Underneath the arches of the Roseville Bridge: Sydney. Australia. Original Photography.

in #australia7 years ago (edited)

Birds calling.
Not a whisper of suburbia.
Bird's Nest Ferns. Xanthorrhoeas.
Leeches. Screams that not a soul would hear.
Mangroves. Sand. Water. Lizards. Sea gulls. Pelicans. Boats.
Tingling feet. Blissful shade. Gentle humming of the Roseville Bridge.
~Ally.

In my article The Enchanted Forest I took you on a small journey, in the rain, to Moores Creek.

And now I'd like to take you along the section of the Two Creeks Track that leads down to the shores of Echo Point in Roseville Chase. Along the way we'll also loiter under the arches of the 'new' Roseville Bridge.

The 'new' Roseville Bridge is part of a major thoroughfare from the Pacific Highway at Roseville to the Northern Beaches and suburbs east of Sydney's Middle Harbour. This six-lane, high-level bridge was opened in 1966, replacing the original 'old' Roseville Bridge that had been built in 1924. Source: Roseville Bridge stands the test of time.

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The Roseville Bridge. Through fine needles of Silky Oaks.


The Little Digger track follows the creek-bed of Moores Creek until it reaches the Two Creeks track. Although I'd been here once before with friends, I was now venturing into less familiar terrain ~ Alone.

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Xanthorrhoeas and Angophoras.


After photographing Bird's Nest Ferns, Stag Horns and Xanthorrhoeas along the tracks, I stopped for lunch on a rock outcrop that looked down through Banksia branches to the harbour mangroves. And had my first glimpse of the Roseville Bridge.

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The Roseville Bridge. Through Banksia trees and mangroves.


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Mangroves at the water's edge.


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Glimpses of Davidson Park.The opposite side of Middle Harbour.


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Last descent to the Bridge.


While thousands of commuters drive over Sydney's Middle Harbour every day of the year on the Roseville Bridge, very few would ever stop to think what lay beneath the bridge, let alone go there. So I hope you will enjoy these revealing images.

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Feral Tree Ferns growing underneath the arches of the Roseville Bridge.


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Other stray trees seeking shelter under the Roseville Bridge.


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A nice surprise for the first person who can spot and tell me where the graffiti is.


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The Roseville Bridge. Through Sleeping Beauty's Fairy Tale vines.


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The Roseville Bridge. Through Gum Tree tangles.


A brief History of the Roseville Bridge.

Before the first Roseville Bridge was built in 1924, the only way to cross Sydney's Middle Harbour was by rowboat.

If you didn't have a rowboat you could go to Smith's Boat-shed, where either one of the Smith brothers, Charlie or Joe would row you across for twopence. If you were on the opposite side you would simply COOEEEE Charlie or Joe and they would come over to pick you up. At dusk, a rowboat with oars was moored at either side ~ For emergencies.

Mangroves, the terrain of mud crabs reach down to the shoreline of most of Middle Harbour. And without a jetty, landing may have been rather challenging, particularly for refined ladies wearing long petticoat dresses. Fortunately there are a few small patches of sand and rocks, that passengers would have been able to safely navigate their way through.

The first Roseville Bridge was built in 1924 and became the first bridge to link the northern peninsula with the rest of Sydney: Eight years before the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened. Source: Roseville Bridge the first to link the peninsula with the rest of Sydney

The 'new' Roseville Bridge was opened in 1966 and designed to blend aesthetically with the steep slopes of the harbour foreshores and give optimal views of the open expanse of the harbour.

I was particularly pleased to see that:

On the southern side of the bridge, the final meter of vegetation clearing was done by hand to avoid disturbance to the nearby bushland. Source: Roseville Bridge stands the test of time.

Great care was taken to preserve the surrounding natural environment during the building stage. ~Jonathan O’Dea.

The Roseville Baths.

The Roseville Baths were built on the eastern side of the Roseville Bridge. What a shame they're no longer there.

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School Swimming Canaval. The Roseville Baths. 1952. Source: Ian Willoughby.


A little further on is a lovely sandy stretch.

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Where mangroves at the bottom of the steep escarpment meet the sand.


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Anchorage in the shelter of the harbour.


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The Roseville Bridge is in the distance now.


And around the corner is the Roseville Chase Marina and Echo on the Marina.

Echo on the Marina is the perfect venue for an outdoor breakfast or lunch. The looks over to the tropical vegetation of the escarpment on one side and the marina on the other.

Steps leading down to the marina and the restaurant pass through several spacious garden areas. Lovely soft green lawns, even in the middle of summer with ample shade for picnickers. And for trekkers like me to have a late afternoon siester.

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Roseville Chase Marina with 'Echo on the Marina' on the far right.


In another article I'll invite you to meet one of my most beloved bush beings: The Xanthorrhoea.


Photography: ©Alison Lee Cousland.
SONY Mark2 A7: 35 mm:

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How wonderful to have such lovely walks on your doorstep @allyinspirit!

I love the feral tree ferns. Not something you'd ever see here.

The swimming baths look like they would have been a great place to visit. It is a shame they are no more.

The graffiti is at the bottom on the second pillar! 😊

Have a fun filled day! 💙

💖GREAT mate.💖

You've just been rewarded with my 100% upvote for spotting the graffiti. I was surprised that there wasn't a lot more, as the pillars would make the most perfect canvases. Only not many people would ever see them.

Another reward will come to you on Sunday. Thanks so much Gillian. 🦋

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Ooooo. Thank you @allyinspirit. It's a long old haul to 500 SP (my first goal) and every little helps. 😍

Have a wonder full day, or should I say "Sweet Dreams"?! 😁

Truly a pleasure. Thank YOU.

Sweet Dreams for me now. Have a wonderful day and weekend Gillian. 🦋

That's Great post i like it

Thanks so much Meychoy. Was a fantastic walk. 🦋

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Great shots and cool info on this interesting bridge

Thanks heaps Jay.

I drive over this bridge at least three times a week and not being a Sydneyite in the 60's, I didn't know anything about its history. Has been wonderful to go on a journey to discover its roots.

The design is nowhere near as visually exciting as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but I love the way the bridge is merging with nature, the older it becomes. 🦋

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I to love how this bridge blends in with nature around it

Love the photos and what a lovely walk and bridge :)

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Thank you @pixresteemer. I always enjoy looking at your Daily Spotlights. 🦋

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Such beautiful places. Will like to pay a visit one day when i become capable. I miss yhu dear

You have beautifully merged, connected bridge, nature, birds. A magnificent view through the trees. We can hear birds. The birds call us.
Life under the bridge, unusual. The history of the bridge is very interesting. The "new" Rosewille bridge, specific pillars, natural surroundings, an ideal place for inspiration.
The last picture is a beautiful blend of all elements with nature. You have great places to walk and enjoy!
Thank you @allyinspirit for sharing this environment and atmosphere.

You always put so much into your posts. Thank you for taking all of us along on your hike...see, you weren't alone. ;)

I worked hard to find that graffiti. I'm only a few days late on that discovery. :D

Your shot of the feral tree ferns against the sky is my favorite!