbour, is the natural harbour of Sydney, Australia. It is known for its beauty, and in particular, as the location of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge...
, its foreshores and various islands. The park lies within the Sydney metropolitan area and was created in piecemeal fashion during the 20th century. Much of the harbour foreshores had been spoiled by residential development; what remained was preserved partly because of the presence of military bases, and partly because of the work of conservationists. Early precursors of today's "Greens" were responsible for stopping mining at Ashton Park
Ashton Park
Ashton Park is situated in Ashton-on-Ribble to the west of Preston, Lancashire, England. It has two bowling greens, two play areas, with swings, roundabouts and climbing frames, several football pitches within a large, main field, and contains within it a magnificent country house. It also has a...
in the 19th Century. Other places were saved because of people such as the visionary Neil Nielsen, who became the New South Wales Minister for Lands and a strong advocate of a public reserve around Sydney Harbour.
Nielsen was ahead of his time when he used the phrase "national park" in regard to the harbour foreshores, but Sydney eventually caught up with him. It was not possible to undo all the damage done in past decades, but there was still much that could be preserved, and the 1960s were a particularly active time in this regard. The New South Wales Government began buying land around the foreshores in 1965, and the National Trust
National Trust of Australia
The Australian Council of National Trusts is the peak body for community-based, non-government organisations committed to promoting and conserving Australia's indigenous, natural and historic heritage....
suggested a national park in 1968. In the following year, the State Government announced a plan whereby it would buy Commonwealth land around the harbour. The Sydney Hartbour National Park was finally gazetted in 1975, with Nielsen Park
Nielsen Park
Nielsen Park is a part of Sydney Harbour National Park at the suburb of Vaucluse in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Australia. It is a popular recreation area and beach on Port Jackson. The kiosk is dated from 1914....
at Shark Bay being added in 1978. Extra land was transferred from Commonwealth to State Government control, and added to the national park in 1979; the historically important quarantine station at Manly
Manly, New South Wales
Manly is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Manly is located 17 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre of the local government area of Manly Council, in the Northern Beaches region.-History:Manly was named...
was added in 1984.
The attractions of Nielsen Park are not only scenic, although that would be enough. There are also Aboriginal sites, military fortifications and historic sites stretching back to the early years of the colony, plus archaeological features and over a thousand engravings at the Quarantine Station. A highlight for visitors is historic Greycliffe House
Greycliffe House
Greycliffe House is a historic, two-storey residential dwelling situated in the Sydney Suburb of Vaucluse. It is listed on the Australian Register of the National Estate.-History:...
, erected at Shark Bay by the Wentworth family in neo-Gothic style during the 1850s. There is also a family-friendly swimming beach at Nielsen Park and a restaurant and cafe.
Location
The park is made up of several discrete units, distributed around Sydney Harbour. These include:- Bradleys Head
- Clark IslandClark Island (New South Wales)Clark Island is an island in Sydney Harbour, Australia. It lies offshore of the Sydney suburb of Darling Point, in the eastern section of the harbour between the Harbour Bridge and the harbour entrance. It is 0.9 hectares in area....
- Dobroyd Head
- Fort Denison
- Goat IslandGoat Island (Port Jackson)Goat Island is a rocky island in Sydney Harbour, in New South Wales, Australia. The island is some 400 m by 200 m in size and is located north-west of the Sydney central business district....
- Middle Head
- Nielsen Park
- Rodd Island
- Shark Island
- Sydney HeadsSydney HeadsSydney Heads , is the entrance to Port Jackson in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.North Head and Quarantine Head are to the north, South Head and Dunbar Head are to the south. Middle Head, Georges Head and Chowder Head are to the west and within the bay...
Fact sheet
- Area: 4.11 km²
- Coordinates: Various - See individual units
- Date of establishment: 4 April 1975
- Managing authorities: National Parks and Wildlife ServiceNational Parks and Wildlife Service (New South Wales)The National Parks and Wildlife Service is part of the Office of Environment and Heritage - the main government conservation agency in New South Wales, Australia....
- IUCNWorld Conservation UnionThe International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources is an international organization dedicated to finding "pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges." The organization publishes the IUCN Red List, compiling information from a network of...
category: V