DANGAR ISLAND WALK - Feb 26
On the overcast and gloomy morning of 2nd February 26, 33 brave adventurers, arriving by train and car, gathered at the Brooklyn Ferry departure point. It was a short sail across to Dangar Island, via Little Wobby, and the ferry accepts OPAL cards – bonus!
Dangar Island, a 30-hectare car-free island in the Hawkesbury River near Brooklyn, NSW, has a rich history originating as an Aboriginal site before becoming a 19th-century industrial hub, private estate, and modern residential community.
Originally named Mullet Island by Governor Phillip in 1788, it was acquired by Henry Carey Dangar in 1864, served as a base for the 1880s rail bridge construction, and was subdivided in 1921.
On arrival on the island, we started with the obligatory coffee at the local coffee shop, Dangar Island Depot, which also serves as the grocery shop and the post-office. There are a number of ‘round’ circuits that can be walked and we did all of them, about 5km in total. Plenty of quite steep climbs on bitumen surfaces, but no stairs. There are very few vehicles on the island – a community golf-buggy ‘taxi’, and a Hornsby Council ute, so no traffic danger.
The Depot houses the post-office, the provisions shop, the coffeeshop, Telstra working phonebooth (free calls)
There is a bit of a Bohemian feel to the island, as well as a number of very attractive dwellings. Our walk included Bradley’s Beach and the bowling green (looking very unloved!). The flower and bird varieties were impressive.
Having walked most of the island, there was a wait for the ferry back to the mainland. Some, who were self-sufficient, had lunch while waiting while the remainder headed to The Anglers Rest pub in Brooklyn.
Another pleasant walking outing organised by the group leader, Don M. Thank you.
