Nielsen Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nielsen Park
Shark Beach at Nielsen Park
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Location	Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse, Municipality of Woollahra, New South Wales, Australia
Nearest city	Sydney
Established	6 July 1910; 114 years ago (1910-07-06)
Designer	Birrabirragal aboriginal people John Frederick Hilly James Barnet Office of the New South Wales Government Architect
Etymology	The Hon. Niels Nielsen (Secretary for Lands)
Managed by	NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (as part of Sydney Harbour National Park)
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Nielsen Park; Vaucluse Estate; Greycliffe Estate; Greycliffe House
Type	State heritage (landscape)
Designated	28 August 2017
Reference no.	1988
Type	Historic Landscape
Category	Landscape - Cultural

Nielsen Park is a special park and nature area in Vaucluse, Australia. It is listed as a heritage site, meaning it has important historical value. The park is part of the larger Sydney Harbour National Park. It is a very popular spot for fun and relaxation. Many people visit its famous beach, known as Shark Beach, which is located on Port Jackson. The park also has an old kiosk, built in 1914, where visitors can get refreshments.

The History of Nielsen Park

Aboriginal Heritage and Early Use

Nielsen Park sits on the traditional lands of the Birrabirragal Aboriginal people. This area was a great place for them to live. It had easy access to fresh water and plenty of fish.

Archaeologists have found many signs that Aboriginal people used this land for a long time. They camped and fished here. There are 14 known Aboriginal sites in the park. These sites include shell middens (piles of shells from meals), rock shelters, and beautiful rock art. Even after Europeans arrived, Aboriginal people continued to use the land. Records show them camping here between 1827 and 1911. These sites connect today's Aboriginal people to their ancestors. The landscape is still very important to Aboriginal culture.

From Private Estate to Public Park

After European settlement, the land that is now Nielsen Park was privately owned for many years. In 1793, Governor John Hunter gave 80 acres to Thomas Laycock. Later, in 1803, Sir Henry Brown Hayes bought the land. He built a house and cleared some land for farming.

The park was once part of a large property called the Vaucluse Estate. This estate belonged to William Wentworth, a famous explorer and politician. After his daughter Eliza Sophia Wentworth died in 1898, the land was not used. At this time, most of Sydney Harbour's waterfront was private. People wanted more public access to the beautiful harbour.

So, in the 1890s, a group called the Harbour Foreshores Vigilance Committee pushed for the government to buy back private land. On July 6, 1910, the New South Wales Government took control of 22.9 acres of the Vaucluse Estate. This area was first called Vaucluse Park. It was soon renamed Nielsen Park. This was to honour Niels Nielsen, who was the government's Secretary for Lands from 1910 to 1911. An extra 51 acres were added in 1911.

Greycliffe House's Role

The historic Greycliffe House, built in 1851, is located within Nielsen Park. After 1911, it became a hospital for babies. It then served as a training centre for nurses and mothers. Today, it is an office for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. It also acts as a visitors centre for the Sydney Harbour National Park.

Defence History

In 1870, part of the Greycliffe Estate was used for defence. Britain had removed its soldiers from Sydney. So, the government decided to build new defences for Sydney Harbour. They built artillery batteries at several points, including Shark Point. This spot is now known as Steele Point.

The Steele Point battery was designed by James Barnet. It was made of sandstone and included gun pits, trenches, and tunnels. A small timber cottage was built in 1880 for the gunners. A store shed was also built for artillery storage.

During World War II in 1942, the Army used 9 acres of the park. They placed an anti-aircraft gun at Steele Point. Air raid shelters were built, and a women's unit, the 61st Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Company, was stationed there.

How Nielsen Park Was Created

The Harbour Foreshores Vigilance Committee was formed in 1905. Their goal was to create public parks along the harbour. William Notting, the secretary, worked hard to stop private ownership of the foreshores. He wanted to make sure Sydney Harbour remained open to everyone.

Thanks to their efforts, the Foreshore Resumptions Scheme was set up in 1911. This led to the creation of Nielsen Park. It was named after Minister Niels R. W. Nielsen, who supported the park's establishment. The park included Shark Beach, Bottle and Glass Point, and land around Mount Trefle.

Greycliffe House was not part of the first land purchase. But the public wanted it included. So, in 1911, the Greycliffe Estate was also bought by the government. In 1914, Greycliffe House became the Lady Edeline Hospital for Babies. The Steele Point Battery remained under the control of the Australian government.

Managing Nielsen Park (1912-1967)

The Nielsen Park Trust took over managing the park in 1912. They built many structures between 1914 and 1965. Most of these were along the foreshore. Some were built using workers from the Unemployed Relief Work Fund during the Great Depression. The park became a popular picnic spot. A ferry wharf, built in 1916, brought even more visitors.

Even though it was a public reserve, swimming at Shark Beach was first discouraged due to shark attacks. A small sea wall and fence were built around 1918. By 1930, a triangular swimming enclosure was built. This was soon replaced by a larger one in 1931, with a diving tower.

A promenade called "Notting Parade" was built around 1918. The W. A. Notting Memorial is located here. This large curved stone seat was built in 1927. It honours William Albert Notting, who helped create the park. A second plaque, added in 1995, honours Niels Nielsen.

The Park Kiosk, built in 1914, was the first building commissioned by the Trust. It provided refreshments for visitors. It started as an octagon shape and had wings added around 1925.

A men's dressing shed with stone walls was built in 1920. It opened in 1921. In 1924, a Life Saving and Swimming Club was formed. They used part of the original dressing shed.

The Dressing Pavilion was built in 1932. This building provided changing and shower facilities for visitors. It was designed in a Mediterranean style. It had separate areas for men and women. Visitors paid to use the beach, which was fenced off. A tunnel from the pavilion led to the swimming enclosure.

Mount Trefle, the highest point in the park, was named after John Treflé. He was the Secretary for Lands from 1912-1915. The park's management changed in 1950. It combined with Vaucluse Park to become the Nielsen-Vaucluse Trust. This Trust managed the park until 1967. Then, the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) took over.

Some early structures, like a rotunda and the ferry wharf, were removed over time. Greycliffe House became part of Nielsen Park in 1970. The Sydney Harbour National Park was created in 1975, and Nielsen Park joined it a few years later.

Infant Care at Greycliffe House

In 1914, Greycliffe House became the Lady Edeline Hospital for Babies. It was run by the NSW Ministry of Health. The hospital treated babies, mainly for stomach problems. The fresh air and harbour location were thought to be good for recovery. It was named after Lady Edeline Strickland, who supported infant care. This was only the second hospital in Australia specifically for babies under two.

Greycliffe House was changed in the 1920s to fit hospital needs. Verandahs were enclosed, and new rooms were added. In 1923, the hospital had 35 patients and 23 staff members.

As health standards improved, fewer babies died. So, the Lady Edeline Hospital closed in 1934. Then, the Tresillian Mothercraft Training School opened at Greycliffe House. Here, nurses were trained, and mothers learned how to care for their babies. This was the third Tresillian facility.

In 1939, a new building called Margaret Harper House was built behind Greycliffe House. It was named after Dr. Margaret Harper, a famous children's doctor. Her work on baby diets and care was very important.

Tresillian made more changes to the house during their 33 years there. They divided large rooms for sleeping and storage. A nursery was added in 1939. A toddlers' room was built in 1953. The garden was also used by patients and staff. Matron Kaibel, who lived there for 23 years, created a sunken garden in the 1930s. The facility closed in 1968. The property was then given to the NPWS in 1970.

Under NPWS, Greycliffe House was repaired and restored. Many of the hospital additions were removed. The gardens around Greycliffe House were rebuilt in 2002.

Nielsen Park Today

When the NPWS took over in 1968, they wanted to make the park more open. They focused on public recreation and protecting nature. Fences on the beach were removed, and swimming became free. Car parking was banned, and some picnic shelters were taken down. The wharf was demolished in 1979. Greycliffe House became the main office for the Sydney District of NPWS.

In 1989, a new workshop was built in the old quarry site behind Mount Trefle. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, NPWS repaired Greycliffe House, the Gardener's Cottage, and Steele Point Cottage. They also fixed the kiosk after a bad storm. NPWS has helped restore the park's natural environment. They have replanted native areas and helped the Nielsen Park She-Oak population recover.

Nielsen Park is still a popular spot for beach activities and family picnics. It is also a favourite place to celebrate Christmas Day. Many people gather there to watch the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Exploring Nielsen Park

Nielsen Park is a mix of natural beauty and human-made features. It shows three main periods of use: before European settlement, as a private estate, and as a public park. The Steel Point fortifications add another layer to its history.

The park's landscape has changed a lot over time. There was extensive clearing and reshaping of the land. But now, efforts to replant native bushland have made some areas look similar to how they were before European settlement. The NPWS focuses on restoring native landscapes. This is different from the earlier Trust, which focused more on recreation. Today, the park is a mix of restored native areas, gardens around Greycliffe House, and areas for public recreation. The buildings in the park are mostly small and blend well with the beautiful scenery.

Native Plants and Animals

The park has many rock outcrops, especially along the headlands. You can see interesting rock formations from a basalt dyke that runs from Mount Trefle to Bottle and Glass Point.

The native plants include tall heath along the western foreshore. You can find Nielsen Park she-oaks, Smooth-barked Apple trees, and Port Jackson Fig trees. On the northern and eastern slopes, there are also Tick Bush, Tea Tree, bushy Needlewood, and Banksia plants. Lower down, you might see Sydney Peppermint, Red Bloodwood, and more Port Jackson Figs. Ground cover plants include Sweet Pittosporum, Cheese Tree, Blueberry Ash, and Kangaroo Vine.

Some introduced trees include Tuckeroo, Brush Box, and Moreton Bay Fig trees. These were planted for the original Greycliffe House layout and later for public recreation.

The park used to have a small stream called Shark Creek. It flowed into a lagoon behind Shark Beach. This system has now been replaced by pipes, and the area is a grassy lawn.

Rare Plants and Animals

The last eastern quoll seen on mainland Australia was found at Nielsen Park in 1963.

The rare Nielsen Park she-oak was first found here in 1986. The original ten plants have since died. However, people have worked to grow and replant this species. They have planted them at Nielsen Park and nearby areas. In 2000, 54 of these plants were still alive.

Aboriginal Sites in the Park

Nielsen Park is an important Aboriginal cultural landscape. It has an accessible location, fresh water, and many resources. There are fourteen recorded Aboriginal sites in the park.

• A small cave at the north-eastern end of Shark Beach has two red hand stencils on its wall.
• A small rock overhang nearby has a white hand stencil. The floor of this shelter has a thin layer of shell midden, showing past meals.
• Shell midden deposits are scattered across Bottle and Glass Point. These show continuous use of the area.
• A large shelter on Steel Point, about 3 meters above the water, was also used.
• Two rock overhangs on Mount Trefle also show signs of Aboriginal use. One has a dense shell midden deposit.

Important Buildings in Nielsen Park

Greycliffe House

Greycliffe House is a two-storey "Marine Villa" made of sandstone. It has a steeply sloped roof with terracotta tiles. Architect J. F. Hilly designed it in a Victorian Gothic Revival style for John Reeve, and it was finished in 1851. The house looks very picturesque, fitting its woodland and harbourside setting. From the harbour, it looks much like it did originally.

The house had a main living area and a kitchen at the back. There was also a separate sandstone coach house with staff rooms. After a big fire in 1897, the house was rebuilt. More staff accommodation was added. When it became a hospital after 1914, many small changes were made. The NPWS later restored the house to its 19th-century look.

The Gardener's Cottage

This small sandstone cottage was likely built in 1851 for John Reeve. It was also designed by J. F. Hilly in the picturesque Victorian Gothic Revival style. It might have been used for two families or as a gate lodge.

Changes were made after 1911 when the Trust took control. A back verandah was added in 1912. The cottage was used with fruit and vegetable gardens for the estate. Later, it served as living quarters for park rangers.

The Margaret Harper Wing

This building was constructed in 1939 as a hospital wing for Greycliffe House. It was designed by architect Gilbert Hughes. It provided private rooms for nursing mothers and student nurses. The building's style matches Greycliffe House.

The NPWS has made some changes to use it as a residence. Some items from the Tresillian period, like baby bassinets, are still kept here.

The Steel Point Precinct

The battery at Steele Point, built in 1871, is made of sandstone. Much of it is underground. It has gun pits and tunnels. A small room was likely for gunners. The structure is in good condition and mostly complete.

Steel Point Cottage

This cottage was built in 1880 as a two-room barracks for the gunners. It is a timber-framed building with a corrugated steel roof. Additions were made in the early 20th century. A verandah was added in 1930. The building has been restored and is now used for short-term holiday accommodation.

The Store Shed

This timber-framed building is near Steel Point Cottage. It has a gabled roof and is covered with corrugated iron. It likely housed two wagons. It is in good condition.

Kiosk, Cottage and Garage Group

The Kiosk is a single-storey building with a timber frame and sandstone base. It has a decorative timber porch and a tiled roof. Inside, it has a vaulted ceiling. It was designed to be open-sided or have screens. The back has kitchen and storage areas. These are now connected to the small cottage, which serves as the kiosk manager's office. The building has been upgraded and is in good condition.

Western Toilet Block

This small toilet block was built around 1920 as a Ladies Toilet block. It has sandstone walls and a tiled roof. It has been partitioned to create a Gents Toilet. It is in good condition.

Dressing Pavilion

This single-storey building, built in 1932, provided changing and shower facilities. It has a Mediterranean style. It had separate toilets, lockers, and changing areas for men and women. There was a central entrance where visitors paid to use the beach. A tunnel led from the pavilion under Notting Parade to Shark Beach. This allowed the Trust to charge for beach access. The building was restored in 2002-2003 and is in very good condition.

W. A. Notting Memorial

This memorial is a semi-circular Roman Seat built into the hillside. It looks out over the harbour. It has bronze plaques honouring William Albert Notting and Niels Nielsen. It is in good condition.

Halbert Pavilion

This was a picnic pavilion built in 1958. It is a timber-framed structure with sandstone walls and a tiled roof. It has been converted into a function room.

Beachfront

Around 1930, the Trust built a large concrete beach wall and terrace along the entire beach. This replaced a grassy bank. It allowed for the construction of the dressing pavilion. The current structure is a high retaining wall with mown lawns behind it. A concrete walkway runs along the base of the wall. The shark-proof net enclosure extends almost the full length of the beach. The net is removed each winter.

Former Surf Life Saving Club and Toilet

This building, dating from 1920, is at the north-eastern part of the beach. It has a sandstone section with toilets and a boat shed. Another section, added later, housed the Surf Life Saving Clubrooms. The male toilet area is mostly original. The building is generally in good condition.

The Ladies' Toilet Block

This toilet block, built in 1965, is the last building constructed in the park (besides the NPWS workshop). It is well hidden by trees and shrubs. It is in good condition.

Bottle and Glass Precinct

This area has rock formations and steep cliffs. A low hill with a sandstone outcrop is home to Port Jackson Figs. Other plants include Red Bloodwoods and Tick Bush. A road winds around the hill, offering great views of the Harbour.

Images for kids

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  Greycliffe House

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  Greycliffe House, Gothic detailing

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  Gardener's cottage

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  Cultivated she-oak at Nielsen Park

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  Federation-style kiosk