Oatley Park

The last few weeks in Sydney have been very wet so it was nice to be able to visit the local Oatley Park once the rain stopped.

The 45 hectare park was proclaimed in May 1888 (initially as Peakhurst Park), with Hurstville Council being appointed trustee in 1908. It is on a promontory jutting into George's River and is bounded by Lime Kiln Bay and Jew Fish Bay.



This photo is taken up-stream, across Jew Fish Bay with Lime Kiln Bay on the upper right.

The land was one of the few sizeable areas of waterfront land not privately owned and is the largest recreational area in the Hurstville municipality. The park’s natural bush land is noted for its trees, shrubs and native flowers, as well as the river beaches and prolific bird life.

The records do not show when the baths were built but they are known to have been in use in 1919.

During the depression of the 1930s, considerable work was done in the park under the Unemployment Relief Scheme, including the construction of the scenic road around the river foreshores, the kiosk and eye-catching castellated tower, known as the castle.

Several scenic lookouts were also formed, giving excellent views over the river. This photo is looking down-stream towards the Como railway bridge with Gungah Bay on the left.

One of the attractions in the park is the old Hurstville City Council steam roller which was used in road making about 50 years ago.

There is also a picturesque Bar B Q area.