© irene waters 2014

Bradleys Head in Mosman Sydney is a place steeped in history. A fort was built on the site in 1840 – 42 consisting of a gun pit and firing wall. Extensions made in the 1870s gave it three gun pits and more connecting firing galleries. With the British removing their regiments from Australia, these fortifications would protect the country from possible invasion by the Russians.

The mast (pictured) is the foremast from the cruiser HMAS Sydney. This ship was the first Australian Naval vessel to take part in a battle in WWI. Erected in 2000 it commemorates not only this battle but all Australian seamen and ships lost in conflict.

Bradleys Head was also the site of a Mission Impossible set but the custom-built polystyrene house  was removed on completion of filming.

The area is now a National Park with fantastic foreshore walks. It is possible to walk from Clifton Gardens, past Taronga Park zoo, through Bradleys Head National Park (stopping for coffee at Athol tea house which was initially the soldiers mess) and on through Clifton Gardens to Balmoral Beach. With sights of the opera house,  and Sydney Harbour Bridge along the way it is a walk well worth doing.

Some of my own personal family history is here as this was the place my Great Grandparents and grandparents and father watched the third Japanese midget submarine recovery after it entered the harbour and was immobilised with depth charges. The family home was ,at that time, a few minutes walk from Bradleys Head.

Night Sky over Santa Maria del Mar