The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability at Waverton is a must-do activity. It is easy to access and located a short drive from Lane Cove.
What is The Coal Loader?
The Coal Loader itself, is a former industrial site that operated from the early 1920s to the early 1990s. I functioned primarily as a transfer depot for coal from bulk carriers to smaller coal-fired vessels. S me coal was also distributed to the local market by road transport.
A significant component of the coal-loading operation was the extensive elevated platform structure, which housed a large coal stockpile.
Beneath the platform is a series of tunnels, each with several chutes through which the coal was transferred into coal ‘skips’. The skips operated on a cable-hauled railway system that ran as a continuous loop through the two western-most tunnels and then out onto the finger wharf in Balls Head Bay, where they loaded, waiting for steamers.
A high-speed conveyor replaced this loading system in the mid-1970s, which then serviced ships carrying export coal until 1992.
The site operated for over 70 years before being decommissioned.
It was dedicated as a public open space in 1997 and formally transferred to North Sydney Council in 2003.
Since that time, North Sydney Council worked with a broad range of stakeholders to transform the site into the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability.
Things To Do
It’s an excellent option for birthday parties, playdates, scenic walks, bikes and scooters, with friends. Unfortunately, the coffee shop has recently closed, but we will let you know when a new operator is found (so take drinks and snacks with you).
You immediately see community gardens with flowers and edible gardens when you enter the grounds.
The Sustainability Learning Centre in the Genia McCaffery Building is not far from the entrance, open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Here is where you can take some hard to recycle items like magnets, rubber bands etc.
In this building you can grab some maps and information about the site and sustainability… and don’t forget the colouring book and pencils.
Down to the left is the Coal Loader Platform. The platform is open to the public to have a picnic, walk around, take in the harbour views, and be inspired.
This is the space where you will see gatherings and kids on bikes and scooters. B sure to bring a hat and wear sunscreen on a sunny day as there is not a lot of shade.
You will also find a piano under the ramp to enter the Coal Loader Platform!
Take the stairs or the lift down one level, and you will find a chicken coop. They have a huge variety of chickens, and it is always a fun visit for the kids.
Take another ride down the lift to the bottom, and that’s where you will find the Coal Loader Tunnels. One tunnel is open for you to walk through. O the other end, you will find the access point to the Balls Head Reserve bushwalk.
Markets
A couple of times a year, there are huge Artisian Markets. They are usually held on the 1st Sunday of the new season (so the next one will be spring).
This sustainable and unique market features around 100 makers and offers the chance to buy handmade products while enjoying one of Sydney’s most beautiful and historic sites.
Stalls display and sell art, ceramics, sculpture, basketry, eco products, fashion, jewellery, accessories, wool creations, textiles, food, children’s design, etc.
The Library of Things
Why buy when you can borrow? The Library of Things is open every Saturday morning.
The Sydney Library of Things is just like a library, but instead of books, you borrow things. These “things” are everyday household items or objects. It’s a collection of extremely useful but only occasionally used items which are loaned out for a period. It’s about helping to reduce landfill by giving items a new home where they can be borrowed many times.
You can borrow a drill or a disco ball, an air mattress or an air compressor, a metal detector, or a high-pressure water cleaner and more. More info here.
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