December 2013 Report
Venue
Como rail bridge to Oatley Park and then to Mortdale station
Participants
Ron, Chris, Colin, Richard, Helen,
The start
The smaller than usual group met at Como rail station and walked down to the marina area on the edge of the Georges River at Como.
Highlights
The Como Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in the Sutherland Shire and is an important part of The Shire’s heritage. History records that the Como Hotel began its life as a German club in 1878 but wasn't officially licensed until 1890—hence the date on the top parapet. It was originally built for the Germans working on the construction of the railway. This hotel has had a mixture of owners & Publicans from the Catholic Church in the late 1880’s to that legend of Australian rugby league, Arthur Beetson. Unfortunately the hotel that saw two world wars come and go could not withstand the fire on Sunday 3 November 1996.Affectionately known as the Como Hilton, the Hotel was re-built 5 years later keeping the original brickwork and retained the burnt door which was salvaged from the fire in the hotel’s restaurant.
The original single-track Como Railway Bridge spanning the Georges River began service with the opening of the railway station at Como on 26 December 1885. In 1972, a new concrete dual-track railway bridge was rebuilt to the west of the original Como Railway Bridge measuring 24m tall. The original Como Railway Bridge measuring 18m tall has since been converted into a pedestrian bridge for use by members of the public as well as cyclists wanting to cross the Georges River. The bridge also now features Sydney Water's pipeline running from Woronora Dam to Tempe.
The 45 hectare Oatley Park is on a promontory jutting into George's River, bounded by Lime Kiln Bay and Jewfish Bay. The land was proclaimed in May 1888 (initially as Peakhurst Park), with Hurstville Council being appointed trustee in 1908. Even then, it was recognised as being one of the few sizeable areas of waterfront land not privately owned. In March 1922, the name of the reserve was changed to “Oatley Park”. Mr Oatley was born in England in 1770 and sent to Australia after having been found guilty of stealing two featherbed mattresses. He gave his occupation as a clock maker and had a shop near the Town Hall. The stone building with the castle–like appearance, was built by men on work relief schemes during the Great Depression (1929 – 1932). It was used as a kiosk in the past. During WW2 the park was occupied by the Royal Australian Engineers from mid 1942 until the end of Oct 1943. They consisted of the 26th Field Company and the 12th Field Company R.A.E.
The finish
After exploring the waterfront in the park, we enjoyed our lunch and then followed one of the bush trails to get out of the park and on our way to Mortdale station.
Venue
Como rail bridge to Oatley Park and then to Mortdale station
Participants
Ron, Chris, Colin, Richard, Helen,
The start
The smaller than usual group met at Como rail station and walked down to the marina area on the edge of the Georges River at Como.
Highlights
The Como Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in the Sutherland Shire and is an important part of The Shire’s heritage. History records that the Como Hotel began its life as a German club in 1878 but wasn't officially licensed until 1890—hence the date on the top parapet. It was originally built for the Germans working on the construction of the railway. This hotel has had a mixture of owners & Publicans from the Catholic Church in the late 1880’s to that legend of Australian rugby league, Arthur Beetson. Unfortunately the hotel that saw two world wars come and go could not withstand the fire on Sunday 3 November 1996.Affectionately known as the Como Hilton, the Hotel was re-built 5 years later keeping the original brickwork and retained the burnt door which was salvaged from the fire in the hotel’s restaurant.
The original single-track Como Railway Bridge spanning the Georges River began service with the opening of the railway station at Como on 26 December 1885. In 1972, a new concrete dual-track railway bridge was rebuilt to the west of the original Como Railway Bridge measuring 24m tall. The original Como Railway Bridge measuring 18m tall has since been converted into a pedestrian bridge for use by members of the public as well as cyclists wanting to cross the Georges River. The bridge also now features Sydney Water's pipeline running from Woronora Dam to Tempe.
The 45 hectare Oatley Park is on a promontory jutting into George's River, bounded by Lime Kiln Bay and Jewfish Bay. The land was proclaimed in May 1888 (initially as Peakhurst Park), with Hurstville Council being appointed trustee in 1908. Even then, it was recognised as being one of the few sizeable areas of waterfront land not privately owned. In March 1922, the name of the reserve was changed to “Oatley Park”. Mr Oatley was born in England in 1770 and sent to Australia after having been found guilty of stealing two featherbed mattresses. He gave his occupation as a clock maker and had a shop near the Town Hall. The stone building with the castle–like appearance, was built by men on work relief schemes during the Great Depression (1929 – 1932). It was used as a kiosk in the past. During WW2 the park was occupied by the Royal Australian Engineers from mid 1942 until the end of Oct 1943. They consisted of the 26th Field Company and the 12th Field Company R.A.E.
The finish
After exploring the waterfront in the park, we enjoyed our lunch and then followed one of the bush trails to get out of the park and on our way to Mortdale station.