Located on the main street of Nerrigundah, the Constable Miles O`Grady Obelisk is a reminder of Australia’s gold mining and bush ranger past.
Nerrigundah, Gold Mining and Bush Rangers
Although the local population is now only 40, at its height in the 1860s it boasted a population of 11,000. By 1866 this had fallen to 200-300 with around 2,000 in the surrounding areas. Bush rangers were also drawn to the area because of the quantity of gold being mined.
On the 9th of April 1866, Thomas Clarke and his gang of bush rangers held up a number of passers-by outside the town at Deep Creek and then attacked the store and hotel. At Nerrigundah, Constable Patrick Smythe was on duty alone as one sergeant was absent, and Constable Miles O’Grady was seriously ill with “colonial fever” (probably cholera).
O’Grady dragged himself from his sick bed to help with the crisis. William Fletcher, a new recruit to the gang was shot dead by O’Grady. In the ensuing gunbattle, O’Grady received a gunshot wound in the side and died three hours later.
The Clarke gang then rode out of town pursued by a posse of twelve men. An ambush at the Eucumbene River but the only victim was a pack horse. Eventually arrested near their favorite hideout, the Jingera Ranges faced trial and were sentenced to death. Although they did not face trial for the murder of O’Grady, his death along with at least seven others was attributed to them by the judge.
The Monument
To honour his bravery and dedication to duty, the monument was erected around 1867.
During the 2019–2020 Australian summer Nerrigundah was severely affected by bushfires. On 31 December 2019, fire destroyed the village’s hall, 20 of its 25 homes and one of its residents died. Although the monument was not severely damaged, the information plaque was destroyed. This has now been replaced.
A 20-minute drive from Bodalla, the Constable Miles O`Grady Obelisk is a reminder of the risks the police have faced from the early days in Australia. Worth visiting if you are in the area, if only to pay your respects.
Located on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, Lennox Gardens in the Australian capital Canberra has several distinct areas gifted to Australia by foreign governments. Additionally it contains several memorials while being a beautiful place to relax.
Nara Peace Park
Gifted to the people of Canberra by the Japanese city of Nara, this small garden contains many traditional elements particularly the large number of decorative trees. Throughout the park, are two stone lanterns and other sculptures.
The tranquility of the garden is wonderful and a great place to wander through.
Traditional wooden gate entrance to the Japanese GardensKasuga lantern in the Canberra Nara Peace Park
Beijing Garden
The Canberra Beijing Garden was a gift from the Beijing Municipal Council. Designed in the style of the Qing Dynasty it has a traditional Chinese gate to welcome visitors while meandering paths lead past sculptures and a pavilion.
Traditional Chinese gate to welcome visitors to the Canberra Beijing Garden Reverse side of the Chinese gate Replica statue of the Bronze Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying SwallowAzure Dragon representing east and spring
JNF Israel Garden
Memorial to the Centenary of Australia and the Centenary of the Jewish National Fund
Spanish Civil War Memorial
This is a small memorial to Australians who fought in the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 139.
Spanish Civil War Memorial
Canberra Rotary Peace Bell
The Rotary Club of Canberra undertook a fund raising exercise to install a peace bell within the Nara Peace Park precinct. This was done in partnership with the World Peace Bell Association.
The BP refinery at Carradah Park in Waverton has a rich history that dates back several decades. Here is a brief overview of its historical significance:
The refinery was established in 1926 by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, which later became British Petroleum (BP). Its location in Waverton, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, was strategically chosen for its proximity to deep water, which facilitated the transportation of crude oil.
During World War II, the refinery played a crucial role in supporting the Australian war effort. It supplied petroleum products to the military and contributed to the nation’s energy security. The refinery expanded significantly during this period to meet the increased demand.
In the following years, the refinery underwent several upgrades and modernizations to improve its efficiency and environmental sustainability. It became a key player in the Australian petroleum industry, supplying a significant portion of the country’s fuel needs.
However, as environmental concerns grew, the refinery faced criticism for its impact on the surrounding area. Issues such as air and water pollution led to community protests and pressure for improved environmental practices.
In 2012, BP announced its decision to close the Carradah Park refinery due to economic factors. The closure marked the end of an era for the facility, and its refining operations ceased in 2014. BP shifted its focus towards fuel importation and distribution in Australia.
Since the closure, the site has undergone a transformation. The refinery land has been repurposed for various purposes, including commercial and residential developments. The redevelopment has aimed to restore and revitalize the area while preserving its heritage.
Current Use
Carradah Park in Waverton has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, thanks to the rehabilitation efforts carried out on the site previously occupied by the BP refinery. The rehabilitation process aimed to restore the natural beauty and ecological balance of the area, making it a welcoming green space for both the local community and visitors to enjoy.
One of the primary goals of the rehabilitation was to address the environmental impacts left behind by the refinery. Extensive remediation works were conducted to clean up contaminated soil and water, ensuring the preservation of the ecosystem and the safety of those using the park. This process involved the removal of hazardous substances and the implementation of sustainable land management practices.
During the rehabilitation, the focus was not only on remediation but also on the enhancement of biodiversity. Native vegetation was reintroduced, creating habitats for various plant and animal species. This has not only contributed to the park’s aesthetic appeal but has also promoted a healthier ecosystem by attracting local wildlife.
Furthermore, the park’s infrastructure underwent significant upgrades to improve accessibility and provide amenities for visitors. New walking paths, seating areas, and picnic spots were established, encouraging people to explore the park and take advantage of its recreational opportunities. The inclusion of sustainable features, such as rain gardens and water-efficient irrigation systems, further reflects the commitment to environmental responsibility.
How To Get There
We travelled by train to Waverton Station because parking in the area is limited. Walking from the station, we stopped at Botanica Garden Café for a coffee before heading to Carradah Park via Waverton Park.
Carradah Park
Walking through the park, information boards explain the area’s past. It’s amazing how much work has been undertaken to transform it from a contaminated industrial site to a beautiful park.
Meandering through the park, several paths lead you through the revegetated bush. Viewing platforms from the upper section provide fantastic vantage points to see Sydney Harbour as well as the bridge and city. From here you can also look down to where giant fuel tanks once stood but have been transformed into green circles.
At the southern end of the park, two old wooded piers, one of which has collapsed are still visible in Berrys Bay. From here we walked to the Coal Loader and its derelict Coal Loading Wharf before finishing our day at Balls Head Reserve.
Information BoardSteps leading into the reserveSign of the Former BP SiteOld pipe next to a walkwayExcavated Wall of the Old SiteThe Sydney Harbour Bridge from the walking trackSydney, The Harbour Bridge and Harbour From Carradah ParkRusty Steel Sculpture in the ReserveOld Oil Storage Tank Rehabilitation From BelowOil Storage Tank Rehabilitation From AboveOld Structure Toppling into Berrys BayOld Wooden structure rotting away in Berrys Bay
