The Thousands

As my park-going companion commented, “sometimes Sydney gets it right”.

Ballast Point Park is a new public space at the tip of Birchgrove Peninsula. Designed by Philip Coxall of McGregor Coxall Landscape Architects, it covers 2.6 hectares of harbour and bridge views. It’s a damn fine sight on a damn fine site (wacka wacka!).

Utilising recycled materials from its former inhabitant (the Caltex oil warehouse), Ballast Point has a raw, site-specific, industrial feel. A variety of tiers and barriers make optimal use of the area, creating secluded spots for picnicing, camping, frolicking and general misbehaviour. Add wind turbine engines and sculptures by local artists and you’re laughin’ mate.**Well-developed to blend with the surroundings, this is definitely worth a day’s outing. On your way, stop by downtown Birchgrove, a lesser-known, cute-tastic corner of cafes and adorable houses. Seeing as we’re blessed with incredible weather and natural beauty, it’s nice to see some man-made Sydney attractions which are just awesome.