A City Oasis: Wollstonecraft Loop via Badangi Reserve, Sydney Australia

A Little Bit of Rain Forest in the City
We are in the city of Greater Sydney, but the giant bird’s-nest fern (Asplenium australasicum) lets us know we’ve left the high-rises behind.

You are still in the city, but not quite!

There is a ringing of birdsong – and the roar of sirens. The rustling of skinks in the leaf-litter contrasts with the clanging of distant machinery. Wind whistles in the branches while a helicopter whirrs overhead.

There is something magical about city parks: oases of fresh, green calm amid the concrete and chaos.

I love my city breaks (eg: Snapshots of Sydney) and (almost!) never tire of walking the familiar downtown streets for the ballet, theatre, art galleries, or just the iconic sights.

But, it is also a pleasure to explore somewhere new. I recently had a couple of weeks in the city, and was determined to use my new Gold Opal (transport) Card, and to expand my experience of the city. After perusing AllTrails, I decided on the short (2.7km/1.7mi) and easy Wollstonecraft Loop. I also decided to rely on my iPhone – as the cameras were in for a clean.

My day started with a very late lunch followed by the scenic train trip across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, travelling from the nearby station to Sydney’s lower North Shore harbourside suburb of Wollstonecraft. The start of the official walk was directly outside Wollstonecraft Station.

Do come along!

View past a man on the phone to North Sydney from the train, NSW Australia

The Train Across the Bridge
I haven’t crossed the bridge by train often – but it is always a delight.

Jacarandas in bloom over a park bench, Greendale Park, Wollstonecraft, NSW Australia

A Haven in Green and Purple
November is jacaranda season in Sydney. As soon as I leave the train station, I’m in Greendale Park, where the locals are enjoying their afternoon.

Araucaria Pine – Norfolk or Bunya?
The park is home to some ancient, towering conifers. I know these are in the Araucariaceae plant family, and I think that they are Norfolk pine.

Almost Abstract: Stringybark Eucalyptus

Strength And Beauty
We haven’t quite left the city behind: concrete pillars stand strong in contrast to the African iris (Dietes grandiflora) that grow wild here.

Berrys Creek
The next minute, I’m in a small, secluded glen, complete with tumbling water and warm-temperate rainforest vegetation.

Bird’s Nest Fern – Asplenium Australasicum
I still get excited walking through sub-tropical forests: through the same plants I used to buy at great expense and nurture so carefully in my living room in the Northern Hemisphere!

Steps Down
The circuit is mostly well-marked and well-maintained – but there are a lot of steps and some overhanging branches, so: “Watch your feet and watch your head!”

Lush Rainforest Gully along Berry Creek

“Riparian Zones”
North Sydney Council has done a great job of installing informative signposts along the way.

Boulders
The vegetation and landscapes are remarkably varied.

Where the Rainforest Meets the City
Soon, the tidal inlet of Gore Cove comes into view.

Nature’s Artworks : Sydney Sandstone

Living Textures : Staghorn Fern (Platycerium Superbum)

Grass Tree – Xanthorrhoea
The coastal bushland along Gore Cove is rich with a variety of colours and textures.

Flannel Flower – Actinotus Helianthi
I love these an Australian native wildflowers! Although they look like the alpine Edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale), they belong to a completely different plant family.

Australian Water Dragon – Intellagama Lesueurii
These delightful little reptiles move quickly through the leaf litter – I’m not sure how many photos I took while watching this one!

Spotted Gum – Corymbia Maculata

Gore Cove
Greenwich, across the waters, was a major hub for 19th-century shipbuilding, brickmaking, and bulk petroleum distribution. Today these industries are being replaced and the area is becoming gentrified.

Another Australian Water Dragon – Intellagama Lesueurii