Foreshore Reclaimed
The old Ballast Point Caltex oil depot has been transformed into an intriguing nature reserve. Some of the old rusted industrial detritus has been resurrected to form an impressive outdoor sculpture, with wind turbines to generate power for the site! Surrounding the large circular sculpture are a series of winding paths, shady wattle trees and massive rock walls constructed of rubble from the site.
Ballast Point Park
A recommendation from a local shop owner in Balmain inspired my visit to Ballast Point Park. Off I went in search of the park, weaving my way through the Birchgrove backstreets, admiring the character homes and getting myself a little lost along the way…. all part of the adventure.
I eventually stumbled on the large gated entrance to Ballast Point. Excitedly I raced around in the half dark snapping pics, but it was just a little too dark and lonely to venture further into the park. I knew I had to return!
The following week my partner and I headed off to explore Ballast Point Park – it was a beautiful spring day and our spirits were high. We spent considerable time enthusiastically exploring all the paths and photographing sculptures and views from every angle.
If you look east from the park you will enjoy some fabulous views back to the city, with a few very colourful wharf buildings on the Balmain foreshore.
Walks Nearby
The waterfront path heading east joins up with the Mort Bay Park, affording similar views to the city, harbour bridge and the Balmain Thames Street Ferry Wharf.
If you head west from Ballast Point Park along Wharf Rd you will soon arrive at Birchgrove Oval, which is surrounded by beautiful homes.
Eat & Drink
Birchgrove has a few options for eating, including a number of traditional old pubs, although I’ve not had time to try them yet.
Gladstone Store
A quaint corner store with a few small stools on the footpath and a very welcoming feel. This is a place where one could easily spend time quietly enjoying homemade treats, a cappuccino and the Birchgrove Oval views. You could also consider the Gladstone Store Picnic Box, packed with a selection of their tasty goodies. Unfortunately I only had room for a juice 🙂
Charlotte Café
A locally loved café positioned in a small enclave of shops, located just a few blocks from the Mort Bay Park.
Dry Dock Hotel
Close to Mort Bay Park is the Dry Dock Hotel, boasting ‘Balmain’s Oldest Licensed Hotel’… that’s quite a claim! There is a small restaurant at the back of the hotel. Maybe next time we will have to do a pub crawl.
Information
Where: Birchgrove – Sydney Inner West – 5km West of CBD
Allow: 1/2 day
Website: Ballast Point Park
Visit: Charming Birchgrove | Other Historic Sites | Walks Inner West
Getting There
Drive: 15 minutes from the CBD to Ballast Point Park.
Ferry: From Circular Quay to Birchgrove and Balmain
- Balmain – Thames St Wharf near Mort Bay Park
- East Balmain – end of Darling St
- Birchgrove – end of Louisa Rd.
For a short 10-15 minute walk one way, catch the ferry to Balmain Thames St Wharf, adjacent to Mort Bay Park.
For a longer 20-30 minute walk one way, catch the ferry to East Balmain Wharf and wander through the streets and via Mort Bay Park.
Bus: The area is also served by a number of buses.
Map Ballast Point Park
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