Audley historic recreational complex

Item details


Name of item:	Audley historic recreational complex
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Parks, Gardens and Trees
Category:	National Park
Location:	Lat: -34.0751326723 Long: 151.0560066770
Primary address:	Sir Bertram Stevens/Audley Road, Royal National Park, NSW 2232
Local govt. area:	Sutherland
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	La Perouse

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	1149771
LOT	1		DP	1170552

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Sir Bertram Stevens/Audley Road	Royal National Park	Sutherland			Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
National Parks and Wildlife Service	State Government	21 Oct 98

Description


Construction years:	1879-


Current use:	National Park, Recreation area
Former use:	Aboriginal land, State Recreation Area

History

Historical notes:

Aboriginal History
The area now covered by the Audley recreational complex was originally inhabited by the Dharawal tribe. The tribe's economy was based on the area's rich marine and estuarine resources. The stability of these resources allowed for long-term, semi-sedentary summer occupation, which has left evidence in the form of middens, rock shelter deposits, burials, rock engravings, rock art, axe-grinding grooves and open campsites (Evans, in McDonald, 1987:2).

European History
Bass and Flinders first explored the area in March 1796, but it remained un-utilised as it was unsuitable for pastoralism and only spasmodic attempts at timber getting were initiated.

The Audley area was surveyed by George Edward Thickness-Touchet, 21st Baron Audley, in 1863-4, where he set up a permanent camp. He later became a son-in-law of Surveyor-General, Sir Thomas Mitchell (Sutherland Shire Council, www).

The land was dedicated as Royal Park in April 1879 for the use of the New South Wales Zoological Society who were intent on introducing non-native flora and fauna. Work on the Park began in 1880 and consisted of clearing land and damming the Georges River. By 1883 a dam across the Hacking River created a lake-like environment for pleasure craft and such activities became one of the longest-lived activities at Audley.

In 1884 the main camp was established on the confluence of the Hacking River and Kangaroo Creek and was dubbed 'Audley', in commemoration of Lord Audley's survey camp. Audley had surveyed the area in 1864. The camp initially consisted of a dock, boat house, jetty, weatherboard pavilion, stables, stores, outhouses, smithy, forge and plant. Paddocks were also fenced and the number was increased soon after. Bridges, culverts, new cottages for the workers and a boat slip were the next priority. Plantings of ornamental trees began very early and continued through to 1890. Plantings included Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Catapla Oaks (Catalpa bignonioides), Moreton Bay Figs (Ficus macrophylla) and Lilli-pilli (Acmena smithii). Between 1887 and 1889 unemployed men, under the supervision of the Casual Labour Board, cleared large areas of land. To fund the Park and the Society's aims attempts were made to exploit the coal, clay, gravel, timber, grass and oysters, but was largely unsuccessful.

Between 1891 and 1893 the focus was on making the park visitor-friendly. Cleared land along the river was sown with grass, directional signs were erected, a bridge built over Kangaroo Creek and an aviary constructed. Other works included placing rustic tables around the park, the construction of facilities for the hiring of boats, a public kitchen, a windmill to supply water and accommodation for 30 guests. The accommodation was first known as the public pavilion, then 'The Rest' and for most of its history as 'Allambie House'. In 1893 the first guide book was published. Visitor facilities were much enhanced in 1895 when toilets were provided and in the following year a refreshment room was constructed.

In 1903 the focus of management of the Park altered somewhat with a shift towards resource extraction. A sawmill was constructed to facilitate logging of sections of the forest. During this period weekend camps were allowed. During the depression large numbers of illegal squatters occupied the Park and were living off the Park's resources, industries included the sale of wildflowers, timber and soil. In 1933 34 camps were identified at Audley. Attempts were made to remove the illegal camps, but eight still remained by 1941.

World War II halted development of Audley, but at the end of the War funds became available to update the Parks facilities. Extensive roadworks had to be undertaken to repair damage done by army exercises in the Park. Buildings that had been neglected during the war were renovated and renewed. In 1954 Queen Elizabeth approved the addition of "Royal" to the name of the park.

The formation of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1967 effected the management of the Park, which was previously controlled by a Trust. The Trust was retained as an advisory committee. The NPWS brought a philosophical shift in the management of the Park with the aim of returning the Park to its natural state: cars were restricted, many huts and former buildings were removed and the ornamental gardens were no longer maintained. From the inception of the Park its primary function had been to provide recreational facilities to the overcrowded city dwellers. With the advent of the conservation movement, beginning in the 1920s, this aim came under attack and was slowly eroded.

In 1973 Allambie House kiosk and the swimming pool kiosk were demolished. Two years later Allambie House its self was burnt to the ground. Demolition of structures at Audley continued throughout the 1970s. In 1979 a new administrative centre was constructed at Loftus Heights, replacing a temporary setup on the top floor of the former the Dance Hall. Landscaping, path building and facilities upgrade begun in the previous year continued. A new kiosk was constructed on the picnic flat in 1980.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Parks-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Dharawal Nation - welcoming visitors-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Dharawal Nation - contact sites-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Creating environments evocative of the 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of mining-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of scenic beauty-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Accommodating travellers and tourists-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Accommodating travellers and tourists-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Holidaying in shacks, huts and cabins-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Accommodating workers in workers' housing-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to tourist-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing the social life of a rural community-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Vernacular hamlets and settlements-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Cultural Social and religious life-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	community park-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Role of transport in settlement-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in places of public entertainment-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Operating government relief programs-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in hospitality industry-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - parks and open spaces-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - providing community facilities-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Public works-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	musical gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a cafe-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying picnics-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Swimming-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying public parks and gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going fishing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting places of romantic inspiration-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going dancing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going bushwalking-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going boating and sailing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going boating and sailing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting lookouts and places of natural beauty-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community volunteering-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Belonging to an environmental group-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) OF THE HERITAGE ACT 1977 Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977. I, the Hon James Griffin MP, Minister for Environment and Heritage, pursuant to subsection 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales do by this Order, effective at the time of publication in the New South Wales Government Gazette: 1. revoke the order made on 9 November 2020 and published in the Government Gazette Number 318 of 13 November 2020; and 2. grant the exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 that are described in the attached Schedule. The Hon James Griffin MP Minister for Environment and Heritage Signed this 2nd day of June 2022. To view the standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 click on the link below.	Jun 17 2022

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	00976	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register
Local Environmental Plan		15 Dec 00	162	13351

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
National Parks & Wildlife Service Section 170 Register			National Parks & Wildlife Service		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Title	Internet Links
Tourism	Audley Boatshed	Audley Boatshed	View detail
Tourism	Audley Dance Hall	Audley Dance Hall	View detail
Tourism	Office of Environment and Heritage	National Parks and Wildlife Service	View detail
Tourism	Office of Environment and Heritage	National Parks and Wildlife Service	View detail
Written	Sutherland Shire Council	'Audley'	View detail

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045515

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