15 members enjoyed a sunny start to our ramble through Centennial Park. We alighted at the the Paddington Gate entrance where we admired the Villeroy and Boch Griffins and then refreshed with coffee at the Homestead. We then wandered off through the popular wedding location, the Pine Grove, where our eagle-eyed leader, Liz, spotted a jumping spider on the trunk of one of the Cluster Pines (Pinus pinaster). Crossing over Loch Ave and Dickens Drive, brought us to the Labyrinth, where many of us followed its path to its centre.
The ponds and its sculptures proved interesting, along with the many waterbirds, including 3 types of ducks, which Deb pointed out. There we met Liz’s friend, Steve Howard, who walked us through the paperbark swamp to see the flying-fox colony, consisting of both Grey-headed and Black-headed species. He was also able to point out 3 Tawny Frogmouths perched in some of these paperbarks. The park is planting thousands of these Melaleuca Quinquenervias to replace the existing mature specimens which are reaching the end of their lives. A Barn Owl was also spotted in one of the palms.
Lunch was then taken at the Spruce Goose Diner, where we sheltered after the weather changed to cold and windy. On the way to the exit and the light-rail, we spotted a flock of Greylag Geese and a pair of Black Swans with their 2 cygnets. A nice ending to an enjoyable visit.
PROMO
This outing was changed from its original date (29 July) as there was train track work on that date, making for a long commute to the park, and inclement weather was forecast.
Centennial Park is an urban park in Sydney and part of the Centennial Parklands area. The park was inscribed on the Australian National Heritage List on 3 October 2018. The site was listed for its “outstanding heritage value to the nation as the site chosen for the 1901 inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia”. Centennial Park is home to a number of wild animals including a birds, possums, rabbits and foxes (!) (Wikipedia).
An easy walk lasting 2-3 hours with time for coffee and a picnic lunch. Catch 9.46 am train from Oatley to Central Station, then bus to the Paddington Gates of the Park. Explore historical plantings and natural vegetation, see the flying-fox colony in Badu Ngara wetlands and plentiful birdlife on the many ponds. Return to Central via the Light Rail along Anzac Parade.
Leaders: Liz Cameron and Graham Fry. Contact: 9580 6621 (on the day: 0419 280 473).