'-­ "I I 'I 'I EXCELSIOR RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT \1 HERITAGE CONSERVATION: I ARCHAEOLOGY/EUROPEAN HISTORY I \1 'I I I I ·1 I Report prepared for Manidis Roberts Consultants "I by Don Godden and Associates Pty Ltd I April 1989 I "I ~I I I I

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 I 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Author Identification 1 1.3 Research 1 1.4 Fieldwork 1 I 1.5 Limitations 1 1.6 Acknowledgement 2 I 1.7 Report Format 2 2.0 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 3 I 3.0 STUDY AREA 4 4.0 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 8 11 4.1 Sources 8 4.2 Early Settlement 8 4.3 Nineteenth Century Land Use 8 4.4 Recent History 9 I 4.5 Historical Themes 9 4.6 Notes 10 I 5.0 ABORIGINAL SITES 11 5.1 Sites Known within Study Area 11 5.2 Consultation with National Parks and 12 Wildlife Service I 5.3 Predictive Model 12 5.4 Further Work Required 15 I 5.5 Interpretative Themes 15 6.0 HISTORIC SITES 16 6.1 Sites Known within Study Area 16 I 6.2 Preliminary Significance Assessment 16 6.3 Further Work Required 17 6.4 Recommended Conservation Measures 17 I 6.5 Interpretative Themes 18 7.0 MISCELLANEOUS SITES 19 I 8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY 20 .1 9.0 APPENDICES A. NPWS Site Recording Forms - Aboriginal Sites B. Inventory Sheets - Historic Sites I C. Inventory Sheets - Miscellaneous Sites I .1 I

~ J/ I I I 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background I Excelsior Reserve is a 140 hectare Crown Reserve, which incorporates several smaller reserves and playing fields and a large area of urban bushland within Baulkham Hills Shire, centred on Darling I Mills Creek.

A Plan of Management for the Reserve has been I commissioned by Baulkham Hills Shire Council and is being prepared by Manidis Roberts Consultants. Don Godden and Associates Pty Ltd have been engaged as I sub-consultants to undertake a limited survey of the area and to report on its Archaeological and European historical significance.

I 1.2 Author Identification

This report has been prepared by Richard Mackay, ,I Director Don Godden and Associates Pty Ltd. The recommendations were formulated in consultation with Don Godden. The report was typed and I presented by Mrs Carol Wilson. 1.3 Research

I No primary source historical research was undertaken for this project. Available literature, including reports on the reserve and its cultural ,I resources, were reviewed. Sources consulted are outlined in Section 8.0. Interviews were held with very many local informants and residents. A I meeting was held with Bronwyn Conyers, Central Regional Archaeologist, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Service's records were examined.

I 1.4 Fieldwork

Two full days (17 hours) were spent surveying the I site on April 5 and 13. Fieldwork concentrated on sites which were known and wherever possible local informants were used as guides. Although I additional survey work wap undertaken away from areas known to contain sites, only two 'new' sites were discovered. I 1.5 Limitations

No primary historical sources have been consulted. I No title search has been made. Budgetary and time constraints limited fieldwork to two days. During this time it was only possible to traverse major walking trails and sample three valleys. The lack I of visibility through dense vegetation (eg Lantana)

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means that there is high probability of further I sites being located. Additional historical research is required to determine the history and I significance of some sites. 1.6 Acknowledgement

Assistance with this project was provided by Geoff I Roberts and Madeleine Maple of Manidis Roberts Consultants, and by Edward Higginbotham, Historical Consultant. Both Bronwyn Conyers (Central Regional I Office) and ran Johnson (Head Office) from the National Parks and Wildlife Service helped with formulation of recommendations regarding Aboriginal I sites. The study was discussed with Steve Duneski, Baulkham Hills Shire Council and with the following people who provided useful information: Jim Sherrenberg, Sally Donnellan, Ron Godden and Lyn I Semenetz.

Particular assistance was provided by Jill Reardon I who accompanied the author during much of the fieldwork and co-ordinated the collection of information from the local community. Both George I Medhurst and Uri Semenetz kindly made time available to guide the author to several sites. I 1.7 Report Format The data gathered for this report is presented as ,I site inventory sheets in Appendices A, Band C. A Summary of Recommendations is presented in Section 2.0. Sections 3.0 and 4~0 briefly outline the nature of reserve and its history. For the I purposes of discussion and analysis, sites have been divided into three groups. Aboriginal sites are discussed in Section 5.0, Historic sites in Section 6.0 and other sites in Section 7.0. The I latter include sites outside the Reserve Boundary, natural features which, though significant to the community, display no physical evidence of human I activity, and sites for which little or no evidence could be found. I I I I

I 2 !J I I I 2.0 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Excelsior Reserve contains culturally significant Aboriginal and historic resources. These resources I require comprehensive identification, document­ ation, significance assessment and conservation planning. Many sites lend themselves to inclusion I in interpretation as part of the recreational use of the Reserve. The following recommendations result from this report. I * The Reserve should be completely surveyed for Aboriginal sites by a qualified prehistorian. I * Early consultation, about Aboriginal sites, should be held with the Metropolitan Land I Council. * Measures and procedures should be introduced to protect any sites (eg: open scatters of artefacts) discovered during works in the I Reserve. * Visitor Management should direct the public 'I away from fragile sites (eg shelters with occupation deposit) • * Aboriginal use of the Reserve, and some sites, I should be included in the interpretation program for the Reserve, sUbject to discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service I and Metropolitan Land Council. * Further historical research should be carried I out into land occupation and tenure, the stone structure (item 7), early roads, and the stone I cottage (item 8). * Additional analysis of the extant fabric of historic features, particularly the stone structure (item 7), the stone cottage (item 8) I and early roads, should be undertaken. * Significant historic sites should be conserved I in accordance with the Burra Charter of Australia ICOMOS. * A Conservation Plan should be prepared for Loch I Bruce, the Creda Place Road Formation, the Stone Structure, the Stone Cottage and I Associated Road, and the Quarry Road. * The historic sites identified in this report should be included in the Reserve I interpretation program.

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I 3.0 STUDY AREA Excelsior Reserve is a corridor of urban bushland between the residential districts of Castle Hill, I Baulkham Hills, Northmead, North Rocks and West Pennant Hills. Generally it follows Darling Mills Creek and its tributaries (see Fig 1). The Reserve I has steep (30 0 ) slopes and a narrow valley floor, although there are some flat areas around the Reserve's edges. Elevations range from 20 to 100 I metres. The geology of the Reserve appears to be Triassic Hawkesbury sandstone. There are substantial I outcrops along the creek beds and many overhanging shelters/caves in the slopes on either side. I The Reserve's flora is generally a much altered schlerophyll Eucalyptus forest including Sydney Blue Gum, Red Bloodwood and Smooth Barked Apple Gums, several acacia species, bracken and maiden I hair ferns and a variety of shrubs. There is evidence of former rainforest pockets. Unfortunately much of the Reserve is infested with I invasive exotic species, particularly lantana, blackberry, wandering jew and crofton weed. This infestation is most marked along the easement of I sewer pipes in the Darling Mills Creek bed. The Reserve is reported as being home for many native animals and a large number of birds. I In addition to the weed species noted above, and the cultural features noted in this report, the Reserve also contains a large number of built I features. These range from stepping stones and walking tracks built to encourage use of the Reserve, (see Figure 2), to major intrusions such I as sewer pipes and bridges (see Figure 3) • Engineering works within the Reserve have also caused significant damage to natural features I (Figure 4) • I I I I I 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Figure 1. The study .Area; Excelsior Reserve, I Baulkham Hills.

I 5 I I I I I I I I I Figure 2. Concrete Stepping Stones across Darling I Mills Creek. I I.. I I I I I I I

I Figure 3. Barclay Street Bridge, Sewer Pipe.

I 6 I I I I I I I I I I I I Figure 4. Channel for pipe cut through creek bed. I I I I 1I ,I I ,I

'I 7 I I I I 4.0 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 4.1 Sources This section of the report derives largely from I historical research undertaken by Terry Kass for Edward Higginbotham's 1987 report "Proposed Development of Land on Speers Road North Rocks" I prepared for the Department of Housing. That research relates to the southern part of Excelsior Reserve. Reference has also been made to the I Macquarie University "Excelsior Reserve Resources Study" and to several publications produced by Baulkham Hills Shire Council. Sources are noted in I Section 8. 4.2 Early Settlement I Excelsior Reserve was part of the 3,800 acres north of Lake Parramatta, set aside in 1804 by Governor King for the pasturing of cattle.l It was known as I Baulkham Hills Common. During the early decades of the nineteenth century the area was frequented by timber getters, and is reputed to have also been I used by bushrangers and. rum distillers. 2 4.3 Nineteenth Century Land Use

I During the 1820s two quarries at the end o~ Excelsior Avenue supplied stone to Parramatta. These have since been filled in and playing fields I have been constructed. By 1827, an ex "assigned" convict sawyer, Thomas Atkins, who had arrived in New South Wales in 1820 I aboard the "Eliza", was living in a cottage on Darling Mills Creek, with his wife and four children. 4 Atkins is known to have petitioned the i Colonial Secretary for a land grant in the area, but was apparently prevented from acquiring the land in question by virtue of Government Order No I 22 of 1 August 1831,5 which set provisions for sale of Crown Land. A land grant of 260 acres was bought at public I auction ig November l834~ by William Charles Wentworth. However Atkins remained in residence, at least until the l840s. (Kass7 suggests that I Atkins and subsequent occupiers of his part of Portion 140 may have leased it from the owner as it was eventually partitioned from the remainder of I the grant in 1912) • Following timber getting and pastoral activities during the early part of the nineteenth century, I the land at the Southern end of Excelsior Reserve

I 8 I I I was sold by WC Wentworth to James pye in 1851.8 I The pye family have remained prominent in the district since that time.

James pye built Rocky Hall, now the Rock Le~ I Nursing Home, at some stage between 1851 and 1875. The reported planting of the camphor laurel tree in the grounds of Rocky Hall, by the Duke of Edinburgh I in 1868, suggests that the house was built by that time. pye was a well known citizen and benefactor of Parramatta. He donated the land which was used I 11 to construct the Hunts Creek Dam, which supplied water to Parramatta. He was elected a member of the Legislative Assembly in 1856. He died at Rocky I Hall in 1884, after being thrown from his horse. lO 4.4 Recent History I The northern part of Excelsior Reserve is believed to have remained Crown Land, until its formal dedication and vesting in Baulkham Hills Shire I Council on July 13th 1958. Land to the west of the then Reserve was in use as a rifle range, and evidence of target shooting remains within the I current reserve, (see item 17 of Appendix B). Subsequent urban expansion has seen the delineation of edges to the Reserve bushland. In some cases I this development has included the addition of new Reserve land. The most recent example was Council Reserve No 139 which was associated with the Larra I Crescent/Mill Drive release in 1974.11 4.5 Historical Themes I The settlement pattern and subsequent history of the Reserve result in several historical themes which might be considered as part of a program for I interpretation of the Reserve to the pUblic. These themes include: I * Land grants - purchase and subdivision, * European Resource Exploitation (Timber Getting/ I Quarrying), * James Pye, the pye Family; early settlers, I * Nineteenth century road construction, * Recent uses (rifle range, recreation, urban I development) • I

I 9 I I I I 4.6 Notes 1. Macquarie University n.d. Excelsior Park I Resources study, pI. 2. Ibid. II 3. Baulkham Hills Shire Council; Excelsior Reserve brochure.

4. E Higginbotham, 1987. Proposed Development of I Land on Speers Road, North Rocks. Report for the Department of Housing, p2. I 5. Ibid, p3. 6. Ibid. I 7. Ibid. il 8. Ibid, p4. 9. Ibid. I 10. Ibid. I 11. Macquarie University, op cit p3. 'I I I I I I I I

I 10 I I I, I 5.0 ABORIGINAL SITES 5.1 Sites Known Within the Study Area I There are four Aboriginal sites known within the Reserve. Two of these were discovered during 1,1 survey work for this study. 5.1.1 Darling Mills Creek - Shelter With Deposit This is a sandstone shelter, located above the I former rifle range on the western side of Darling Mills Creek. It was recorded in 1963 by Ms Rosemary Taplin, but was not located during the I survey completed for this project. Limited records for this site are held by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I 5.1.2 Darling Mills Creek - Shelter With Art I A sandstone shelter with art is reputedly located I above the former rifle range on the western side of Darling Mills Creek. The site was documented by Rosemary Taplin. It was not located during the !I survey completed for this project. Records for the site would be included in the report on rock art in the Baulkham Hills Shire, a copy of which was 1,1 purchased by the Shire Council some years ago, but which is now missing. ,I 5.1.3 William Place Shelters Two large sandstone shelters, with northwesterly aspect overlook Darling Mills Creek. Each is c6m ,I wide, c8m high and c30m long. They are adjacent. Both contain substantial deposits of light brown sandy loam. Flaked stone artefacts were observed .1 in each shelter • 5.1.4 Perry Street Grinding Groove I A single, badly weathered axe grinding groove is located adjacent to a small natural rock pool, on a sandstone bench along the unnamed tributary to Darling Mills Creek at the end of Perry Street. I The outflow of the pool has been deliberately chipped, but is not thought to be of Aboriginal I origin. 5.1.5 Site Recording Forms ,I National Parks and Wildlife Service Site Recording Forms for the two new sites are included as Appendix A to this report. These forms may assist 'I in the preparation of the Plan of Management, but should not be made available to the pUblic.

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I 5.2 Consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service A meeting was held with Ms Bronwyn Conyers, I Regional Archaeologist Central Region, NPWS on Monday April 17th. Previous studies carried out in the area of Excelsior Reserve were considered and I the need for the current Plan of Management to provide for a comprehensive survey of the Reserve was discussed. Consideration was also given to I types of site likely to occur within the study area and appropriate management and interpretation I techniques. I I I I I I I

I Fig 5: Perry Street Grinding Groove and Rock Pool (O.5m scale)

I 5.3 Predictive Model On the basis of the known geology, topography, and I environment of Excelsior Reserve, the sites already known and previous survey work in nearby areas, it is possible to make a preliminary predictive model I statement about sites likely to occur. These are: * Axe Grinding Grooves I * Shelters with Occupation Deposit

I 12 I "I I, * Shelters with Art (Paintings, Drawings) I * Surface Campsites * Rock Engravings I * Scarred Trees 5.3.1 Axe Grinding Grooves I One axe grinding groove is already known within the Reserve (see 5.1.4 above). This site is suitable for pUblic visitation and interpretation, following it consultation with NPWS, and if agreed to by the relevant Land Council. Additional grinding grooves could occur along creek beds, particularly in association with rock pools. However, pipelaying t activities of the water Board, in recent years, have removed and damaged the stone creek bed in many places, effectively destroying any axe I grinding grooves which were present in these areas (see Fig 6). I 5.3.2 Shelter with Occupation Deposit Two sites are already known within the Reserve (see 5.1.1, 5.1.3). The Reserve contains many shelters I with potential occupation deposit. No excavation or disturbance should occur without prior contact with the NPWS. A survey of potential sites should I be undertaken as soon as practicable. These sites are not suitable for pUblic visitation and interpretation.

I 5.3.3 Shelters with Art One art site is known within the Reserve (see i 5.1.2). Baulkham Hills Shire Council holds records of numerous art sites in the area made by Ms Rosemary Taplin. Ms Taplin's records could not be I located during the current study. Survey of shelters within the Reserve (see 5.3.2) should include detailed examination for art. It is possible that the known art site or another could I be interpreted and promotea for visitation. This would depend upon discussions with the NPWS and the I Metropolitan Land Council. I I

I 13 I I I, I il I I I I I I I I I I Fig 6: Damage caused by heavy machinery in bed of I Darling Mills Creek. 5.3.4 Surface Campsites I None are known within the Reserve. The poor visibility makes survey impractical. provision should be made in the Plan of Management, for work I to cease and the NPWS to be consulted if any activity within the Reserve disturbs such a site. I 5.3.5 Rock Engravings None are known within the Reserve. There are some suitable sandstone outcrops. Rock engravings may I be discovered during a comprehensive survey.

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I 5.3.6 Scarred Trees None are known within the Reserve. In view of the 1·1 history of timber getting within the Reserve, survival of scarred trees is regarded as unlikely. I 5.4 Further Work Required Management of the Reserve's Aboriginal Cultural I Resources requires the following further work: * Comprehensive site survey by a qualified I prehistorian, * Consultation with the Metropolitan Land I Council, * Introduction of protective procedures to be followed when sites are discovered, I * Visitor Management which directs public away from fragile sites, I * Development of interpretation/access to sites (eg Perry street Grinding Groove, Darling Mills Art Site), subject to discussions with NPWS and I the Metropolitan Land Council. 5.5 Interpretative Themes I The Aboriginal use of the reserve, and the different types of site known to occur should be included in the interpretative program. Visitation I to sites and inclusion of sites in walks/literature can only be determined following completion of the I tasks outlined in 5.4 above. I I I I· I

I 15 I '1 I I 6.0 HISTORIC SITES 6.1 Sites Known Within Study Area I Seventeen historic sites have been identified within the study area. Inventory sheets and photographs of these sites are included as Appendix I B to this report. The sites are: Number Name/Identification Significance

I 1 Loch Bruce 3 2 Former Quarries, Excelsior Rd 2 3 Cave with Graffiti 2 I 4 Swimming Hole 2 5 Tree Stumps 2 6 Creda Place Road Formation 4 7 Stone Structure 3+ I 8 Stone Cottage Remains 4 9 Cottage Road Formation 3 10 Surveyor's Mark 3 I 11 Track Pavement 2 12 Soil pit Road 2 13 Quarry 4 I 14 Quarry Road 3 15 Track to Rocky Hall 2 16 Rocky Hall Dam 3 I 17 Rifle Target Area 3 6.2 Preliminary Significance Assessment I Without further historical research it is not possible to fully assess the cultural significance of these sites. While some, like Loch Bruce, are I sufficiently well known and documented to enable a reasonable assessment to be made, little is known about others including several of the road I, formations, and the mystery stone structure. On the basis of surviving fabric and known history a preliminary assessment of significance was made in the categories: Historic Association, I Technological Importance, Structural Integrity, Interpretive Ability, Social Significance. (Aesthetic Values were incorporated within Structural Integrity, but are of minimal relevance I to the sites considered in any case). The values used to express relative degrees of significance I, were: 5 · of exceptional significance 4 · of considerable significance I 3 · of some significance 2 · of ~light significance 1 · of no significance I · not relevant or not assessed ~I 16 'I ,I' I

The inventory sheets in Appendix B indicate the I values assigned to each site in each category. Section 6.1 above indicates an overall assessment of the relative value of each site. preparation of I: statements of cultural significance cannot proceed without further research. I 6.3 Further Work Required Management of the Reserve's Historic Cultural I Resources requires the following further work: * Historical research into land occupation and tenure throughout the reserve (some has been I undertaken by Kass and Higginbotham, 1987), * Historical research into stone structure (item I 7) , * Historical research into all roads (items 6, 9, I 12, 14, 15), * Historical research into Stone Cottage (item I 8) , * Preparation of Conservation Plans for items 1, I 6,7,8,9,14), -- * Additional analysis of the extant fabric of the Stone Structure (item 7), the Stone Cottage I (item 8) and early roads should be undertaken. 6.4 Recommended Conservation Measures 'I Several of the historic sites identified in this report will deteriorate further if stabilization/ remedial work is not undertaken. Recommended works I are: Item Namel Action I Identification 1 Loch Bruce Remove log, repair dam, I consider dredging silt. 6 Creda Place Road Remove lantana, stabilize I, Formation stonework. 7 Stone structure Remove invasive vege­ tation, record fabric, conduct structural I analysis and stabilize if I necessary. I 17 I r I' I

8 Stone Cottage Remove invasive vege­ I tation, record fabric, conduct structural analysis and stabilize if I necessary. I' 6.5 Interpretative Themes The sites identified in this study are generally suitable for interpretation of the historic themes of the Reserve; both those themes identified in I Section 4.5 and others.

Theme Sites which may be used to I present this theme Land Grants 8, 9, 10

I Timber Getting/Quarrying 2, 5, 10, 12, 13, 14

James pye etc 3, 8, 9, 15, 16

Nineteenth Century 6, 9, 11, 12, 15 I; Road Construction

Recent uses 1, 4, 11, 17.

I The interpretative ~evices used to present these themes will depend on the overall reserve public interpretation program. On-site signage, which I incorporates available historic photographs and basic data is recommended in addition to any off­ site material which is produced. Given the I existing number of intrusive elements, high visitation and recreational role of the Reserve it is not considered that provision of interpretative material on-site will detract from the existing I significant attributes of the sites. I I I, ,I I

I 18 - I I I 7.0 MISCELLANEOUS SITES Several other sites warrant inclusion in this report. Appendix C has inventory sheets for three I sites outside the Reserve, which have important historic links with it, one site for which there is no evidence, and two natural features which are I important to the local community. All of these sites should be considered for inclusion in any interpretation programme for the Reserve.

I Rocky Hall (now Rock Lea Nursing Home), the Camphor Laurel tree in its grounds and pye1s Cottage are all directly relevant to the history of the I southern part of the Reserve. Rocky Hall is the direct cause of the existence of the dam, track, quarry and quarry road in this area. The pye I" family are identified as ap important theme. These sites are visible from the Reserve, and, subject to the wishes of the owners, should be referenced in brochures or other literature associated with the I' interpretation program.

The Ventura Road Quarry is relevant to the second I identified interpretative theme and may be considered for inclusion. The balancing rock and Perry Street Caves are natural features which have I--. significance for the present community. They also warrant inclusion in the overall interpretation I program. I I I I I I I

I 19 I I I I 8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY Baulkham Hills Shire Council, 1988. Community I Profile. Baulkham Hills Shire Council, n.d. Excelsior Reserve Walking Tracks brochure.

I Baulkham Hills Shire Council, 1983. Aboriginal Sites M147/4 and M147/11, Chief Town Planner's I Report No 83/66, 26th May 1983. Bell, David, 1982. Report on an Archaeological Survey of a Proposed Sewerage Pipeline Route Along Darling Mills , Castle Hill, for Metropolitan Water I Sewerage and Drainage Board, September 1982.

Higginbotham, E, 1987. Proposed Development of I Land on Speers Road North Rocks, report prepared for The Department of Housing, December 1987.

I Wharton, J C, 1911. Jubilee History of Parramatta, pp14-15. I • I I I I I I I I

I 20 I ;1 a I I I I I" APPENDIX A I Aboriginal Sites I NPWS Site Recording Forms I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I '"= National Parks and Wildlife Service J BOX N189, GROSVENOR STREET POST OFFICE, SYDNEY, NSW 2000. TEL (02) 237 6500 I ~ Standard Site Recording Form

MAP NAME EDITION SCALE REFERENCE HEAD. OFFICE USE ONLY: I PARRAMATTA SECOND 1:25000 GR 156601 NWPS site no: RIVER Site types: File nos: I Date Filed by:

I Site name: Locality/property name: Owner/Manager: BAULKHAM HILLS WILLIAM PLACE SHELTERS EXCELSIOR RESERVE SHIRE COUNCIL Address: Local post office: 129 SHOWGROUND RD I BAULKHAM HILLS CASTLE HILL 2154 NPWS District: Region: CENTRAL

Reason for investigation (give R.O. instruction no. where applicable): I SURVEY CARRIED OUT DURING PREPARATION OF PLAN OF MANAGEMENT.

I Portion no: 140 Other land category: CROWN RES. Plan/sketch/section of site altached?~No. Parish: FT ELD OF MARS County: CUMBERLAND How many? I Air photo refs. (for stereo pair) Photos taken? ¥~No How many attached? 4

How to gel la the site (refer to permanent features, give best approach to site ego from above, below, along cliff. (Draw dia,gram on sepi=Hate sheet) • rROM tND OF wHITBREAD PLACE, NORTH ROCKS, FOLLOW INDETERMINATE TRACK NORTHWARDS • ALONG EASTERN BANK OF DARLING MILLS CREEK. SHELTERS OCCUR UNDER A MAJOR I SANDSTONE OUTCROP. Other sites in locality? Yes/~ Site Types include: Are sites in NPWS Register? 'K~No. Unregistered sites - plans for future recording? ~o.

I Have artefacts been removed from sile?~/No/~xWhen? By whom? N/A Deposiled where? N/A I Is site importanl to local Aborigines? ~Q!S£I>4~don't know. Give contact(s) name(s) + address(es)

Contacted for this recording? X'l!l9tNo. '1 (Attach additional information separately) If not, why not? OUTSI DE BRI EF; (HI STORI C SI TE SURVEY) Verbal/written reference sources (including full title of accomQanying report). DON GODDEN AND ASSOCIATES pTY LTD, 19~9. I EXCELSIOR RESERVE, ARCHAEOLOGY/EUROPEAN HISTORY·

Checklist: Condition of site: I surface visibility, NO EVIDENCE OF DISTURBANCE OTHER THAN MINOR TREADAGE AND SCUFFAGE. damage/disturbance/ NO THREATS EVIDENT. threat 10 sile

I Recommendations for management & protection (attach separate sheet if necessary): THE ABOVE MENTIONED REPORT RECOMMENDS FULL SURVEY FOR SITES AND PREPARATION OF I MORE DETAILED MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES. Site recorded by: RICHARD MACKAY Date: 13/4/89 Address/institution: DON GODDEN + ASSOCIATES PTY LTO I 34 TU~STALL AVENUE, KENSINGTON NSW 2033 'I I I SITE POSITION & ENVIRONMENT IOFFICE USE ONLY: NPWS site no: I 1. Landform a. beach/hillslope/ridgetop.etc: SANDSTONE SHELTER b. site aspect: NORTH c. slope: 30 ° I d. mark on diagram provided oron your own sketch th~ position of the site: e. Describe briefly: I

I f. Local rock type: SANDSTONE g. Land use/effect: CROWN RESERVE 2. Distance from drinking water: Source: DARLING MILLS CREEK

I 3. Resource Zone associated with site (estuarine. riverine. forest etc): RIVERINE I 4. Vegetation: EUCAL YPTUS FOREST :( SALIGNA, GUMMIFERA) WITH MANY EXOTIC SPECIES 5. Edible plants noted: BRACKEN FERN, ACACIA I' 6. Faunal resources (include shellfish): MUSSELS, NONE OTHER NOTED

7. Other exploitable resources (river pebbles. ochre. etc): NONE NOTED t Site type: DESCRIPTION OF SITE & CONTENTS. SH ELTERS WITH Note state of preservalion of site & conlents. Do NOT dig.disturb.damage site or contents. DEPOSITS TWO LARGE SANDSTONE SHELTERS, WITH NORTHWESTERLY ASPECT OVERLOOKING DARLING MILLS CREEK. EACH IS C6M WIDE, C8M HIGH AND C30M LONG. I 1------iTHEY ARE ADJACENT. BOTH CONTAIN EVIDENCE OF SUBSTANTIAL DEPOSIT, CHECKLIST TO HELP: LIGHT BROWN SANDY LOAM. NO BONE OR CHARCOAL WAS EVIDENT. TWO length. width. depth. ARTEFACTS WERE NOTED. THE SOUTHERN SHELTER HAD A SINGLE GREY CHERT height of site. shalter I deposit. structure. FLAKE WITH RE-TOUCH, 18MM X 8MM x 4MM, OBSERVED ON THE DRIP LI·NE. • element ego tree scar. THE NORTHERN SHELTER HAD A L1GHT GREY CHERT FLAKE, SHOWING SEVERAL' grooves in rock. x DEPOSIT: colour. FLAKING SCARS 22MM X 9MM 5MM. I texture. estimated depth. stratigraphy. contents-shell. bone. stone. charcoal. density & distribution of these• I ~ . stone types. artefact types. ART: area of surface decorated. motifs. I colours. wet. dry pigment. technique of , engraving. no. of figures. sizes. I patlnation. BURIALS: number & condition of bone. poSition. age. sex. I associated artefacts. TREES: number. alive. dead. likely age. scar shape. position. size. patterns. axe marks. I , regrowth. QUARRIES: rock type. '.' debris. recognisable artefacts. percentage I quarried. OTHER SITES EG. structures (fish traps. stone arrangements. I bora rings. mia mias). mythological sites. rock holes. engraved groove channels. contact sites AttAch sketches etc. ego plan & section of shelter. show relation between site contents. (missions massacres I.' cemeteries) as 'indicate north. show scale. appropriate Attach annotated photos (stereo where usefUl) showing scale. particularly for art sites. I I I I I I I I I I I I William Place Shelters, Southern Shelter looking SW. I I I I I I I

I Artefact from Southern Shelter (grey chert>. I I I I I I I I I I I I I William Place Shelters, Northern Shelter looking NE. I I

I ":~~"'0'~~~;'~'~~<''':l:~,:;'l:'';'',:t '~(~::~<'\~.~,~{~'~t~?~~, ..~ ".~ .'h.:', . .. . I I I I

I Artefact from Northern Shelter (grey chert). I I I I \ National Parks and Wildlife Service ~ BOX N189. GROSVENOR STREET POST OFFICE. SYDNEY. NSW 2000. TEL (02) 2376500 I ~ Standard Site Recording Form

MAP NAME EDITION SCALE REFERENCE HEAD, OFFICE USE ONLY: I PARRAMATTA SECOND 1:25000 GR 156601 NWPS site no: RIVER Site types: File nos: I Date Filed by:

I Site name: Locality/property name: Owner/Manager: BAULKHAM HI LLS WILLIAM PLACE SHELTERS EXCELSIOR RESERVE SHIRE COUNCIL Address: Local post office: 129 SHOWGROUND RD I BAULKHAM HILLS CASTLE HILL 2154 NPWS District: Region: CENTRAL

Reason for investigation (give R.O. instruction no. where applicable): I SURVEY CARRIED OUT DURING PREPARATION OF PLAN OF MANAGEMENT.

I Portion no: 140 Other land category: CROWN RES. Plan/sketch/section of site attached?~No. Parish: FI ELD OF MARS County: CUMBERLAND How many? I Air photo refs. (for stereo pair) Photos taken? ¥e:stNo How many attached? 4

How to get to the site (refer to permanent features. give best approach to site ego from above, below. along cliff. (Qraw dia.Qram on sep~Hate sheetJ I fROM tND OF wHITBREAD PLACE, NORTH ROCKS, FOLLOW INDETERMINATE TRACK NORTHWARDS ALONG EASTERN BANK OF DARLING MILLS CREEK. SHELTERS OCCUR UNDER A MAJOR I SANDSTONE OUTCROP. Other sites in locality? Yes/ritD( Site Types include: Are sites in NPWS Register? ~~/No. Unregistered sites - plans for future recording? ~o.

I Have artefacts been removed from site?~/No/~xWhen? By whom? N/A Deposited 'where? N/A I Is site important to local Aborigines? X~D4~don't know. Give contact(s) name(s) +. address(es)

Contacted for this recording? )(li$iNo. I (Attach additional information separately) If not, why not? OUTSIDE BRI EF; (HI STORI C SITE SURVEY) Verbal/written reference sources (including full title of accomQanying report). DON GODDEN AND ASSOCIATES pTY LTD, 19~9. I EXCELSIOR RESERVE, ARCHAEOLOGY/EUROPEAN HISTORY· .

Checklist: Condition of site: I surface visibility, NO EVIDENCE OF DISTURBANCE OTHER THAN MINOR TREADAGE AND SCUFFAGE. damage/disturbance/ NO THREATS EVIDENT. threat to site

I Recommendations for management & protection (attach separate sheet if necessary): THE ABOVE MENTIONED REPORT RECOMMENDS FULL SURVEY FOR SITES AND PREPARATION OF I MORE DETAILED MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES. Site recorded by: RICHARD MACKAY Date: 13/4/89 Address/institution: DON GODDEN + ASSOCIATES PTY LTD I 34 TUN?TALL AVENUE, KENSINGTON NSW 2033

I I .j I I SITE POSITION & ENVIRONMENT IOFFICE USE ONLY: NPWS site no: I 1. Land form a. beach/hill slope/ridge top, etc: CREEK BED b. site aspect: SOUTH EAST c. slope: NIL d. mark on diagram provided oron your own sketch th~ position of the site: e. Describe briefly: I SANDSTONE CREEK BED, ABOVE I. POOL, BESIDE WATERFALL.

I f. Local rock type: SANDSTONE g. Land use/effect: CROWN RESERVE

I t-:"2.~D_is_ta_r_lc_e-:fr~o_m_d_ri_n_ki_ng_W_at_e_r: 0...M S_o_u_rc_e_:_C_R_E_E_K -I 3. Resource Zone associated with site (estuarine, riverine, forest etc): RIVERINE

I 4. Vegetation: , EUCALYPTUS FOREST (E. SALIGNA, GUMMIFERA) WITH MANY EXOTIC SPECIES. 5. Edible plants noted: BRACKEN FERN, ACACIA. I 6. Faunal resources (include shellfish): MUSSELS, NONE OTHER NOTED 7. Other exploitable resources (river pebbles, ochre, etc): NONE NOTED. I Site type: DESCRIPTION OF SITE & CONTENTS. GRI ND ING Note state of preservation of site & contents. Do NOT dig. disturb.damage site or contents. GROOVE A SINGLE AXE GRINDING GROOVE, 320MM X 41MM X 7MM (BADLY WEATHERED) LOCATED IMMEDIATELY BESIDE C300MM DIAMETER NATURAL ROCK POOL, ON I SANI)STONE BENCH, BESIDE WATERFALL, ABOVE LARGE POOL ON NORTHERN , CHECKLlSTTOHELP: SIDE OF UNNAMED TRIBUTARY TO DARLING MILLS CREEK. SOUTHERN (OUTFLOW) length, width, depth. SIDE OF POOL HAS BEEN MODI FI ED BY CHI SELLING APPARENTLY RECENTLY. I_ heIght of site, shelter, deposit. structure, element ego tree scar, grooves in rock. DEPOSIT: colour. I texture, estimated depth. stratigraphy. , contents-shell. bone. stone. charcoal, density I & distribution of these. stone types, artefact types. ART: area of surface I decorated. motifs. colours. wet, dry pigment, technique of engraving. no. of figures. sizes, I . patination. BURIALS: number & condition of bone. position. age. sex, I associated artefacts. TREES: number. alive. dead. likely age. scai shape. position, size. I pallerns. axe marks. regrowth. QUARRIES: rock type. debris. recognisable artefacts. percentage I quarried. OTHER SITES EG. structures (fish traps. stone arrangements. I bOra rings. mia mias). mythological sites. rock holes•.engraved groove channels, contact sites Attach sketches etc. ego plan & section of shelter. show relation between site contents. (missions massacres I -indicate north, show scale. cemeteries) as appropriate Attach annotated photos (stereo where useful) showing scale. partiCUlarly for art sites. I I I I I I I I I I I I Perry street Grinding Groove. View to North. I I I I I I I

I Perry street Grinding Groove, looking South. I I I I I I I I I I

'

I Perry Street Grinding Groove (SOcm scale). I I I I I' I I I

I APPENDIX B I Historic Sites Inventory Sheets I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I LOCH BRUCE ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 5/4/89

ITEM NO: EX/1 TYPE:DAM AND DATE: 1943 I SWIMMING HOLE LOCATION: 9130-3-N GR 157636 I CONDITION: GOOD DESCRIPTION: AN ARCHED MASONRY WALL, C1.5M HIGH AND C9M ACROSS. CONSTRUCTED OF ANGULAR I SANDSTONE RANDOM RUBBLE MASONRY WITH CONCRETE MORTAR AND RIVER GRAVEL AGGREGATE. FORMS A C7M DIAMETER SWIMMING HOLE, NOW LARGELY SILTED UP. A CONCRETE PARAPET ON UPSTREAM SIDE IS INSCRIBED "LOCH B.... 1943". THE DAM HS BEEN BREACHED I BY A LARGE LOG. I SIGN1FICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 3)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 3)/5 CONSERVE AND INTERPRET. I Technological Importance: ( 2)/5 REMOVE LOG AND RECONSTRUCT MISSING Structural Integrity: ( 3 )/5 SECTION. Interpretive Ability: ( 4 )/5 CONSIDER DREDGING SILTED UP SWIMMING I Social Significance: ( 2 )/5 HOLE. I REFERENCES: NIL INFORMANTS: J ILL REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/A/1-5 SLIDES: N/A I I I I I I I I

I _.- --.------==---~::..:-___.:_=:...... :..._____.J I I I I )1 I I I

.1

LOCH BRUCE. Arched dam wall breached by log. I I I I I I I

I LOCH BRUCE. Looking upstream. I I I I I I I I I I I I cl LOCH BRUCE. Inscription in upstream side of parapet. l_ I I I I I I I I: LOCH BRUCE. Detail of concrete. I I I FORMER QUARRIES, NOW PLAYING FIELDS I ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

1 ITEM IDENTIFlCATION SHEET Date 5/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/2 TYPE: QUARRY DATE: PRE 1900 LOCATION: EXCELSIOR RD, 9130-3-N GR 156636 11: CONDITION: DESTROYED

LARGEDESCRIPTION:SANDSTONE QUARRIES' WERE FORMERLY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEASTERN END OF I EXCELSIOR ROAD. THESE QUARRIES SUPPLIED STONE USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MANY EARLY BUILDINGS IN THE PARRAMATTA AREA. IN RECENT YEARS THEY WERE FILLED I IN, AND THE ERIC MOBBS RESERVE AND PLAYING FIELDS WERE CONSTRUCTED OVER THEM. I' SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 2)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 5)/5 PRO~IDE INTERPRETATION OF HISTORY I Technological Importance: ( 2)/5 OF LOCATION ON SITE. Structural Integrity: ( 1)/5 Interpretive Ability: ( 2)/5 I Social Significance: ( 1)/5

11' REFERENCES: NIL UNFO~: JILL REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: N/A SLIDES: N/A I I I I 1, 1I I' I

,------~ I------I I CAVe WITH GRAFFITI ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I' ITEM IDENTIFlCATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 t ITEM NO: EX/3 TYPE: CAVE DATE: 1903- . LOCATION: DARLING MI LLS CREEK, S SIDE 9130-3-N GR 155632 ,I CONDITION: FAIR - VANDALISED

DESCRIPTION: A LARGE SANDSTONE OVERHANG C70M LONG, C5M WIDE, C4M HIGH OVERLOOKING DARLING I MILLS CREEK SOME 6M TO NORTH. THERE IS MUCH EVIDENCE OF FREQUENT USE; FIREPLACES, LITTER, GRAFFITI. CAVE WALLS ARE COVERED WITH GRAFFITI AND MUDDY HANDPRINTS (EUROPEAN). THE GRAFFITI DATES FROM 1903 AND INCLUDES NAMES OF 1­ DISTRICT PIONEER FAMILIES (EG MOBBS). 'I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 2)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 3)/5 INTERPRET I' Technological Importance: ( -)/5 Structurallntegrity: ( -)/5 Interpretive Ability: ( 2)/5 t Social Significance: ( 1)/5

REFERENCES: N/A INFORMANTS: MR TERRY BLANCH I JILL REAR DON I' PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/25-26 SLIDES: N/A t I I I I, a I I I ______---J I I I I I I ,I I

I Cave with Graffiti. Darling Mills Creek. I' I

I I I I

I Cave with Graffiti; Hand prints, note names eg nMobbs n• I I I SWIMMING HOLE .1 ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/4 TYPE: SWIMMING HOLE DATE: N/A LOCATION: DARLING MILLS CREEK 9130-3-N GR 155628 I CONDITION: GOOD DESCRlPfION: A LARGE NATURAL POOL, WITH SURROUNDING SANDSTONE PLATFORMS, AT JUNCTION OF I DARLING MILLS CREEK AND UNNAMED TRIBUTARY WHICH FLOWS FROM JUNCTION OF CROSS STREET AND CARY STREET. REPUTEDLY USED AS SWIMMING POOL BY LOCAL MASONIC I SCHOOL. EVIDENCE OF USE A SERIES OF INITIALS CARVED INTO ROCK PLATFORMS. I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 2 )/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 2)/5 INTERPRET I Teclmological Importance: (- )/5 Structural Integrity: ( 4 )/5 Interpretive Ability: ( 3 )/5 I Social Significance: ( 2 )/5 . I, REFERENCES: N/A ~O~: JILL REARDON I' PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:EX/E/28-29 SLIDES: N/A I ·1 I I I ! I I I I, I I I I I I I I I I- Swimming hole; view downstream. I

I I I I ,I

I Swimming hole; carved initials (O.Sm scale). I I I TREE STUMPS lTBMNAME I EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89

ITEM NO: EX/5 - TYPE: N/A DATB : NOT KNOWN \ I LOCATION: VARIOUS. EG: 9130-3-N GR 153627 I CONDITION: GENERALLY POOR DESCRIPTION: HISTORICAL EVIDENCE SUGGESTS THAT DARLING MILLS CREEK WAS A TIMBER GETTING I AREA. THE RESERVE CONTAINS- A NUMBER OF TREE STUMPS, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE REMNANTS OF TIMBER GETTING ACTIVITIES; (MOST LIKELY NOT AS SURVIVAL FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS WOULD BE REMARKABLE). THE EXISTING STUMPS DO PROVIDE I AN OPPORTUNITY TO INTERPRET THIS ASPECT OF THE RESERVE'S HISTORY TO THE VISITING PUBLIC. I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 2 )/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 1)/5 INTERPRET I Technological Importance: (- )/5 Structural Integrity: ( 2 )/5 Interpretive Ability: ( 4 )/5 I Social Significance: ( 2 )/5

I ~CES: HIGGINBOTHAM 1987 INFORMANTS: N/A ~ I I I I I I I I I

I'------' I EARLY ROAD FORMATION I ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM lDENTIFICAnON SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/6 TYPE: ROAD DATE: NOT KNOWN LOCATION: OFFCREDA PLACE 9130-3-N GR 154627 I CONDITION: GOOD, BUT OVERGROWN DESCRIPTION: . A WELL CONSTRUCTED ROAD FORMATIOI~ C2.2M WIDE RUNS DOWN A STEEP GRADE TOWARDS I DARLING MILLS CREEK, BEHIND RESIDENCES AT THE END OF CREDA PLACE. ON THE DOWNHILL SIDE IS A COURSED SANDSTONE WALL UP TO lM HIGH. BRACKEN FERN GROWS ALONG THE CRUSHED ROCK PAVEMENT, AND GENERALLY THE FEATURE IS SURROUNDED BY LANTANA. I THERE IS AT LEAST ONE QUARRIED CUTTING. THE LENGTH IS INDETERMINATE, BUT IS AT LEAST 40M. I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT': ( 4)/5 RECOMMENDAnON: Historic Association: ( 4)/5 REMOVE LANTANA (POISON) I Technological Importance: ( 3)/5 STABILISE WHE'RE REQUIRED Structural Integrity: ( 4 )/5 INTERPRET Interpretive Ability: ( 5)/5 CONSIDER USE AS WALKING TRACK I Social Significance: ( 3)/5 I- REFERENCES: N/A INFORMANTS: MR TERRY BLANCH PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/32-34 SLIDES: N/A I EX/F/2-3 I I I I I I I I I' I I I .~",-.. 1'l;,. • ;' 11 ..... I ~~f- .'''1 "-"- I I I I I I Early Road Formation, off Creda Place (lm scale) • •• I I I I I I I

Early Road Formation, off Creda Place - formation I in foreground, cutting on right. I I' I -I STONE STRUCTURE (BRIDGE//MILL?/TANNERY?) ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recoroer RGM

I ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/7 TYPE: NOT KNOWN DATE: NOT KNOWN LOCATION: UNNAMED TRIBUTARY TO DARLING MILLS CREEK, OFF VENTURA RD.9130-3-~ GR154613 I CONDITION: - OVERGROWN

DESCRIPTION: I A C5M HIGH, C6M WIDE ASHLAR MASONRY WALL ADJACENT TO CREEK. SIMILAR MASONRY EXTENDS PERPENDICULAR TO CREEK, NORTHWARD. SANDSTONE STEPS, WROUGHT IRON BOLTS, POLE TIMBERS AND THREE C1M X C2M IRON PLATES WERE OBSERVABLE THROUGH DENSE I VEGETATION WHICH COVERS FEATURE. TERRACOTTA PIPE OUTLET IN CREEK SIDE OF WALL. SUSPECTED TO BE REMAINS OF MILL OR TANNERY, BUT COULD BE BRIDGE ABUTMENT. I FURTHER INVESTIGATION IS REQUIRED. SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: (3+)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: (3+)/5 INVESTIGATE FURTHER I Technological Importance: (- )/5 REMOVE VEGETATION Structurallntegrity: (- )/5 STABILISE Interpretive Ability: (4+)/5 INTERPRET I Social Significance: (3+ )/5

I- ~O~\f~~S: URI SEMENETZ

I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/F5,14-16 SLIDES: N/A I I I I I •I I I I I I I I I I I I

I I stone structure (to right of Creek). I I I I I I I

I Return of Masonry Wall.

I I I I , ( I I ;r I I .,

.~"' ''':!i'''''~' 'I' ."' ...... • )', '!'f~- • ': I ( .. '; :"-;:~.' 1, t? - °t: ~ '. ~,J} 'f a 0 ~ .,:a..i'1~~!t'.'1JA r ...... t' i' 'A;~' ~ •',~•• 1. ~, 0 ~. , ' ·-l.~~',', 1!t"-:-'J !'.~ t· ~o\ l' ..I .. f 1 • I ,~~.. ~~~; ~ ...... •-,. AV' I Main Masonry Wall from across creek I (centre of photograph). I I I' I I I I

I Masonry face; note terra cotta pipe outlet. I I I STONE COTTAGE REMAINS I ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM I ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/8 TYPE: COTTAGE DATE:POSSIBLY C1827 LOCATION: 9130-3-N GR155599 I CONDITION: POOR DESCRIPTION: REMAINS OF A SANDSTONE COTTAGE, TWO ROOM, WITH ADDITIONAL LEAN-TO, BUILT INTO I NORTHWESTERN SIDE OF SANDSTONE CLIFF OVERLOOK[NG DARLING MILLS CREEK. FOOTINGS AND PARTS OF WALL REMAIN IN REGULAR SPARROW PECKED ASHLAR MASONRY. COPING REMAINS ON CLIFF TOP, AND GROOVES IN CLIFF FACE, AND CUT MORTICES INDICATE I BUILDING ATTACHMENT POINTS. SIZE 7M x 3.8M, PLUS 7M x 2.4M VERANDAH. I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 4)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 5)/5 CONSERVE I Technological Importance: ( 3)/5 STABILIZE AS RUIN (REMOVE BLACKBERRY) Structural Integrity: ( 3)/5 UNDERTAKE HISTORICAL RESEARCH Interpretive Ability: ( 5)/5 INTERPRET I Social Significance: ( 5)/5

~CES: HIGGINBOTHAM, 1987 UNFO~S: G. MEDHURST I·--. NOTE: HISTORIC PHOTO REPUTEDLY HELD BY J. REARDON LOCAL AUTHOR, GWEN MILHOUSE. I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/16-19 SLIDES: N/A I I. I I I I...

. ---l I I I I I I I I I I

Stone Cottage. View of remains from North• I• I I I I I I I

I stone Cottage collapsed masonry. I I I I I· I I I I I Stone Cottage; Cliff Face showing I end wall of cottage abutment. I I I I I I: I' I I

Stone Cottage; detail of cliff wall. Note sandstone I coping in top right hand corner. I I i l ROAD FORMATION ITEM NAME I EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM lDENTlFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/9 TYPE: ROAD DATE: NOT KNOWN LOCATION: 9130-3-N GR155599 I CONDITION: FAIR DESCRIPTION: AN EARLY ROAD FORMATION, ALONG THE EASTERN SIDE OF DARLING MILLS CREEK, LEADS I TO THE STONE COTTAGE REMAINS (EX/8). IT HAS AN EARTH PAVEMENT, AND IS C2M WIDE. RANDOM RUBBLE MASONRY WALLS RUN ALONG EACH SIDE IN PLACES. THE LENGTH I IS INDETERMINATE, BUT IS AT LEAST 20M. I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: (3 )/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: (3 )/5 CONSERVE I Technological Importance: (3 )/5 UNDERTAKE HISTORICAL RESEARCH Structural Integrity: (2 )/5 INTERPRET IN ASSOCIATION WITH EX/8. Interpretive Ability: (4 )/5 I Social Significance: (3 )/5

REFERENCES: HIGGINBOTHAM, 1987 ~O~ANTS: G. MEDHURST I J. REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/14 SLIDES: N/A I ,I 1 I' I I I I I I SURVEYOR'S MARK I ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I- ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/10 TYPE: DATE: NOT KNOWN LOCAT10N: 9310-3-N GR154598 (OFF NORTH ROCKS ROAD) I CONDITION: FAIR, VERY WEATHERED. DESCRIPTION: A STUMP STANDS IN ACLEARED AREA, BEHIND HOUSES NEAR NORTH ROCKS ROAD/THE I CARRIAGEWAY. AT ITS TOP (CUT) IS THE REMAINS OF A SURVEYOR'S MARK -A 'V' CUT INTO THE TIMBER. I I SIGNIF1CANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 3 )/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 3 )/5 CONSERVE I Teclmological Imponance: ( 3 )/5 INTERPRET Structural Integrity: ( 2 )/5 Interpretive Ability: ( 4 )/5 I Social Significance: ( 2 )/5

REFERENCES: N/A ~O~S: G. MEDHURST I J. REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/12,13 SLIDES: N/A I I I I I I I I I ------' I I I I I I I I I I I stump with Surveyor's mark. I I I I I I I

I Surveyor's Mark (on left, below IOcm scale). I I I TRACK PAVEMENT ITEM NAME I EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/ll TYPE: TRACK DATE: C1950 LOCATION: 9130-3-N GR 154597 I CONDITION: GOOD DESCRIPTION: AN UNUSUAL PAVEMENT ALONG A TRACK, OFF NORTH ROCKS ROAD AND THE CARRIAGEWAY. I FORMED BY IRON FILINGS WHICH WERE WASTE PRODUCT FROM NEARBY ENGINEERING WORKS. I I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 2)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 2)/5 CONSERVE I Technological Importance: ( 1)/5 Structural Integrity: ( 2)/5 INTERPRE r. Interpretive Ability: ( 3)/5 I Social Significance: ( 2)/5

REFERENCES: N/A ~O~S: G. MEDHURST I J. REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/ SLIDES: N/A I I I I I I I I I I I SOIL PIT ROAD ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM lDENTIF1CATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/12 TYPE: ROAD DATE: NOT KNOWN LOCATION: 9130-3-N GR 154597 I CONDITION: FAI R DESCRIPTION: AN EARTH ROAD FORMATION, RUNNING BEHIND HOUSES ALONG NORTH ROCKS ROAD. I PREVIOUSLY MAY HAVE CONNECTED WITH THE CARRIAGEWAY. I I SIGNIACANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 2)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 2)/5 CONSERVE I Technological Importance: ( 2)/5 INTERPRET. Structural Integrity: ( 2)/5 Interpretive Ability: ( 3)/5 I Social Significance: ( 2)/5

REFERENCES: INFORMANTS: G. MEDHURST I J. REARDON

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/10 SLIDES: N/A ~~..... : I ~. 1..lc·1 , ~~/ ,~ ~; :l I '. .-. l' I I I I I I I I I QUARRY ITEM NAME I EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE sruDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/13 TYPE: QUARRY DATE: C1870 LOCATION: OFF WHITBREAD PLACE. 9130-3-N GR 152595 '11 CONDITION: GOOD DESCRIPfION: SANDSTONE OUTCROP WITH CLEAR EVIDENCE OF DRILL HOLES AND QUARRYING ACTIVITY. I REPUTEDLY PROVIDED STONE FOR NEARBY ROCKY HALL. I I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 4)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 4)/5 CONSERVE I Teclmological Importance: ( 3)/5 INTERPRET Structural Integrity: ( 4)/5 ENCOURAGE VISITATION (\,1 Interpretive Ability: ( 4)/5 Social Significance: ( 2)/5

~CES: HIGGINBOTHAM, 1987 ~~: G. MEDHURST I J. REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/6 SLIDES: N/A I I I I I I I I I I QUARRY ROAD FORMATION ITEM NAME I EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM lDENTIFlCAnON SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/14 TYPE: ROAD DATE: C1870 LOCATION: OFF WHIT8READ PLACE, 9130-3-N GR 152595 ~I CONDITION: GOOD

DESCRIPTION: I' SUBSTANTIAL ROAD FORMATION ALONG EASTERN SIDE OF DARLING MILLS CREEK LEADING TO AND FROM QUARRY. INCLUDES SUBSTANTIAL RANDOM RUBBLE WALLS UP TO C1M HIGH I EARTH PAVEMENT C2.4M WIDE. LENGTH INDETERMINATE, BUT AT LEAST C90M. I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 3 )/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 4 )/5 CONSERVE I Technological Importance: ( 3 )/5 INTERPRET Structural Integrity: ( 3 )/5 ENCOURAGE VISITATION Interpretive Ability: ( 4 )/5 I Social Significance: ( 2 )/5

~CES: HIGGINBOTHAM, 1987 UNFO~: G. MEDHURST I J. REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/7 SLIDES: N/A I' t I I I' I I I' I TRACK TO ROCKY HALL ITEMNAMB EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE sruDY Recorder RGM

ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEEr Date 13/4/89

ITEM NO: EX/15 TYPE: ROAD DATE: C1870

LOCATION: OFF WHITBREAD PLACE, SPEERS ROAD 9130-3-N GR 150595 CONDITION: POOR

DESCRIPfION: AN EPHEMERAL ROAD FORMATION LEADING FROM NEAR WHITBREAD PLACE THROUGH RESERVE TOWARDS ROCKY HALL. EDGED IN PLACES WITH STONE, C30CM HIGH, Cl.8M WIDE, C30M LONG. EARTH/CRUSHED ROCK PAVEMENT, VERY OVERGROWN.

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 2 )/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 4 )/5 Technological Importance: ( 2 )/5 CONSERVE Strueturallntegrity: ( 2 )/5 Interpretive Ability: ( 2 )/5 Social Significance: ( 2 )/5

~CES: HIGGINBOTHAM, 1987 UNFO~: G. MEDHURST J. REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/3-4 SLIDES: N/A I, I I I I I I I I I ROCKY HALL DAM ITEM NAME I EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I' ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 t ITEM NO: EX/16 TYPE: DAM DATE: C1870(?) LOCATION: OFF WHITBREAD PLACE, SPEERS ROAD 9130-3-N GR 150595 I' CONDITION: FAIR DESCRIPTION: A SMALL, C15M DIAMETER POND, FORMED BY EARTH DAM, REPUTEDLY ORIGINAL WATER t SUPPLY FOR ROCKY HALL. I I' SIGNIACANCE ASSESSMENT: ( 3)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( 4 )/5 CONSERVE I Teclmological Importance: ( 2 )/5 INTERPRET Structural Integrity: ( 3)/5 Interpretive Ability: ( 3)/5 .1 Social Significance: ( 1 )/5

RE~CES: HIGGINBOTHAM, 1987 INFORMANTS: G. MEDHURST I J. REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/2-3 SLIDES: N/A I: .1 I I I I. , I. I ~- :c I I I RIFLE TARGET AREA ITEM NAME I EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM IDENTIFlCATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: EX/17 TYPE: N/P DATE: C1950 LOCATION: 9130-3-N GR 154613 I 'CONDITION: GOOD DESCRIPTION: I SANDSTONE CLIFF FACE, EXTENSIVELY MARKED BY RIFLE SHOTS. PRESUMED TO DATE FROM 1950S WHEN PART OF CURRENT RESERVE WAS IN USE AS A RIFLE RANGE. I I' SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: (3 )/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: (2 )/5 t Technological Importance: (2 )/5 CONSERVE Structurallntegrity: (3 )/5 INTERPRET. Interpretive Ability: (4 )/5 I' Social Significance: (3 )/5

I REFERENCES: N/A INFORMANTS: N/A I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX!F /4 SLIDES: N/A I I I I I I I I I I I I I :1 .1'

I I, APPENDIX C .1 Miscellaneous Sites Inventory Sheets I I 'I- I I 'I I I I I I 'I I I ROCKY HALL I, ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM 13/4/89 a ITEM lDENTIFICAnON SHEET Date I ITEM NO: MISC/1 TYPE: BUI LDING DATE: C1870 LOCATION: SPEERS ROAD. 9130-3-N GR 147595 I CONDITION: ALTERED DESCRIPTION:

I BUILT C1870, ROCKY HALL WAS A SMALL SANDSTONE COTTAGE ERECTED BY J~MES PYE. THE HOUSE HAS BEEN ADDED TO IN SEVERAL PLACES AND SUBSTANTIALLY ALTERED. I IT IS NOW A NURSING HOME. I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( -)/5 RECOMMENDAnON: Historic Association: ( -)/5 ASCERTAIN OWNER'S VIEWS ON INCLUSION I Technological Importance: ( -)/5 OF ROCKY HALL IN RESERVE INTERPRETATION. Structural Integrity: ( -)/5 Interpretive Ability: ( -)/5 I Social Significance: ( -)/5 I• REFERENCES: HIGGINBOTHAM, 1987 INFORMANTS: J. REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/23 SLIDES: N/A I I I I I I I I I, I CAMPHOR LAUREL AT ROCKY HALL I· ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM a ITEM lDENTIFlCATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: MISC/2 TYPE: TREE DATE: 1868 LOCATION: WITHIN GROUNDS OF ROCK LEA NURSING HOME, SPEERS ROAD. I CONDITION: GOOD. 9130-3-N GR 147595 DESCRIPTION: I REPUTED TO HAVE BEEN PLANTED BY HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH IN 1868. I· I' SIGNIF1CANCE ASSESSMENT: ( -)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( -)/5 t Teclmologicallmpottanee: ( -)/5 INCLUDE IN INTERPRETATION Structural Integrity: ( -)/5 (IF OWNER AGREEABLE) Interpretive Ability: ( -)/5 I Social Significance: ( -)/5 I• ~CES: HIGGINBOTHAM 1987 INFORMANTS: J. REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/E/22 SLIDES: N/A I' I I I I I I I' I. I PYES COTTAGE I, ITEMNAMB EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: MISC/3 TYPE: HOUSE DATE: NOT KNOWN - LOCATION: PYE AVENUE, 9130-3-N GR 153597 I CONDITION: NOT KNOWN DESCRIPTION: I SMALL STONE COTTAGE, WITH EXTENSIVE WEATHERBOARD ADDITIONS, CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM SOUTHERN PART OF RESERVE. BUILT AND OCCUPIED BY PYE FAMILY. I I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( -)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( -)/5 INCLUDE IN RESERVE INTERPRETATION. I Teclmological Importance: ( -)/5 Structural Integrity: ( -)/5 Interpretive Ability: ( -)/5 I Social Significance: ( -)/5 I• REFERENCES: N/A INFORMANTS: G. MEDHURST I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: N/A SLIDES: N/A I' a I I I I I I

------.------_--.J I--- I VENTURA ROAD QUARRY ITEM NAME

I EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERlTAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: MISC/4 TYPE: QUARRY DATE: N/A LOCATION: 9130-3-N G152612 I CONDITION: NO EVIDENCE DESCRIPTION: I AN EARLY QUARRY WAS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN LOCATED AT THE END OF VENTURA ROAD. NO EVIDENCE WAS FOUND. I I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( -)/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( -)/5 N/A Technological Importance: ( -)/5 I Structural Integrity: ( -)/5 Interpretive Ability: ( -)/5 I Social Significance: ( -)/5 I REFERENCES: N/A INFORMANTS: RON GODDEN I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: N/A SLIDES: N/A I I I I I I I I I I BALANCING ROCK lTEMNAME I, EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERITAGE STUDY Recorder RGM a ImM IDENTIFICA'flON SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: MISC/5 TYPE: NATURAL FEATURE DATE : NIA LOCATION: DARLING MI LLS CREEK, BELOW TED HORWOOD RESERVE. 9130-3-N GR 155624 I CONDITION: NI A DESCRIPTION: I A NATURAL FEATURE INDICATED TO BE OF IMPORTANCE TO REGULAR VISITORS TO RESERVE. (NOT INSPECTED). I I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: (- )/5 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: (- )/5 INTERPRET I Teclmological Imponance: ( -)/5 Structural Integrity: ( -)/5 Interpretive Ability: ( -)/5 I Social Significance: ( -)/5 I• REFERENCES: NIA UNFO~: J. REARDON I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: NIA SLIDES: NIA I I, I I I I. I I

I--- I I CAVES ITEM NAME EXCELSIOR RESERVE HERlTAGE STUDY Recorder RGM

I ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET Date 13/4/89 I ITEM NO: MISC/6 TYPE:NATURAL FEATURE DATE: N/A LOCATION: OFF PERRY ST. 9130-3-N GR 157612 I CONDITION: DESCRIPTION: I SET OF SANDSTONE CAVES. NO EVIDENCE Of ABORIGINAL ACTIVITY. EUROPEAN GRAFFITI. REPUTED TO BE SIGNIFICANT TO LOCAL COMMUNITY. I I SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT: ( -)15 RECOMMENDATION: Historic Association: ( -)/5 INTERPRET I Technological Importance: ( -)/5 Structural Integrity: ( -)/5 Interpretive Ability: ( -)/5 I Social Significance: ( -)/5 I REFERENCES: N/A UNFO~: VIC SEMENETZ I PHOTOGRAPHS B&W: EX/F /6-7 SLIDES: N/A I I I I I I I I I .. ------_---.J I I

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I Perry st Caves. View to South. I

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I Perry St Caves - interior. I