The New Local COVID Safe Summer Guide

The guide for NSW’s public space managers this summer

The Power of 10+ is a concept Project for Public Spaces developed to evaluate and facilitate placemaking As the weather warms up, we’re helping at multiple city scales. It’s a powerful councils, public space managers, community tool for generating constructive and small business owners with our COVID conversations to identify targeted Safe Summer Guide. placemaking efforts. Cities succeed We can help keep public spaces open and or fail at the human scale—the accessible by working together to reduce the place scale—and this scale is often spread of COVID-19. Please stay safe and visit overlooked. The Power of 10+ shows the NSW Government website for the latest how paying attention to the human information on COVID-19. experience when building a city’s People are exploring their local communities destinations and districts can have like never before and councils have a wealth immediate and widespread impacts. of surprising alternatives when popular public The idea behind this concept is places places are over-crowded. thrive when users have a range of We encourage everyone to walk or cycle reasons (10+) to spend time in a to new public spaces in your neighbourhood place that reflects their needs and and explore, find or rediscover your New preferences.; for example, a public Local. space with places to sit, playgrounds to enjoy, art to touch, music to hear, Some great examples are included here. food to eat, history to experience, and people to meet. In order to be inclusive, the mix of activities must be unique What’s in the New Local to the place itself and reflective of its culture and history. It is important for those facilitating the visioning process • Blue Mountains 2 to develop a deep understanding • City of Bay 4 of the space and work with the • 6 community in creating a one-of-a-kind • 8 placemaking strategy. • 10 • Waverley 12 Further, when cities contain at least 10 of these destinations or districts, • Woollahra 14 depending on the scale, we make • National Parks and Wildlife Service 16 tangible progress towards equal distribution of public spaces. This critical mass of uses and activities often leads to improvements in public perception among both locals and tourists, as well as increased footfall and lingering behaviour—the building blocks of social resilience – Project for Public Spaces, New York

COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local The New Local Hidden gems in the Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains City Council has supported its staff and the community through the many unprecedented and unplanned challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mount Portal Lookout Our community showed Image: Destination NSW resilience in the face of the crisis. Everyone in our community is tired. Fires 1/ Mount Portal Lookout 3/ Govetts Leap have tested us. Floods have Starscape tested us. Now, we’re facing a You can step back from the pandemic the likes of which has hustle and bustle of city living The Blue Mountains is a perfect not been seen for 100 years. and recharge amongst ancient place to immerse in our rich landscapes in the Blue Mountains. astronomical history. At But we continue to find our Visit the accessible Mount Woodford, you can complete the way through this together. Portal Lookout overlooking the self-guided Layers of Time tour, Council will continue to deliver picturesque junction between which explains the importance the best we can to the Blue Glenbrook Gorge and the Nepean of the Blue Mountains night sky Mountains community in these River. If you start your day early, in recording the transit of Venus trying times. We are better you’ll see the sun slowly dance back in 1874. Elsewhere in the together, and together is how across the sky, dispersing golden Mountains, use the Southern we will get through this. hues as it rises. Cross constellation to guide your Mayor Mark Greenhill OAM sight towards the Emu in the Blue Mountains City Council 2/ Glenbrook Village Sky. Govetts Leap is the perfect backdrop to gaze into the night The quaint township of Glenbrook, sky away from any harsh light set back off the highway, an pollution, as the stars glimmer appealing hideaway. On Ross and gleam all night. And you can Street, discover some of the finest sharpen your photography skills coffee in the Blue Mountains, as by booking an astrophotography well as locally sourced sweet workshop with an experienced and savoury products. Purchase Blue Mountains photographer. specialty ingredients to create your own Blue Mountain flavours at home. An extensive array of artisanal products, made locally within the Blue Mountains, is on offer in the Glenbrook village.

2 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Blue Mountains 4/ Wentworth Falls Lake 9/ Katoomba The Wentworth Falls Lake once Street Art Walk supplied water to the passing The Katoomba-based Street Art steam trains but today it is a Walk is a dynamic, community- thriving ecological haven. The driven cultural treasure of the Lake is a perfect location for Blue Mountains, created by Street picnics with family and friends, Art Murals (SAMA) where you can watch waterbirds in partnership with the Blue and forest birds fly around the Mountains Cultural Centre and lake capturing their feed for the University of Western . day. Explore the lake’s foreshore, A curated process of proposals where stunning sandstone and selection delivered a range sculptures explore the Lake’s of murals and styles covering all connection with nature. The street art disciplines. And they are Wentworth Falls Lake is a great temporary by nature. The Street family-friendly location offering Art Walk is free and family friendly. unique pirate ship-inspired play equipment, an accessible walking track that can be used by wheelchairs, children on bikes and parents with prams, park benches and barbecues. Grand Canyon walking track Image: Destination NSW 5/ Buttenshaw Bridge, Leura 7/ Grand Canyon A 14-metre long bridge, engulfed Circuit by sweeping views across the The Grand Canyon is a six Jamison Valley and cradled by kilometre bushwalking circuit in walking trails on either side picturesque Blackheath. It begins that hug the sandstone cliffs, is at Neates Glen, a moss-laden nestled between Olympian Rock set of stairs zig-zagging down and Elysian Rock in Leur. Listen into the cool climate canyon and for the playful sounds of yellow hugging the creek bed. The circuit tail black cockatoos soaring features a sandstone tunnel, the high above the cliff edges. In the towering stairs to Evans Lookout distance is the rocky formation and phenomenal sandstone known as the Ruined Castle, as structures overhead. The Grand well as Mt Solitary. Standing on Canyon walk winds amongst this breathtaking bridge, looking ancient fern, tall eucalyptus trees across the valley, gives a true and flourishing wildflowers; all of Megalong Creek Estate sense of how expansive the Blue which attract native birdlife. This Mountains National Park is. is a tranquil walk, offering sounds of bubbling water, rustling leaves, 10/ Megalong Valley 6/ Lawson the scratching of a lyrebird and distant calls of rock warblers, pilot The Megalong Valley is a The many meandering bushwalks birds and cheeky black cockatoos. picturesque valley surrounded in Lawson immerse you in the by the Blue Mountains’ towering beauty of the Blue Mountains escarpment. This secluded valley and put you back in touch with 8/ The Cultural Centre is popular for horse riding and nature. The Lawson township The Cultural Centre showcases bushwalking along its diverse is cradled by waterfall walks on innovative, diverse, distinctive range of trails through scenic either side of the Great Western and creative cultural programs for bushland. Winding down into the Highway, revealing ancient views residents and visitors to the Blue valley, passing through a lush cool and an abundance of bird life and Mountains. Located in the heart climate treescape, it showcases native wildlife. The village also of Katoomba, the Blue Mountains the authentic country feel of features the Lawson Swim Centre, Cultural Centre comprises the the valley. Free bush camping Lawson Library, as well as a great Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, is available at Old Ford Reserve skate park. View the Triumphal Katoomba Library and Into the and Blackheath Glen Reserve, Arch towering over the Honour Blue, an interactive exhibition however all reservations for Gardens as a majestic nod to exploring the history and natural these sites need to be emailed to men who served in the Great War landscape of the Blue Mountains. [email protected]. 1914-1918. The shopping precinct Visitors also enjoy the viewing au to ensure safety during the is home to some great cafés and platform with stunning panoramic pandemic. The Megalong Valley restaurants with a diverse range vistas of Katoomba and the also features boutique vineyards of international cuisine. Jamison Valley. to visit or stay the night.

3 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Blue Mountains The New Local Hidden gems in the City of

I am extremely proud of how the has responded to the pandemic. The Bay Run, in particular, came under a lot of pressure as people from near and far looked to use it to get their Five Senses Garden daily exercise and to catch Image: City of Canada Bay a glimpse of our beautiful harbour. We worked closely with the relevant stakeholders, 1/ Five Senses Garden 3/ Chiswick Baths especially the Office of Local City of Canada Bay, in partnership Chiswick Baths, a quiet, local Government, NSW Police with Neighbour Aid, swimming beach on Bortfield and NSW Health to ensure developed an inclusive ‘5 Senses Drive, Chiswick, is a great place to our community were aware Garden’ within Rhodes Park, enjoy a refreshing swim, or relax of and following the latest Concord West. The Garden is and enjoy the views of Parramatta advice. Over the years we designed to be a place to bring River and . have heavily invested in the the community together; the Chiswick Baths is enclosed by a expansion and quality of our young, the elderly, people from shark net and childproof fence open spaces and improved all walks of life, cultures and all and accessed via a short set of access to our many kilometres abilities. It is a place for the entire stairs. The baths are backed by of foreshore community offering workshops, a small park with a steep, grassy and it was pleasing to see volunteering opportunities, social slope, covered picnic tables and so many people able to take connections and a space for toilets. advantage of these green locals to grow their own produce. public spaces. 4/ Park Mayor Angelo Tsirekas 2/ Dunlop Reserve This foreshore park in Abbotsford City of Canada Bay and Salton Reserve has expansive views of Hen & Dunlop Reserve, located Chicken Bay and a playground. behind Birkenhead Point Brand A foreshore walk with outdoor Outlet, has broad views of the fitness stations links Henry Parramatta River and Cockatoo Lawson Park with Halliday Park to Island. The adjacent Salton the south and to 15 sites on the Reserve provides access to the Discover Abbotsford Walking Tour. water via a sandy beach and also includes a new playground.

4 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: City of Canada Bay 9/ Five Dock Park Five Dock Park has recently undergone a $500,000 transformation to create a brand new playground and outdoor exercise stations. The existing off- leash dog area was also recently expanded. These new additions complement the existing skate bowl, oval, basketball court and gardens, which makes the park a great place to visit in a central location.

10/ Wangal Reserve Wangal Reserve is a green space worth visiting, situated close to the car ferry at Mortlake. Council is investing over $2 million dollars in park improvements Queen Elizabeth Park with Completed works including Image: City of Canada Bay improved beach access, new pathways, park furniture and landscaping. These works will 5/ Quarantine Reserve 8/ Queen Elizabeth Park soon be complemented with a Quarantine Reserve in Abbotsford Queen Elizabeth Park, on Gipps new playground, flying fox and is a beautiful, historic park on the Street in Concord, contains upgraded wharf and kayak launch. Parramatta River. It was once home three sports playing fields in to Sydney’s Animal Quarantine the open area and BBQs, toilets, Station which housed cattle, horses, picnic tables and a play area pigs and dogs. You can still explore among the trees. The park the old buildings on the site. The contains a significant remnant reserve also hosts a significant of the endangered ecological amount of native vegetation, community, Sydney Turpentine including Swamp-oak Forest. Ironbark Forest.

6/ Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway covers more than 800 metres from Rhodes Station to Concord Hospital and runs along the mangrove-studded shores of Brays Bay on the Parramatta River. The centrepiece is the magnificent granite walls bearing photographic images of the campaign with 22 stations or plaques along the walkway, each describing a significant place or engagement. The walkway has been planted with lush tropical vegetation simulating the conditions of The Kokoda Track.

7/ Powells Creek in North Strathfield has been turned into a natural waterway with sandstone banks and native plants. The shared walking and cycling track Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway provides easy access to explore Image: City of Canada Bay Bicentennial Park.

5 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: City of Canada Bay The New Local Hidden gems in Georges River

Hurstville Museum & Gallery Image:

1/ Hurstville Museum 3/ Carss Park Foreshore & Gallery. is one of the In the centre of the Hurstville CBD, largest eco-engineered foreshores the Museum & Gallery is a popular within NSW, combining 750 destination for thousands of local metres of ecologically diverse The Georges River community and interstate visitors each year estuarine/marine habitat with is resilient and proud. Our and a vibrant hub of community amenity and accessibility. The community spirit and activity, with regular talks, recently established shoreline commitment to support each programs, special events, and introduces ecosystems, including other has always been strong. dynamic exhibitions. Hurstville rock pools hosting multiple fish However, no community is Museum & Gallery is dedicated to species and other creatures, immune to the impact of sharing the unique history of the mudflats for mangrove and COVID-19 . Georges River St George region. benthic organisms, and a Council, through its Economic ‘naturalised’ creek line and and Social Recovery Plan, is Hurstville Museum & Gallery, endangered saltmarsh benches. providing our community and 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville The Carss Park foreshore is a visitors with opportunities great place to enjoy the beauty of to safely discover our city’s 2/ ChillOUT Hubs: our city while immersing in one of hidden gems while also NSW’s greatest innovations. supporting our community to Smart Open-Air thrive during these difficult Community Spaces Carss Bush Park, Carwar Ave, Carss Park times. ChillOUT Hubs are a world first, Some of our biggest wins creating ‘third places’ where have come from an increased people can work, gather, or simply 4/ Library of Things uptake of outdoor dining hang out to enjoy good company Hurstville and Kogarah Libraries’ facilitated by fee exemptions, and lively conversations. The new Library of Things collection an exciting revamp of our customisable modular design features more than 2,000 exciting major events program responds to different sites and items for loan. The free access focusing on smaller scale user needs, with all the features collection features an array of activations for the community needed to work in the open items: from telescopes, tepees, including food trucks, drive in air . ChillOUT Hubs promote metal detectors and smart globes cinemas and pop up ice rinks, a dynamic, connected mobile to musical instruments, robotics and public domain makeovers workforce, provide a break from kits, and sports equipment. The such as public art, parklets, the home office and support collection will keep both kids and traffic calming and activation those with limited access to space adults entertained. spaces in Hurstville and or the internet at home as remote Locations: Kogarah. It’s time to discover working becomes mainstream. Georges River. Locations: -- Clive James Library and Service Centre, Kogarah Town Square, Mayor Kevin Greene -- Corner of Morts Road and Belgrave Street, Kogarah. Georges River Council Macquarie Place, Mortdale. -- Hurstville Library and Service --Timothy Reserve, Hurstville. Centre, Corner Queens Road -- Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave and Dora Street, Hurstville. Street, Kogarah.

6 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Georges River 5/ Norm O’Neill Cricket 8/ Meade Park Training Facility and Adventure Playground Penshurst Park upgrades Allawah’s Meade Park features an Artist Beastman created a large- all-inclusive adventure playground scale mural on the back wall of incorporating diverse zones for all the Norm O’Neill Cricket Training ages and abilities. For the young Facility and Penshurst Park, as and inquisitive, a sensory-focused part of recent upgrades. Using play zone with stimulating and the colours in the area, this imaginative activities allows social vibrant, modern artwork takes play and sensory learning. Meade inspiration from the many sports Park also features open space, played in the park. Visitors can shade structures, accessible picnic also book casual net hire at the shelters and barbeque facilities, Cricket Training facility after ensuring a great day out. taking in the sights. 92 Woids Ave, Allawah

Norm O’Neill Cricket Training Beastman at Norm O’Neill Cricket Facility 2 Percival Street, Training Facility 9/ Oatley Park Penshurst. Image: Georges River Council Oatley Park is one Sydney’s finest areas of natural bushland, covering 45 hectares and allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of recreational and sporting activities, including picnics, swimming, walking and cycling, all year round. It has a variety of distinct elements, including native trees, shrubs and native flowers, river beaches, prolific bird life, Adventure Park, ‘castle’, netted swimming baths, a 2km cycling loop, several walking tracks and a wheel-chair accessible section from Myra Wall car park. Oatley Park, 1 Dame Mary Gilmore Rd, Oatley.

Oatley Park Adventure Inclusive Playground Image: Georges River Council

6/ Oatley Park Adventure 7/ Jubilee Park Adventure Inclusive Playground Playground Oatley Park Adventure Inclusive The very popular Jubilee Playground, designed under Park Adventure Playground Riverwood Town Centre the ‘Everyone Can Play’ guidelines, at Boundary Road, Mortdale, Image: Georges River Council features separate play zones features many activities and for a range of ages. More equipment to entertain kids and 10/ Riverwood than 80% of the playground adults, including junior swings, Town Centre and its play elements are flying foxes, new picnic and accessible for children of all barbecue areas, a walking track, Riverwood has an interesting past, abilities. Constructed primarily and outdoor gym equipment. including use as a US military of natural materials, the design hospital in World War II. More 2b Boundary Rd, Mortdale incorporates landscaping and recently, Riverwood has become nature-based play elements a foodie’s heaven, with cuisines sensitive to the park’s beautiful from all over the world available bushland setting and includes along Belmore Road, making it new picnic and barbecue facilities. the easiest way to stamp your passport without ever leaving Oatley Park Adventure Inclusive town! It’s just a short walk from Playground, 1 Dame Mary Gilmore Riverwood station. Rd, Oatley Belmore Rd, Riverwood

7 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Georges River The New Local Hidden gems in the Northern Beaches

I’m extremely proud of everyone – our staff, local businesses, schools and the whole community – who stepped up to the challenge COVID-19 presented. Brewvale At Council, we tried to be Image: agile, innovative and, most importantly, compassionate in helping our community. We 1/ Bilarong Reserve, 2/ Brookvale maintained essential services, (aka Brewvale) while reinventing others and creating new ones, like Billarong Reserve, located just Brookvale, home of ‘Brookie Library2U that safely delivered off Wakehurst Parkway, has Oval’ and the legendary Sea over 40,000 items to the spectacular views of Narrabeen Eagles, is a vibrant commercial front doors of thousands of Lagoon. It has all the facilities hub boasting some of the best residents at a critical time. for a great day out: electric breweries and distilleries in BBQs, toilets, a small boat ramp Australia. Explore the breweries We launched a Business and sheltered picnic tables. The or try a beach-inspired gin and Support package valued at playground area delights kids of tonic. ‘Brewvale’ is also home to over $1.5 million to help our all ages and features beautiful great cafes and shopping or, if small businesses weather the sandstone sculptures, a sand you’re after something different, economic impact of the global grotto and wooden bridge, to explore the various health and pandemic. engage exploring imaginations. fitness centres – ever thought of We boosted communications trying floating? to keep our community connected and well informed. 3/ Flying Fox playground, Overall, perhaps the most Mona Vale enduring memory for me is The all-inclusive playground at the way our community came Winnererremy Bay keeps kids together in support of each busy for hours. The drawcard other. Rainbows on footpaths, is a flying fox and children can find-a-teddy treasure hunts in bring bikes to do laps of the park house windows, ANZAC dawn before you set up picnic on the services in our driveways and shores of the bay or pull in to the the #viralkindness movement café. The park offers sheltered are examples of why the picnic areas and BBQ facilities Northern Beaches is such an on the edge of picturesque extraordinary place to live and . work. Michael Regan Northern Beaches Council Mayor Bilarong Reserve, Narrabeen Image: Northern Beaches Council

8 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Northern Beaches Pittwater, Palm Beach Image: Northern Beaches Council

7/ Cascades Trail, 10/ Pittwater, Palm Beach Davidson Discover the sparkling waters This picturesque trail partially of Pittwater, once referred to by circumnavigates the suburb Governor as “the Turimetta Beach of Davidson and is shared finest piece of water I ever saw”. Image: Northern Beaches Council by walkers, horse riders and Jump on board a ferry from Palm mountain bikers. The medium- Beach to Currawong, The Basin, Cottage Point or Patonga for a 4/ Turimetta Beach difficultly fire trail features a series of waterfalls, rock platforms and day trip. Hire a kayak or boat This small and secluded beach is native Australian trees lining the and try your luck fishing or for a favourite among locals in the path down to the creek, which is the adventurous, paddle over know. To the south of the 350m a lovely spot for a picnic before to Great Mackerel Beach and beach are big flat rocks with little starting the return walk. take a bush walk to West Head. rock pools – a great spot for kids Enjoy a round of golf but don’t to explore . While there are no be distracted by the seaplanes facilities on the beach, there is a 8/ Mona Vale town centre landing or the yachts slipping freshwater tap on the grass. This bustling town centre offers by! Walk through the sand dunes anything you could want, from at North Palm Beach or climb 5/ The Beaches Market, boutiques to beauty, French Barrenjoey Headland to take in patisseries, and home-baked the spectacular scenery. There Warriewood breads to great coffee. It is also are picnic facilities, rest rooms This farmers’ market, one of the home to a new mural, inspired and open spaces to throw down best in Sydney, offers the freshest and created by local artists, a picnic or visit one of the many produce sourced directly from that highlights the surrounding great local cafes and restaurants. growers around Sydney and natural world across the NSW. Find homewares, fashion, Northern Beaches. Also find a jewellery and collectibles, along great brewery tucked away or with artisan cheeses, homemade choose from the many great local cakes and an array of great coffee. eateries. Open Friday mornings 8am-1pm. 9/ Stoney Range 6/ Manly , Botanical Gardens, Manly Vale has a range of This oasis of Australian native offerings, from bushwalking and plants, located in the heart of mountain biking to a serene bustling Dee Why, takes you picnic in nature. Choose from instantly to another world. 7.5km of walking trails covered in Intricate walkways wind through diverse flora and fauna or 11km a variety of microclimates. The of mountain biking trails that main circuit takes approximately cater for beginners to advanced 20 minutes to complete and is riders. There is a new inclusive accessible to all. A great place to playground where the family can escape and find some peace in Stoney Range enjoy a picnic and a play by the Botanical Gardens, Dee Why the everyday. Image: Northern Beaches Council water.

9 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Northern Beaches The New Local Hidden gems in Parramatta

Life in the Ollie Web All-Abilities Playground has changed considerably this Image: City of Parramatta year due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been a tough time for our City, 1/ Ollie Webb All- 3/ Bushwalk residents and local businesses, Abilities Playground Reconnect with nature on the and Council’s programs and This welcoming all-inclusive tranquil Terrys Creek Bushwalk services have responded to playspace is just a few minutes in Epping. Begin at Vimiera this change. We are focused from the Parramatta CBD . Park to see the majestic Sydney on delivering services in a Designed using the ‘Everyone Blue Gums at the remnant Blue way that help our businesses Can Play’ principles, its diverse Gum High Forest. Look out for and community bounce equipment maximises creative, nesting boxes, creek crossings back faster and stronger physical, social and cognitive and a waterfall along the newly by encouraging innovation, play for big and small kids of all upgraded path, which teems with adaptability and resilience. abilities. In warmer months, the wildlife. Cool down at Epping As the warmer months arrive, water play park is the ultimate Pool (booking required), and and community confidence cool down activity with a afterwards, stroll to the centre grows, there are plenty of multitude of sprinklers. The park of Epping to feast on an array of exciting places in our City to also features enjoyable family international cuisines. explore, eat, and experience picnic and barbecue facilities. Vimiera Park, Albuera Rd, Epping – some of Parramatta’s best 16 Glebe St, Parramatta kept secrets. These hidden gems are highly valued by our 4/ Parramatta Valley local community, and I look 2/ Cycleway forward to seeing people from Only 2km from the Parramatta This 20km off-road path allows all across Sydney enjoying CBD, Lake Parramatta offers 70 bikes to travel over creeks and them again as they head hectares of bushland to explore wetlands along the river between outdoors. and is perfect for enjoying a Parramatta Park and Sydney Bob Dwyer sunny Sydney day by the water. Olympic Park. Chill at Morrison City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Hire a boat, swim in the lake, Bay Park in Ryde before heading enjoy a barbecue, playground west through Ermington Nature adventures, and bushwalk around Reserve to the Parramatta CBD. the track exploring Australian Continue on the Parramatta Park history. Or simply to pack up a loop or explore the Parramatta picnic basket, grab some friends Heritage Ride. Look for Aboriginal and head to the reserve. art pieces while on the boardwalks of the Baludarri Wetlands. Lackey St, Baludarri Wetlands, 10 Pemberton St, Parramatta 10 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Parramatta CBD River Foreshore precinct Parramatta by Foot art trail Image: City of Parramatta Image: City of Parramatta

5/ CBD River 7/ Harris Park 9/ Parramatta by Foot Foreshore precinct neighbourhood art trail For at least 40,000 years, the Experience the taste of traditional Western Sydney artists are Burramatta people, of the curries, authentic samosas, creating vibrant footpath art in Nation, have lived on the banks of pani puri and masala dosas at the Parramatta area as part of the Parramatta River. Today, the over 20 different and exciting a new Council initiative to help rich cultural and environmental eateries in Harris Park. Take your the community stay connected significance of the Parramatta own personal Indian food safari while social distancing. The River continues, enhanced by without leaving the country. Then Parramatta By Foot project, modern linkages. For foodies, walk off your meal along Wigram curated by Parramatta Artists’ there are outstanding restaurants Street and discover speciality Studios, transformed walkways, along the CBD riverfront, to be stores selling colourful saris, including at the Harris Park Shops explored during a leisurely stroll Indian spices and sweet treats. and Granville Station. Installations on the boardwalk. Brunch lovers include Nadia Odlum’s maze “I’ll 69 Wigram St, Harris Park also get four free hours in the Meet You Here Again” in the Riverbank Car Park on Sundays! Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library forecourt Riverbank Car Park, Oyster Ln, (pictured). Parramatta 10/ Walking tours The Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre is reactivating a limited range of personalised walking tours for individuals and small groups, including during the school holidays. Knowledgeable and passionate guides showcase the Wentworth Point Library and rich natural and cultural heritage Community Centre of Sydney’s Central River City. Image: City of Parramatta To book experiences, such as the popular Warami Mittigar 6/ Gather at Parramatta 8/ Wentworth Point Aboriginal Cultural Walk, go to Square (PSQ) Library and www.discoverparramatta.com. Parramatta always was, and always Community Centre Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre, 346A Church St, will be, a gathering place. The new This state-of-the-art multipurpose Parramatta Parramatta Square encourages facility opened in December 2019 discovery of this history via and boasts Australia’s first 24-hr installations throughout the site. public library foyer, featuring the Grab a burger or dip into tasty first public library book vending fish after jumping off the train at machine in NSW. Book workspaces Parramatta Station; new restaurants online to meet your working and will open in the coming months studying from home needs. for breezy summer outdoor dining. The Centre is continuing online Sign up on the PSQ website to be storytelling and school holiday the first to discover future openings. workshops. 12 Darcy St, Parramatta 10 Footbridge Blvd, Wentworth Point 11 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Parramatta The New Local Hidden gems in Waverley

On behalf of everyone at , I would like to congratulate the Waverley community and the people of NSW for doing their bit to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The purpose of this guide is to help you stay 1/ Waverley safe when visiting our public spaces and exploring all that Visit the final resting place our wonderful area has to of Dorothea Mackellar, Henry offer. This is not going to be a Lawson and Victor Trumper while normal summer, and we must exploring the beautiful heritage- continue to follow the current listed cemetery set on 16 hectares Public Health Orders so we of stunning coastal land that has can continue to keep our become a haven for small birds public places safe. including the superb fairy-wren and the New Holland honeyeater. Our beaches are a major focus, and our wonderful Lifeguards, Rangers and Beach Ambassadors are doing their bit to manage visitor numbers and help keep our beaches open. Please keep 1.5 metres or a towel-length apart when visiting our public places and observe restrictions on gatherings. If our beaches look busy, please visit another time or use that time to explore some of Waverley’s lesser- known neighbourhood gems or visit our local businesses – they need your continued support. Waverley Council is continuing to work with NSW , Bronte Health, the police and other Image: Waverley Council stakeholders to ensure Public Health Orders are observed in our area and the community uses our public places safely. I personally wish to thank the people of Waverley, and Bondi in particular, for their patience during this pandemic. Please, help us by following the advice of authorities, and together we can have a safe and enjoyable summer 2021. Paula Masselos Waverley Council Mayor

Charing Cross, Waverley Image: Waverley Council

12 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Waverley 2/ Charing Cross Village Waverley’s first village, Charing Cross, is part of a conservation area featuring beautiful heritage- listed buildings and boutique shops. Its heritage included bush and scrubland, paddocks and stables, horse-omnibus, steam and electric trams . The village is just a hop, skip and jump from the Bondi Junction CBD.

3/ Dickson Park This park on the corner of Edward and Wellington streets is a favourite among Bondi parents. It boasts a fantastic playground Dudley Page Reserve featuring a giant slide, picnic Image: Waverley Council tables and plenty of places to sit in the sun or shade. It’s great for 7/ Dudley Page Reserve 8/ Varna Park all ages, especially the little ones. Commanding vistas across Varna Park, hidden away in a quiet The upper part of the park is dog- Sydney Harbour to the Sydney residential area in Bronte, has a friendly and has a basketball hoop Harbour Bridge and beyond lovely kid’s play area, picnic hut and key. greets visitors to this expansive and plenty of room to exercise park, which features a small your pet. Plenty of food and drink 4/ Waverley Park playground, childrens’ learn-to- options are nearby with a bowling Waverley Park’s sprawling ride track and exercise station. club next door and cafes just up gardens offer a lush, green The park has plenty of space to the hill. alternative to the coastal walk, kick a ball around. Pack a picnic which is especially handy if time and make an afternoon of it. 9/ Raleigh Reserve to is of the essence. It’s one of Rodney Reserve Waverley’s many dog- friendly parks with on and off-leash areas. Offering dramatic clifftop scenery, It also has multi-purpose sporting Raleigh and Rodney Reserve is fields, a playground and exercise a great spot for happy snaps, station and is home to Waverley greeting the sunrise in the east, Cenotaph, built more than 100 whale watching and exercising years ago. with your furry friends. It’s also a great starting point for other local walks such as the Cliff Top Walk, 5/ South Head Cemetery , Hornby The final resting place of Lighthouse and the South Head Australia’s first Prime Minister, Walk. Sir , and several members of the prominent 10/ Online events Packer and Fairfax families. South Head Cemetery in Vaucluse has Due to COVID-19 restrictions more than 6,000 grave sites and on public gatherings, Waverley memorials spread over a total Council holds a number of events area of just under two hectares. online for the entire community Macquarie Lighthouse is nearby. to enjoy, including Waverley Library talks and music sessions. Our famous Festival of the Winds 6/ Thomas Hogan Reserve Festival is also now entirely online Thomas Hogan Reserve is a this year. The kite-flying displays hidden gem tucked between at and cultural Francis Street and Hogan Street performances at Bondi Park will in Bondi, with ample greenery, be replaced with an online festival stairs for exercise and a children’s featuring on-demand videos, live playground ideal for children up performances, online galleries, to 4. workshops and activities on Sunday 13 September.

Waverley Park, Bondi Visit: festivalofthewinds.com.au Image: Waverley Council

13 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Waverley The New Local Hidden gems in Woollahra

The Woollahra local government area in Sydney’s east is located just 10 minutes from the city’s central business district and is easily accessed by car or public Bondi to Manly Walk transport. It offers a wonderful Image: Woollahra Municipal Council selection of experiences to enjoy during spring and 1/ Public art trail 3/ Bondi to Manly Walk summer. Take a walk or cycle around the The Bondi to Manly Walk is From our gorgeous harbour local area to enjoy a wide variety the famous 80km walk around foreshore parks and walks of public artworks scattered Sydney Harbour connecting Bondi through to our unique urban along the harbour foreshore, in Beach to via the shopping villages and public our parks and tucked away in Harbour Bridge. The Walk winds art trail, our local area offers quiet laneways. Discover murals, along the harbour foreshore at plenty of open spaces for painted traffic signal boxes and Woollahra, around South Head recreation, spectacular views large and small sculptures along and along the stunning clifftop and moments to enjoy safely our DIY Art and Culture Walking walk to Bondi Beach, passing with friends and family. Tour at www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/ historic sites and monuments, publicart . And check out the Egg outlooks, parks and gardens. Visiting in late November Swing and Sea’s Nest for great The full 80km track has physical through to December is truly photo opportunities. waymarks to guide walkers but special as you are likely to see can be done in small sections. the beautiful purple Jacaranda Download the free app to guide trees in full bloom lining our 2/ Double Bay you at: bonditomanly.com. streets and parks. Woollahra is Organic Market magnificent all year round and Pop down to grab some lunch we hope to see you soon! 4/ Kayak, Rose Bay or pick up your groceries for the Councillor Susan Wynne week at the organic markets, Enjoy beautiful Sydney Harbour Mayor of Woollahra held every Thursday from 9am to and its beaches from the water. 2pm in Guilfoyle Park, Double Bay. Launch your own kayak from any The market features fresh food beach or hire one from Rose Bay and flowers, homemade goods, and enjoy the view solo or with clothing and gifts. After a visit to friends as you follow the bays the market, explore the rest of and beaches all the way around the Double Bay shopping village, to South Head. Pack a lunch, adjacent to the park. sunscreen, wear a life vest and a hat and discover a Sydney never seen from roads or walking paths.

14 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Woollahra 5/ Walk and cycle, Rose Bay Visitors and locals enjoy walking along New South Head Road, from Double Bay to Rose Bay, following the wide, tree-lined harbourside promenade toward Lyne Park. In October, the Beach to Bay Connection, a new pop- up cycleway, will run from Rose Bay ferry to Bondi Beach to Rose Bay provide an easier and safer route Image: Woollahra Municipal Council for cyclists and an alternative to public transport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clifftop Walk Image: Woollahra Municipal Council

8/ Parsley Bay Reserve, 9/ Clifftop walk, Chiswick Gardens Vaucluse Vaucluse to South Image: Woollahra Municipal Council Parsley Bay Reserve is a popular Head, Watsons Bay recreational spot tucked away off The 5km walk takes approximately 6/ Chiswick Gardens, Horler Avenue, featuring harbour three hours at a leisurely pace, or West Woollahra foreshore and bushland walks, can be done in shorter sections. one of Sydney’s last remaining Enjoy uninterrupted ocean The beautifully manicured cable suspension bridges, a Chiswick Gardens on the corner views and glimpses of the city summer swimming enclosure, skyline while passing historic of Wellington and Ocean Streets, open spaces suitable for picnics, is near Queen Street, one of sites including the Signal Station and a kiosk. A new all-abilities and Macquarie Lighthouse, and Sydney’s quaintest shopping playground in lush surrounds villages. This well-established discover the surrounding parkland includes integrated wheelchair at Gap Park, Robertson Park, and public garden offers wonderful play equipment. Look for a water respite after a day of retail the Sydney Harbour National dragon sunning itself on the rocks Park. Macquarie Lighthouse is therapy in Paddington or West during your visit! Woollahra. The famous restaurant Australia’s earliest and longest Chiswick Woollahra is also located continually operated light station within the grounds of the park and the Signal Station at Outer and the chefs make use of the South Head was built in 1842 to fresh produce they grow on site. observe and assist in the control of shipping. 7/ William St, Paddington 10/ A dip with a view, Just off the historic Oxford Street Watsons Bay Baths in Paddington, take a detour into this eclectic side street lined with Watsons Bay Baths is a fully Victorian terrace houses that are accessible harbourside tidal home to a wide range of unique enclosure popular with all age boutiques, stores, and eateries. groups. The enclosure has two floating turning board/sunbathing pontoons, a boardwalk and seating with great views of Sydney Harbour, with Tea Gardens adjacent. After a splash, visitors can enjoy a picnic at Robertson William Street, Paddington Park or ‘fish and chips’ at the Image: Woollahra Municipal Council nearby cafes and restaurants.

15 | COVID Safe Summer Guide The New Local: Woollahra The New Local Hidden gems from National Parks and Wildlife Service

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends people visit national parks in the middle of the week when visitor numbers are lower. Great places to visit in the Greater Sydney area:

Longneck Lagoon walking track Barnetts lookout, Berowra Valley Regional Park Image: NPWS Image: NPWS

1/ Marramarra 3/ Scheyville 5/ Rouse Hill National Park National Park Regional Park Marramarra National Park in the Scheyville National Park near Rouse Hill Regional Park in the Hawkesbury area offers large Windsor in north-west Sydney Hills District of north-west Sydney natural areas, a remote setting, has a surprising cultural history has family-friendly and pram- spectacular views, and a variety with historic buildings and the friendly walking tracks, cycle of experiences for bushwalkers remnants of a post-World War II paths, BBQs, and is one of the few who are well-prepared. migrant camp to explore, as well national parks that allows dogs as the natural beauty of Longneck (on leash). Lagoon, a freshwater wetland 2/ Garrawarra State Some parks remain closed due attracting an array of birds. Conservation Area to the recent bushfires and floods. Some visitor areas are Garrawarra State Conservation 4/ Berowra Valley closed to ensure compliance Area, on the border of the Royal with the current rules on public National Park between Waterfall Regional Park gatherings. Before planning your and Helensburgh in south Sydney, The northern part of this national visit please check COVID-19 offers peaceful bushwalking trails park in is less update for health and safety and a picnic area with views visited and provides more than information and alerts for closures of cascading waterfalls and 70km of walking tracks and in NSW national parks. surrounding rainforest. Use the trails. The Lyrebird Gully Trail and NPWS app to research before you Berkeley Trail are recommended go to find the best tracks. bushwalks.

HELP US STAY COVID SAFE

Visit www.nsw.gov.au and for 24-hour assistance on Public Health Orders, you can call Service NSW on 13 77 88.