SUMMER HILL TO BALMAIN FERRY WHARF - Dec 25
Article submitted by Don Murray, our Walks Leader
20 enthusiastic walkers set out from the Goblin Kitchen Coffee shop in Summer Hill on a pleasant albeit a little cloudy morning, on the first Monday of December. Meandering through the back streets of Summer Hill we could see some of the grand old homes dating back to the neighbourhood's heyday at the start of the 20th century. We were very lucky to have had the added advantage of local historical knowledge from one of our members, Barry McDonald, who grew up in Summer Hill.
From the mouth of the Hawthorne Canal we followed the Bay Run to Victoria Road where 8 of the group had a picnic lunch and then took the bus home.
The remaining dozen took on the harder challenge of walking along the Balmain/Birchgrove waterfront which had some magnificent views but also undulations which included at least 3 sets of steps. I won't name and shame the few who avoided the last set of stairs!
We were surrounded by Goblins, even in the …..
There are a number of significant landmarks along this walk, including Mort Bay dry dock with strong links to the Australian Labour Party and the building of Corvettes during WW2, the Balmain Power Station, Dawn Frasers Baths, and numerous majestic mansions.
After just over 2 hours of walking, 9 hardy souls reached the Royal Oak Hotel where much needed refreshments were taken. The mussels proved to be a popular choice. The remaining 3 picnicked in Mort Bay Park.
The outing ended with a stroll to the Balmain Ferry Wharf and a trip home just as the weather started to cool and a strong breeze came up. The full walk was 9 kms.
